#312: October Design Conferences and Festivals

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Design Conferences and Festivals this week

Short review of UBN5

Us by Night (UBN5) is a dynamic three-day festival that celebrates design, creativity and innovation against the vibrant backdrop of Antwerp. Having attended the event five times now, I've witnessed its evolution first-hand. Here's a snapshot of my experience on the final day of UBN5 last weekend.

Before immersing myself in the energy of UBN5, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the 'Sunflowers for Vincent' exhibition. For which I designed all the print and digital material. Sunflowers for Vincent', an unmissable group exhibition at Vincent van Gogh's birthplace in Zundert. 

When I parked near the venue, Waagnatie, I met Luc, a fellow festival-goer, who wanted to join in the excitement. Unfortunately, Luc had fallen victim to a second-hand ticket scam - I had no idea this was a thing at creative festivals. It was an eye-opener and a reminder to be careful when buying resale tickets.

Waagnatie, on the banks of the Scheldt, was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun - the perfect setting for a festival. Inside, the industrial area had been transformed into a buzzing festival village. Walking around felt like navigating through a series of pop-up shops and stages, each brimming with creativity. The heart of the space - the central drink & dance area with its giant discobal - buzzed with energy, while stages flanked the perimeter. Not every installation hit the mark, however. The Eastpack stand, for example, felt like a missed opportunity. The massage booth a great add-on.

Soogood, Living Room & Main

The wall prints by Victor Verhelst that surrounded the Soogood stage were impressive and enhanced the work of the presenting artist. Despite technical difficulties during his keynote, artist Helmut Smits maintained a light-hearted presentation, demonstrating his ability to find art in the mundane. Smits was a crowed favorite.

The living room stage was cosy, especially with the smell of freshly prepared food. The best talks here were by photographer Stig de Block, sharing the story behind his debut project Back to Back From Backyard to Boulevard. and by creative technologist Vera van de Seyp on the transformative power of using code in design.

While many of the main stage presentations featured impressive portfolios, the standard keynote format left something to be desired. Simply showcasing work, no matter how exceptional, can sometimes fall flat without the energy and passion of a client presentation. Audiences crave deeper stories - the behind-the-scenes details, the challenges and the breakthroughs. Fortunately, From Form managed to do just that, turning their presentation into a poetic journey. Music video director David Willson closed main stage and opened the after party with his extravaganza DJ/VJ dance set including an exotic dancer, and drag performers.

Overall, Us by Night continues to be an unparalleled celebration of creativity. From rising stars to seasoned pros, the diversity of the line-up ensured there was something for everyone. As I walked back to my car, catching up with Jeroen Disch (Halfvet), who I met for the first time IRL at UBN3, reminded me of how special this event is—not just for its content, but for the community it fosters.

In conclusion, UBN5 once again delivered a rich blend of innovation, inspiration and community. From eye-catching visuals to engaging talks, there was something for everyone. I'm excited to see how the festival continues to evolve, and with the success of the new app, it's clear that Us by Night is at the forefront of bringing the creative world together.  Chapeau, Rizon!

Design conferences this October

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Waving from Delft,
Thomas ✌️

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