Students and industry professionals came together eager to learn, share their collective experiences and engage over the expanded 3-day event. This year’s BLND was reimagined as a virtual event after 2020’s event was cancelled only 36 hours before it was set to begin due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BLND has always highlighted connections, whether it be personal, design, or business. This year was no different. Exclusive coffee chats offered attendees intimate breakout rooms with speakers – a chance to collaborate and get to know each other. Each talk was followed by a live Q&A session, encouraging discussion and connection to how the new ideas could be integrated into business, design, or personal lives. Many Stratford School alumni from the design industry attend BLND to connect with classmates, students and design leaders.
The themes discussed at BLND included ethics and sustainability design, the changing workplace and remote research, and finding a purpose-driven career in 2021, alongside a practical workshop on interviews.
“I love the authentic vibe. I’ve had a bunch of great 1:1’s with people.” commented one of the speakers, highlighting the need for authentic connection that many have felt during the pandemic.
BLND is only made possible thanks to its extraordinary stewards - Markus Grupp, Senior Director Design, Kira Systems and Chase Denomme, Product Designer, Vidyard - who both spent countless volunteer hours curating speakers and ensuring BLND was engaging in conversations relevant to today. BLND would not be possible without their continued support for this event.
Visit the BLND website to learn more or to get notified about upcoming BLND events.