Product Design Week 2024

In-person events hold a unique and irreplaceable value in fostering genuine connections, collaborative energy, and immersive learning experiences. Unlike virtual gatherings, face-to-face interactions create lasting relationships, build trust, and spark creativity in ways that digital mediums often cannot replicate.

Working on major events like the Product Design Week embody this philosophy, bringing together professionals in a dynamic, engaging, and community-focused environment.

Overview

Product Design Week is a premier 5-day conference that has evolved over 8 years from grassroots beginnings into a major international event. This flagship gathering is an amalgamation of several core conferences each individually ideated by me, with each focusing on a unique aspect of product design and user experience:

Design Leaders ("Stepping Into" and "Scaling" Design Leadership Skills)
BAD (Behaviour and Design) Conference
UX Writing Conference
UX LIVE (Craft and Soft Skills Practitioner)

The event brings together world-class speakers, innovative workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities to foster learning, collaboration, and inspiration within the design community.

Metrics

1500 Delegates: Attendees from diverse industries and roles, including UX designers, product managers, and design leaders.
5 Days and 2 Tracks Daily: Comprehensive programming catering to both craft and leadership-focused professionals, with broad and niche themes.
80+ Speakers: A stellar lineup of authors, consultants, and senior leaders from top tech companies.
£350K in Sponsorship: Partnerships with BP, Google, Accenture, UserLytics, Workday, MTM, UserTesting and Useberry.
£300K+ in Ticket Revenue: High-value ticket sales showcasing the event’s industry impact.
Special Features: Workshops, sponsor stands, speed networking sessions, and daily after-event socials.

My Engagement in PDW By Services:

As a seasoned leader and Co-Founder of this event, I have had the pleasure of managing all aspects of the event curation as it's evolved over the past decade; from Content and Speaker mapping, to Project/Event Management, Sponsorship, Marketing and Sales. In the instance of PDW 2024, I executed the following as part of a multidisciplinary team:

Content and Speaker Management

Oversaw all content for 80+ speakers, directing on presentation topics, logistics, payments, and travel.
Secured a £30K partnership with Google to host the “AI and the Future of UX” track, managing all speakers and sessions for this dedicated stage.
Collaborated with high-profile authors, consultants, and senior leaders to ensure a diverse and impactful agenda.
Implemented feedback mechanisms post-event to evaluate speaker effectiveness and content relevance.
Developed a speaker briefing document to streamline communication and align expectations.

Sponsorship and Partnerships

Negotiated and secured £70K+ in additional sponsorships from industry leaders, including Accenture, UserLytics, and Useberry.
Fostered long-term relationships with sponsors, ensuring their goals were met through tailored activations like sponsor booths and branded workshops.
Created a comprehensive sponsor engagement plan that included pre-event promotions and post-event follow-ups.
Established value metrics for sponsors to assess the impact of their participation.

Event Planning and Execution

Directed the overall structure and flow of the 5-day event, coordinating multiple tracks and specialist workshops.
Delivered innovative networking opportunities, including speed networking sessions and a Thames River Boat Party for speakers, partners, and sponsors.
Co-managed and oversaw onsite logistics, ensuring smooth operations across venues, sponsor stands, and evening socials.
Developed contingency plans for potential venue or logistics challenges to minimize disruptions.
Enhanced attendee experience through interactive technology solutions, such as a dedicated event app for real-time updates and networking.
Event Highlights and Impact
Product Design Week showcased a range of notable features, solidifying its status as a leading industry event with a global reputation:
- Specialist Workshops: Participants engaged in hands-on sessions led by industry experts, offering practical skills and actionable insights that enhanced their professional capabilities.
- AI and the Future of UX Stage: This dedicated track, sponsored by Google, explored cutting-edge advancements in AI technology and their implications for UX design, positioning attendees at the forefront of industry trends.
- World-Class Speakers: The event featured thought leaders from major tech companies and the design industry, sharing their expertise and innovative ideas.
- Networking and Socials: Numerous opportunities for connection included speed networking sessions, evening drinks, and an evocative Thames River Boat Party that fostered community building.
The impact of Product Design Week was significant:
- Successfully positioned as a leading industry event, contributing toward strategies for potential company sale and exit.
- Secured over £350K in sponsorships and more than £300K in ticket revenue, underscoring the event’s strong market appeal.
- Provided an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and networking, receiving positive feedback from attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike.
- Strengthened community ties by creating an inclusive environment where design professionals could engage, learn, and nurture their growth.
Through these highlights and achievements, Product Design Week has firmly established itself as an essential event in the design industry landscape, exemplifying the power of a well-curated and expertly executed conference. My hands-on involvement in content development, sponsorship, and event execution showcases my ability to deliver large-scale, high-impact events that drive value for all stakeholders.

VIEW EVENT RECORDINGS HERE

Why You Should Hire Me to Manage Your Conference

When it comes to orchestrating conferences that leave a lasting impact, I stand at the forefront of the industry. My extensive experience in organizing world-class events, combined with my exceptional skill set, makes me the ideal partner for your next conference. Here’s why I am the best choice for you:

Unmatched Speaker and Content Curation: I leverage a global network of top-tier speakers and industry professionals, ensuring that your event features leading voices and compelling content that resonates with your audience.
Expertise in Sponsorship Acquisition and Management: I possess a proven track record in securing valuable sponsorships and effectively managing relationships with partners, maximizing support and financial backing for your event.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: From planning and logistics to on-site execution, I guarantee that no detail is overlooked. My thorough approach ensures smooth operations and an exceptional experience for all attendees.
Results-Driven Focus: I employ a strategic, results-oriented methodology to deliver maximum ROI for both attendees and partners. My commitment to success translates into high satisfaction levels and meaningful takeaways for everyone involved.
Human-Centric Leadership: I prioritize empathy and inclusivity in my leadership approach, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. This fosters an environment where diverse perspectives can flourish, driving creativity and collaboration while aligning with our core objectives. Through mentorship and support, I empower individuals to reach their fullest potential, cultivating a workforce that thrives on innovation and shared success.
Let’s collaborate to create your next major event and set a new standard for excellence. Contact me today to discuss how we can achieve remarkable results together!