Day 2 (Monday) of the HOW Conference was all about Inspiration, primarily because of the sessions I chose to attend. In total contrast, on Day 3 the sessions that I attended were filled with practical advice.
The general session I attended was Visual Storytelling, presented by Nancy Duarte. I saw Nancy last year at HOW and was just as impressed this year! She’s an amazing presenter. She teaches us to use stories and emotion to improve your message, whether it be a sales presentation, speaker presentation, or just to tell a story. She says you need to have a Big Idea, a unique point of view, plus something at stake. Plus a STAR Moment (Something You Won’t Forget) wouldn’t hurt. Be you. Be Honest. Nancy closed her session talking about Martha Graham, and how she had a unique voice. This is a quote from Martha Graham that closed the session perfectly, “I have something in my soul, and I need to say it.”
My 2nd session of the day was Sam Harrison, Selling Your Ideas to Bosses, Clients, and other Decision Makers. This session will filled with common sense information, that we don’t spend the time to think about. The first question Sam asked was “What are you passionate about, and how does it sound when you talk about it?” This is a question we need to ask ourselves every time we talk to a client, or anyone for that matter. He went on to talk about how important it is to get to know you clients, including on a personal level – know what they are doing on Saturday night.” “Be yourself, but be the best version of yourself.” “Paint pictures for you clients. Help them visualize your ideas as a reality,” and so much more!!! Thanks Sam!
At lunch time, my buddies, Jeni Herberger, Jeff Fisher, Steve Gorden and Bryn Mooth did a special “live from HOW” TalkStory, sponsored by Neenah paper. You can listen online here, or download it on iTunes. Excellent job guys!
The afternoon session started out with David Sherwin, of Frog Design. Topic: Better Ideas, Faster. David is a super analytical thinker and educator that has a step by step approach to problem solving and brainstorming. He believes that you should be thinking outside the box, but inside the strategy, and starting with the right questions will steer you to the right answers – by design. You can explore more about his challenges and techniques at this link.
The day ended with a repeat performance by my friend Von Glitschka. Von presented a wonderful session called Creating Five Alarm Concepts. He shared several techniques to help you achieve your best creative solution. Since Von is an amazing designer/illustrator I have to say he won, hands-down, for the best visual presentation — it was visually hilarious and informative at the same time! How often does that happen!
The last evening ended with a “White Space Party,” but unfortunately (or not) I chose to sleep instead 
Day 4, the final day of the HOW Conference, started out with breakfast round table discussions. I moderated a topic called “Working in a Vacuum.” I know, what a surprise! It was so nice to talk to a table full of like minded people. Whether your independent, or an in-house person, if you’re primarily working alone, you tend to feel that great sucking sound! We talked about ways to reach out into the community to find other designers to commiserate with, including AGIA, Graphic Arts Guild, Chamber of Commerce, or just start your own support group with local design friends. It was so nice! The only thing that could have improved the experience is if we would have had it earlier in the conference. Everyone felt that it was a great way to network, and would have like to make the connections earlier. I 100% agree.
The last session I attended, prior to the closing keynote was a panel Q&A on the topic of creativity, with Justin Ahrens, Stefan Mumaw, Wendy Lee Oldfield, and David Sherwin. Tons of good in site on questions from the audience. Thanks guys!!
The closing keynote = Kevin Carroll ….. need I say more! He is one of the most amazing people on the planet (personally I think he’s a angel). He talked a little about how important it is to play (adults feel the need to have permission to play) and have a connection to the community. But the main topic he wanted to talk about how important the opportunity that HOW gave him 8 years ago in Orlando was, and the introduction to Ann Willoughby at that conference. Since then, they have had a wonderful client/friend relationship. Willoughby Design has completely branded Kevin, including designing and producing 3 books, and has helped him grown to become one of the most saute after Katalyst/speakers in the world. HOW loves you Kevin!
THANKS SO MUCH to the HOW staff for another amazing conference!
See you in Chicago next June!!! xoxo
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