Design Thinking Digital Summit
July 21-22, 2020 | 12PM ET / 9AM PT
COVID-19 Update: Design Thinking
We will be issuing regular updates on this page regarding the event status in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. For urgent questions, please use the live-chat function (available Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET) or call 1-800-882-8684.
Update: March 13, 2020
After careful consideration, we are postponing Design Thinking Austin 2020. The health, safety and well-being of our attendees, partners and employees is paramount, and this is the only action that is within our power in order to make sure you remain healthy and safe during these uncertain times. Rescheduling this event will allow us to deliver the Design Thinking experience that you are accustomed to, in a safe environment.
We recognize that you likely have several questions, the first being, “When are the new dates?” We are very excited to announce that we have already secured new dates at the Hilton Austin for September 8-11.
If you have any questions, please see our FAQ page, and feel free to reach out to myself or your relationship manager personally. We wish you continued good health and look forward to seeing you on September 8th.
Mario Matulich Managing Director
Customer Management Practice
T. 212.885.2719
E. info@customermanagementpractice.com
Update: March 3, 2020
Design Thinking 2020 is going ahead as scheduled.
In light of the recent developments surrounding COVID-19, I wanted to provide you with some information leading up to Design Thinking Austin, taking place next month.
Firstly, I want to stress that the show will go on! We are continuously monitoring what the CDC, WHO, and US Government have recommended and follow their advice. I want to assure you that our attendees’ health and well-being are our #1 priority and we do not take the current situation lightly. Therefore there are several precautions and measures that we are and will undertake in these last weeks leading up to the event and on site in Austin.
Before I dive into those, a few facts to note:
- I am pleased to report that this year’s conference is tracking ahead, meaning our year on year growth will continue
- Although Design Thinking as a topic appeals globally, our attendees are overwhelmingly from North America – including all speakers, attendees and sponsors. Our current attendee list is over 90% based in North America
- No attendees currently attending are from China, S. Korea, Italy, or Iran
- Continued registrations and sponsorship in the past several weeks despite current news reports on the virus
All of this is excellent news and speaks to the strength of the Design Thinking Austin program, but despite this optimism, we know that we must be vigilant to ensure that our venue and attendees follow basic good-health protocols including no hand-shaking, washing hands regularly, and stressing that if anyone feels unwell, to please not attend, and if they are already in Austin for the event when this occurs, to see a healthcare professional immediately.
Additionally, please note the following precautionary and preventative measures are being taken to ensure the event environment is as healthy and safe as possible:
- Hand Sanitizer will be available throughout the expo hall and session rooms
- Signage displaying best health and hygiene practices will be placed throughout the event
- Venue staff will be sanitizing common areas frequently throughout the entirety of the event
- Providing additional sanitizing wipes to exhibitors to clean their booth areas each night
- Monitoring any new potential attendees for their location and adhering to Department of State travel restrictions
- All attendees receive guidance consistently on sensible health practices for their reference
We are looking forward to seeing you in Austin next month. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Mario Matulich
Managing Director, Customer Management Practice
T. 212.885.2719
E. info@customermanagementpractice.com
