IDSA 2011 International Conference — Community

Join IDSA in New Orleans from Sept. 14 to 17 for the 2011 IDSA International Conference. COMMUNITY: YOU.ME.WE.

“The order of the day in the future is a community that’s organized to respond to whatever comes its way. The only people who know how to do this are entrepreneurs and creative people.”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu

Catastrophe, whether natural or manmade, creates opportunity. Five years after Katrina stormed the Louisiana coast, and three years after the credit crisis tore a hole through the global economy—industrial design, like the city of New Orleans, finds itself ready to contemplate its future again. But as in New Orleans, where the conversation has progressed from mere recovery to envisioning a better city, industrial design finds itself contemplating what can be not merely what was.  For both the city and the profession one factor seems to invigorate all possibilities: The Power of Community.

Whether local or global, professional or amateur, online or physical — community and the dynamics it favors are increasingly at work in design and the marketplace it inhabits; changing the nature of what and how we design as it simultaneously reorients consumer behavior.

Over the four days of the 2011 IDSA International Conference we’ll explore the importance of community across multiple layers of design, exploring emerging social issues, the decentralizing influence of online resources in manufacturing and distribution, the interplay between local and global participants, and many others.

Join us for a conference that is guaranteed to make you think—not just about the profession, but also about the world in which you practice.

Go to the conference website to view the details about Community, see who is speaking, find out about hotels and the location and register to be part of this years incredible Community activity in New Orleans.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose New Orleans

1. Award-Winning Destination
Cuisine in New Orleans isn't the only thing spicing up the city. America's most authentic city welcomed 7.6 million visitors in 2009 and has hosted major events such as Mardi Gras, Essence Music Festival and Jazz Fest in addition to hundreds of prominent conventions.  New Orleans was the Top Destination in the World for Nightlife in TripAdvisor 2010 Traveler's Choice® Destination Awards and was also ranked third in Food & Wine destinations, ninth for Culture and Sightseeing, and 15th in the Top 25 Destinations in the United States.

2. Cuisine
Time in New Orleans isn't kept in hours or days, but in meals. When dining in New Orleans, experience a culinary adventure that spans a wide array of cuisines. From Cajun, Creole and soul to contemporary French, award-winning chefs create food for your taste buds and nourishment for your soul.

Start the day with a beignet drenched in powdered sugar and a steaming cafe au lait, lunch on a shrimp po-boy or mouth-watering muffuletta and end the day with gumbo, shrimp creole and flaming bananas foster. More restaurants are open in New Orleans today than ever before. Taste for yourself why Bon Appétit named New Orleans as One of America's Top 5 Restaurant Cities.

3. World Class Convention Facilities
New Orleans Morial Convention Center is ranked among the nation's best facilities, with over 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space and continues to undergo millions of dollars in improvements.  It is one of the most technologically advanced centers in the nation.

4. Walkable Downtown Great for Networking
New Orleans offers a compact geographic footprint that provides close proximity to hotels, convention and meeting facilities, the French Quarter and local attractions, creating a true destination experience.

5. One Destination - Three Distinct Districts
Over 22,000 sleeping rooms are represented by leading national and independent hotel brands, all located within a two mile radius. Immerse yourself in the eclectic culture of the Arts District, experience the historic architecture of the French Quarter or enjoy the modern luxury and convenience of the Central Business District, all easily accessible to convention facilities, world-famous restaurants and attractions.

6. Music
Music is where New Orleans' first settlers found common ground.  No other city loves music more.  Nowhere else does it occur more effortlessly or more joyously. Jazz, America's only original art form, was born in New Orleans, while Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Cajun and Zydeco all musically express the rich melting pot that is our heritage. Let the music move your soul.

7. Art & Architecture
Countless architectural gems await you in New Orleans. In fact, the city is home to more National Historic Landmarks than any other city in the United States. Venture to the Arts District, a vibrant community of galleries and experience why it has been called So-Ho of the South. Then visit one of the oldest and most diverse districts in New Orleans, Magazine Street, an area filled with art exhibits, restaurants, shops and more. Finally, submerge yourself in the historic French Quarter by strolling the galleries on Royal and other famous French Quarter streets.

8. Climate & Outdoor Recreation
Typically mild winters allow for plenty of outdoor adventures and activities in and around the Crescent City. This urban resort offers year-round golf, along with memorable swamp tours conducted in local bayous. For the spectator, enjoy an NBA game featuring the New Orleans Hornets in the centrally located New Orleans Arena, or if you're lucky, score a seat in the Louisiana Superdome to watch the defending Superbowl champions, the New Orleans Saints.

9. Rich History and Culture
New Orleans is a city rich in history with traditions and customs that are woven into the fabric of everyday life.  Take a trip back in time and experience this amazing history by riding on the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar line.  Enjoy the convenience of the Canal Street and Riverfront lines, and explore the rest of the city after visiting the French Quarter, made up of more than 100 square blocks of art, dining, shopping, entertainment and architectural treasures.

10. Central Location
Conveniently situated in the central region of the US, New Orleans is ideal for travelers.  The Louis Armstrong International Airport is just 20 minutes from city center.

Lodging Information:

The Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans
123 Baronne Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

www.therooseveltneworleans.com

Phone Reservations:  504.648.1200 (local), 1.800.WALDORF (toll free)
Rate: $159 single/double, plus taxes
Group Name: Industrial Designers Society of America, “IDSA 11”

A limited number of rooms have been reserved for the evenings of Tuesday, Sept. 13 to  Sunday, Sept. 18, at a rate of $159 per night for a single or double room plus taxes. When making your reservations you must specify that you are with “Industrial Designers Society of America or IDSA 11” to receive the discounted rate.  Room reservations must be made by Monday, Aug. 29, 2011 and, “Industrial Designers Society of America” rates will be honored three days before and after the conference dates, based on guestroom and rate availability. 

Questions? Please contact Kristyn Rivellese, director of conferences.

Major Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport MSY is located in the town of Kenner, in Jefferson Parish, LA, and approximately 11 miles from central New Orleans. It makes traveling to the Big Easy — well — easy.

All major airlines have service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport with many direct flights arriving daily. The Roosevelt New Orleans is a short 20-minute drive from the airport.

Go to the conference website.