Be Unconventional Deep Dive
Hosted by IDSA Women in Design March 5 – 6th, 2026 | Denver, CO
Thank you to our sponsors
Break the Mold. Reimagine Possibilities. Design With Purpose.
Be Unconventional is a two-day immersive experience that arms today’s creatives with the mindset, skills, and community to thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape. Step away from the familiar, challenge the status quo, and reignite your bold, creative vision.
Call for Speakers ⏤ Show Us How To Be Unconventional
Are you a boundary-pusher with ideas that shift perspectives? We’re looking for diverse voices to lead talks, interactive sessions or workshops that share your insights on embracing fresh perspectives and bold approaches.
Apply by August 15th, 2025 → Submit Your Proposal
- Call for Speakers closes August 15th
- Line up and ticket sales open Mid/late October
Why Attend?
What You’ll Gain
Practical Tools & Techniques you can apply to projects the moment you’re back at your desk.
Fresh Perspectives from trailblazing speakers sharing cutting-edge research and real-world stories.
Career-Boosting Insights for every stage—from breaking into the field to leading a design-driven business.
How You’ll Feel
Empowered & Energized—ready to push boundaries and design the future.
Connected & Supported by a vibrant, inclusive network of peers and mentors.
Purpose-Driven: crystal-clear on how your unique voice creates meaningful impact.
User-Centered Design
Learn how to prioritize user needs and experiences, and design products and services that deeply resonate with users.
Innovation and Technology
Explore the latest trends and tools in design innovation, including Generative AI and emerging technologies, to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving design landscape.
Equity and Inclusion
Discover strategies for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in design processes and creating products that address the needs of underrepresented communities.
Emotional Design and Human-Centered Approaches
Learn how to leverage emotions and human-centered design principles to create compelling and resonant products that deeply connect with users on an emotional level.
Career Growth and Leadership
Enhance your negotiation skills, leadership abilities, and career advancement strategies to thrive as a design professional and make a meaningful impact in your field.
Sustainability, Social Impact, and Equity
Explore innovative approaches to sustainable design and social impact, and discover how design can be used as a tool for positive change, addressing environmental and social challenges.
Who Should Join Us?
Entry Level Designers & Students: Meet the industry, uncover career paths, and build your first professional network.
Mid-Career Creatives: Hone technical expertise, explore new opportunities, and level-up your influence.
Senior/Lead Professionals: Expand your business acumen, refine leadership chops, and grow thriving teams.
All genders and communities are warmly welcomed.
Inside the Deep Dive
• Visionary Keynotes that ignite imagination and challenge convention.
• Hands-On Workshops delivering step-by-step, skills-based learning.
• Interactive Panels & Roundtables where every voice counts.
• Curated Networking events designed for meaningful, lasting connections.
• Networking opportunities evening activities to continuing the inspiration.
Event Venue
DesignPhiladelphia
1218 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Emcees
Owner & Design Director, Diona Nicole Design Studio; Professor, Jefferson University
CEO & Founder, Nova Design
Speakers
Dassault Systèmes
Loft Design
INDEED Innovation Inc.
Design Leader and Advisor
Academy of Art Design and Strategy
Newell Brands
Diona Nicole Design Studio/Jefferson University
Nova
Perkins Design Ltd.
Virginia Tech
Drexel University
Experience Research + Design, O3
Unwrap CMF
Loft Design
Kovacs-Wesner Design Group
Delve
IDSA Deep Dives
Tailored insights and unparalleled learning crafted for the modern industrial designer.
Designed as comprehensive professional development forums, IDSA’s Deep Dives cater to designers at every career stage, empowering them with actionable knowledge and invaluable networking opportunities.
Cutting-edge Insights
Workshops & Q&A Sessions
Live Demos & Expert Guidance
Global Design Community Connection
Subscribe for IDSA Deep Dive Alerts!
Be the first to access cutting-edge design insights and skill-building experiences. Stay informed about upcoming events by subscribing here.
"*" indicates required fields