Designing for Connection (Prize Alert)
Presented by Convene
Featuring Chris Leong, Vice President of Interiors, MillerKnoll; Jonathan Ojany, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Convene Hospitality Group and Matt Stephenson, Principal, Woods Bagot Architects
Moderated by Damian Slattery, SVP, Brand Growth Strategy, Partnerships and Platforms, Mansueto Ventures
The most memorable events don’t happen by accident—they’re carefully engineered through thoughtful design. Furniture, lighting, acoustics, culinary experiences, and digital touchpoints all influence how people move, interact, and collaborate. Every design decision, from the layout of a room to the flow of shared experiences, shapes the quality of conversations and the connections that emerge. As expectations for events continue to evolve, how are innovators rethinking these foundational elements to create spaces that spark better conversations, stronger relationships, and more productive gatherings?
Jonathan Ojany - Convene Hospitality Group
Matt Stephenson - Woods Bagot Architects