Co-hosted by the Financial Times and the London Design Festival
September 18-21, Royal Festival Hall, London [Buy Tickets Now]
starts at 8am, tickets £15 including breakfast
Tuesday 18 September
Investment in Design
Design is a fragmented, often undisciplined industry and therefore, many say, ripe for investment and improved management practices. But what is the best way to build a profitable design business? How do manufacturers ramp up production and distribution while still preserving quality?
Speakers:
Matteo di Montezemolo, Charme Investments
Hon. Angad Paul, Caparo
Daniel Sachs, Proventus
FT Moderator:
Adrian Michaels, Milan correspondent
Wednesday 19 September
Branding with Design
From Marriott to Motorola, Audi to Apple, companies around the world are trying to differentiate themselves with "design-led" offerings. How do creative directors and designers go about reshaping corporate images in this way?
Speakers:
Frank Stephenson, Alfa Romeo
Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic
Nick Jones, Soho House
FT Moderator:
John Gapper, chief US business commentator
Thursday 20 September
Architecture and Development
It's no secret that architecture can transform a street, neighbourhood or city. But recent years have seen developers work harder than ever to create iconic buildings and well-designed communities. Is it worth the extra investment? Which projects around the world should others try to emulate?
Speakers:
Mike Hussey, Land Securities
Spencer de Grey, Foster & Partners
David Rosen, Pilcher Hershman
FT Moderators:
Jim Pickard, property correspondent
Edwin Heathcote, architecture critic
Friday 21 September
Design Retail
What is the best way to sell design to consumers? We consider success stories and failures, ranging from the mass market to the niche, department store revamps to boutique expansions.
Speakers:
Vittorio Radice, La Rinascente
Murray Moss, Moss
Florence Delorme, Habitat
FT Moderator:
Elizabeth Rigby, retail correspondent