Event Design Collective PODcasts

Baris Onay #DESIGNtoCHANGE BACKstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen

What happens when event design, AI, and strategic ambiguity collide? Episode 222 of Season 6 of the DESIGN to CHANGE Podcast explores exactly that question. In this conversation, host Ruud Janssen sits down with Dr. Barış Onay, a London-based strategist operating at the intersection of events, data, and digital transformation. What begins as a shared curiosity about AI’s role in event design quickly unfolds into a wide-ranging dialogue on leadership, incentives, and the often-underestimated cultural footprint of events. With more than two decades of experience, Barış traces his journey from architecture and urban planning into the global events industry—bringing with him a systems-oriented mindset and a deep comfort with ambiguity. He reflects on the evolution from improvised CRMs and spreadsheets to today’s sophisticated platforms, while making a clear point: technology only creates value when it is anchored in intended outcomes and behavior change. Tools follow strategy, not the other way around. The episode also dives into one of the most pressing challenges for event leaders today: understanding audiences well enough to design meaningful incentives. From B2B trade shows to complex, mission-driven and politically influenced events, Barış shares candid insights on decision-making under uncertainty and the role of the event leader as an orchestrator of diverse expertise. A highlight of the conversation is the discussion around Barış’ Event Strategy Bot—an AI-powered tool capable of analyzing an event’s strategic positioning and cultural relevance in minutes, simply by using publicly available information. For Ruud, this raises a compelling question: what if event owners, designers, exhibitors, and even investors could see the strategic quality of an event before committing resources? This episode is less about futuristic hype and more about practical foresight. It challenges event professionals to rethink how strategy, culture, data, and design come together—and why clarity of intent remains the most powerful design tool we have. 🎧 Listen to Episode 222 to explore how AI can support better conversations, better decisions, and ultimately, better events.

Baris Onay #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage PODcast episode with Ruud Janssen

What happens when event design, AI, and strategic ambiguity collide? Episode 222 of Season 6 of the DESIGN to CHANGE Podcast explores exactly that question. In this conversation, host Ruud Janssen sits down with Dr. Barış Onay, a London-based strategist operating at the intersection of events, data, and digital transformation. What begins as a shared curiosity about AI’s role in event design quickly unfolds into a wide-ranging dialogue on leadership, incentives, and the often-underestimated cultural footprint of events. With more than two decades of experience, Barış traces his journey from architecture and urban planning into the global events industry—bringing with him a systems-oriented mindset and a deep comfort with ambiguity. He reflects on the evolution from improvised CRMs and spreadsheets to today’s sophisticated platforms, while making a clear point: technology only creates value when it is anchored in intended outcomes and behavior change. Tools follow strategy, not the other way around. The episode also dives into one of the most pressing challenges for event leaders today: understanding audiences well enough to design meaningful incentives. From B2B trade shows to complex, mission-driven and politically influenced events, Barış shares candid insights on decision-making under uncertainty and the role of the event leader as an orchestrator of diverse expertise. A highlight of the conversation is the discussion around Barış’ Event Strategy Bot—an AI-powered tool capable of analyzing an event’s strategic positioning and cultural relevance in minutes, simply by using publicly available information. For Ruud, this raises a compelling question: what if event owners, designers, exhibitors, and even investors could see the strategic quality of an event before committing resources? This episode is less about futuristic hype and more about practical foresight. It challenges event professionals to rethink how strategy, culture, data, and design come together—and why clarity of intent remains the most powerful design tool we have. 🎧 Listen to Episode 222 to explore how AI can support better conversations, better decisions, and ultimately, better events.

Julius Solaris #DESIGNtoCHANGE PODcast with Ruud Janssen Year +4

In this episode of the Design to Change podcast, Ruud welcomed back Julius Solaris 4 years on to discuss his work as an event consultant and creator, focusing on his contributions to the Event Design Handbook and his approach to documenting events. They explored the challenges and opportunities in the events industry, including the need for intentional change, adaptation to technological advancements, and the importance of authentic storytelling and ROI measurement. The conversation concluded with discussions about professional certifications, future collaboration opportunities, and the value of trusted advisors in the events industry.

XAV #DESIGNtoCHANGE BACKstage #PODcastwith Ruud Janssen

Key Ideas + Idea Cloud + Summary courtesy of Snapsight - www.snapsight.com/live-channel/29a…ee?tab=takeaways In this engaging episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, Ruud Janssen conversed with XAV, a curator, experience designer, and artist mentor, about the transformative power of intentional design in events and exhibitions. XAV shared their unique approach to blending art, technology, and well-being, emphasizing the importance of crafting experiences that expand minds and spark inner shifts. The Hairitage Exhibition in Barcelona was a focal point, described as a micro laboratory of identity that used participatory installations, such as hair sample collection, to explore themes of belonging and inclusion. Sustainability considerations, including the ethical treatment of biological samples, emerged as areas for reflection and future improvement. 

 The Event Design Collective's Event Culture Analyzer tool was highlighted as a groundbreaking method to metrify intangible aspects of events. XAV's analysis of the Hairitage Exhibition revealed insights into inclusion, sustainability, and ethical considerations, while the Hairitage Magazine served as a cultural artifact extending the exhibition's impact beyond the gallery. The exhibition's high score on the Risk and Courage Index underscored its bold exploration of identity and inclusion, resonating deeply with personas such as students and next-gen creatives. 

XAV also discussed their work with the Artist Ally project, which prioritizes nurturing existing networks over expansion, and their involvement in the Gastronomy Summit, organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Arts, and Tourism. This summit celebrated heritage and drove policy change, aligning with XAV's commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving transformation. The conversation concluded with reflections on the importance of courage, depth, and intentionality in creating impactful experiences, leaving listeners inspired to look and act beyond the now.

XAV #DESIGNtoCHANGE ONstage #PODcast with Ruud Janssen

Key Ideas + Idea Cloud + Summary courtesy of Snapsight - www.snapsight.com/live-channel/29a…ee?tab=takeaways In this engaging episode of the #DESIGNtoCHANGE podcast, Ruud Janssen conversed with XAV, a curator, experience designer, and artist mentor, about the transformative power of intentional design in events and exhibitions. XAV shared their unique approach to blending art, technology, and well-being, emphasizing the importance of crafting experiences that expand minds and spark inner shifts. The Hairitage Exhibition in Barcelona was a focal point, described as a micro laboratory of identity that used participatory installations, such as hair sample collection, to explore themes of belonging and inclusion. Sustainability considerations, including the ethical treatment of biological samples, emerged as areas for reflection and future improvement. 

 The Event Design Collective's Event Culture Analyzer tool was highlighted as a groundbreaking method to metrify intangible aspects of events. XAV's analysis of the Hairitage Exhibition revealed insights into inclusion, sustainability, and ethical considerations, while the Hairitage Magazine served as a cultural artifact extending the exhibition's impact beyond the gallery. The exhibition's high score on the Risk and Courage Index underscored its bold exploration of identity and inclusion, resonating deeply with personas such as students and next-gen creatives. 

XAV also discussed their work with the Artist Ally project, which prioritizes nurturing existing networks over expansion, and their involvement in the Gastronomy Summit, organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Arts, and Tourism. This summit celebrated heritage and drove policy change, aligning with XAV's commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving transformation. The conversation concluded with reflections on the importance of courage, depth, and intentionality in creating impactful experiences, leaving listeners inspired to look and act beyond the now.