Meet the Game Changers: over 50 creative leaders confirmed for BODW 2023

Asia's premier design event, the Business of Design Week, is making its grand return next month. Running from 27 November to 2 December, the renowned week-long event has been driving discourse on the value of design since 2002. And this year, it's turning its attention to themes of design innovation and circularity.

To help break down these meaty topics and shine a light on what creatives need to prepare for, BODW 2023 has enlisted the help of over 50 creative leaders from all around the world. United under the theme of being Game Changers, these global pioneers will host more than 30 thought-provoking keynotes covering everything from urban planning to AI.

Hosted at Freespace in the West Kowloon Cultural District, BODW 2023 also sees the summit form closer ties with its partner country, the Netherlands. With the help of the platform for creative pioneers, CreativeNL, BODW 2023 will tackle challenges that occur when transitioning to a circular economy.

Key points of interest among the speakers will be architecture, fashion and product design. With the RoomNL private space designed by Terry Law, creative leaders will be free to exchange ideas and concepts about circularity through a series of network events.

Want to hear what these creative experts have to say about the direction of the design industry? You're in luck. Creative Boom readers can claim an incredible 50% off their ticket using the promo code BODWCB50. Read on to learn who will speak at this brilliant event and how to redeem your discount.

BODW 2023: Who's speaking

This year's BODW summit will feature keynotes, Power Talks and panel discussions. The three main orders of the day will be Urban Planning and New Urban Models, Transformative Brands and Consumers' Experience, plus AI, Technology and Future Trends.

Designed to inspire "intelligent placemaking", these talks and panels are geared towards driving a revolutionary consumer experience and a sustainable future. But who will be hosting these talks, and what will they focus on? When are they, and how can you see them? Let's have a look.

The first talk of note takes place on 29 November. Led by Ben van Berkel, Founder and Principal Architect of UNStudio, this session will look into the very essence of innovation and how transformation found its way into projects like the eagerly anticipated Lyric Theatre in Hong Kong and the stunning STH BNK by Beulah in Melbourne.

On the same day, Kenya Hara, president and chief executive designer of Nippon Design Center, Inc., will talk about a lifetime spent embracing Japanese aesthetics. Looking at how Japan is tackling challenges such as its rapidly ageing population and urbanisation, this talk elaborates on how design can craft a sustainable future.

Meanwhile, on 30 November, Prof. José Teunissen, director and professor of Amsterdam Fashion Institute, and Cai Jinqing, president of Kering Greater China, will tackle concepts of luxury and sustainability. The same day will include a panel discussion with Teo Su Seam, partner at LTW Designworks, Jill Goh, general manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and Ed Ng, co-founder of AB Concept. Centred around luxury hospitality, this talk will see each speaker reveal how they are redefining opulent experiences.

AI and future technology is the order of the day on 1 December, with Dr Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Cloud, taking to the stage for his keynote. Titled City Brain & Urban Transformation, this talk will look at how AI can reshape urban life and explore how it can enhance the liveability of cities.

The rapid transformation of the EV industry will be the subject of a panel discussion also taking place on 1 December. Featuring Yao Yingjia, vice president of Group Lotus and Janice Tsang, the head of innovation of Porsche China, this discussion looks at the future of mobility through pioneering design.

For a complete list of every speaker appearing at BODW 2023, visit 2023.bodw.com.

Get your tickets now

There are a range of ticket options available for BODW 2023. These include the Good Morning Pass, which will give you access to all the morning sessions. There's also a pre-order discount, one-day passes, a premium pass and a networking pass, which will allow you to meet and greet pioneering creators from around the world.

All of these options are available to purchase on the BODW 2023 ticketing page but don't forget that Creative Boom readers can claim a 50% discount.

To claim, use promo code BODWCB50* at checkout to enjoy a 50% discount exclusive to CreativeBoom's readers, available from now until 28 November!

*Promo code is only applicable to Premium Pass & 1-Day Pass.

For more information about BODW2023, head on over to the event website.