INsight into a conference
ot to long ago we ended our third INsight event, I feel like our best event-to-date. The conference will continue to evolve with each year and the more we can do to engage our creative community, we will. If people had more inside information, they might understand the work that goes into making this event what it is. I hope this post will encourage others to get involved not only with INsight but with the community around them. This platform (nwicreative) is a great way to stay informed about issues and events in our industry and I feel like INsight is a way to bring the conversation off-line and meet the folks behind the screens.
One of the best parts about organizing this event is getting the committee, speakers and reviewers lined up. That is the first thing that gets done and helps us set the stage for the entire event. In the past all of these people were picked either by searching for people online with google, facebook, and linkedin. I literally cold called people and just asked them. There is a lot to be said about just reaching out to strangers and sending them a simple note of admiration or praise. It’s a great way to open a conversation and you never know where that connection can take you. Now let me stay on topic here…as I was saying, the speakers and reviewers were picked at random, folks that I had heard about, some I knew, some I didn’t. As the event continues to grow, my hopes is that people would start contacting us to speak and review. Take this as an open invitation to anyone that would like to speak or review at the conference the door is always open. My lack of industry relationships really helps (or some say, could hurt) this situation. Whatever the case, I feel like INsight is a platform to showcase your talent and knowledge to a group of peers that honestly want to learn and grow. What better place to highlight your skills then INsight.
This year we had a great cast of folks helping us (you can check the INsight site if you missed them). Our committee, worked really hard to promote the event, gather prizes and sponsorships. And enough can’t be said about the amount of work they do. I think its’ extremely rewarding and a selfless task that they take on. This event is put on by creatives for creatives. And I don’t think a lot of people ever think twice about that. My door is always open for that as well. If you would like to help out with the next event, just ask. We would love the help. I try to get new people for each event to give people an opportunity to shine. Just don’t ask unless you’re serious. Because I will hit you up. hahhaha.
Not only was this year a blast, but we also had a new competition, a DJ and new platform. The fun and fast pace atmosphere all made for a great night. The surveys that everyone filled out really help us shape this event into what it will become next time around.
Please feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions that you have about INsight, we love to hear how we can make this event better. I look forward to the responses and we thank you again to those that attended, promoted, tweeted, suggested, blogged, helped, volunteered, spoke, reviewed and support INsight.
Author Info: Joseph Gonzalez
I'm also a full-time graphic & web designer for the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Inc. A Freelance designer under the alias Miracletwentyone.org, An adjunct professor at Valparaiso University and founder of the INsight Design Conference.
I am passionate about our craft, industry and community. I enjoy the challenges of life and the process of design.
In my eyes, INsight was a like an opening gate between the college world and the real world. I didn’t believe I was going to meet so many other employed artists in one room and be able to talk about my favorite subject, design, and tell them what I was doing! Upon graduating a while back, my design instructor informed and invited me to attend this conference and of course I wanted to start making myself available to the public right away! Even though I reside in Valparaiso, the trip to Dyer was worth it because of what I learned at INsight. This includes: professional experience, networking, and portfolio reviewing. I must say for founding it, you sure did create something great for not only myself but a lot of other designers in the Region! Believe me, I went to school with a bunch of them and because I stay in contact with them, I will surely give them the opportunity to be at the next INsight as well! Thank you Joseph!