2010 HOW Conference: A Review (PART II)
Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 12:18PM The GOOD: The HOW/InHOWse Conference officially got underway on Monday, June 7 as designers from far and wide made their way to the Denver Convention Centre (and nearby Hyatt) to listen to speakers that would impart knowledge and justify our expense claims. My first (and favorite) session was titled "Leading By Influence" by the engaging, entertaining riCardo Crespo. Formerly the man behind the Hot Wheels brand at Mattel, riCardo is now employed at 20th Century Fox. As part of the InHOWse portion, he made sense of working within a box and stressed the importance of implementing a culture of collaboration (driving home the African phrase UBUNTU: "I am because we are"). Everything he said seemed logical and yet, most corporate environments do not implement the strategies that could only enhance them in the long run. Truly inspirational, I could have listened to riCardo for hours. The organizers of HOW should definitely invite him back next year.
Another great speaker was Chris Chapman of the Disney Design Group (but I'm not entirely unbiased as I'm a Mouse House fiend). His session discussed the best methods of getting rid of the frustration in terms of client relationships. I will choose to keep his wisdom to myself as the study of an individual's psyche can be a two-way street, however, I will state that it was really cool to witness the revision process that takes place at such an iconic, well beloved institution.
THE BAD: For every great speaker, however, there was one that made me want to walk out (and, at times, I did). It's always poor form to make other people feel, well, poor. And that is exactly what Jeni Herberger did during her session on "Becoming Priceless to Your Company". Coming out and apologizing for wearing the same shoes two days in a row (!?) and then bragging about spending thousands on them ("I don't shop at Payless, but you probably do") was offensive, not insightful, especially considering that the economic climate is still in a state of repair. I've read over my notes, but really the only thing I took away from this waste of an hour was that she *boo hoo* has recently had to do her own housework at homes in Seattle, Southern California and Hawaii. Tough life. Thanks for sharing.
Self-indulgence wasn't limited to the InHOWse sessions though. I attended a talk on "Good Design vs. Great Design" by Cameron Moll that turned out to be just an hour long spiel on his personal projects, including a limited edition typographic poster that was, we were repeatedly reminded, on sale in the onsite book store for only $100.00.
THE VERDICT: While it definitely seemed to be a mixed-bag of quality, I still feel as though I walked away a better, stronger designer, more resolved than ever in my decision to enter this profession years ago. As well, the bond that my colleagues and I formed over our week in Denver is now stronger than ever. We are a solid team, moving forward, aiming higher. In closing, I recommend the HOW/InHOWse Design Conference and hope to attend again next year in Chicago. I will probably be wearing the same shoes. I hope that's not a problem.
Denver
Reader Comments (9)
“Be pleasant and positive… if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” – that would have been a key point you missed in my session “Becoming Priceless to Your Company.” I’m actually relieved that you chose to speak negatively to my “rich bitch” comment about shoes, housekeeping and real estate rather than focus on my inability to sing! It obviously wasn’t as bad as I feared ☺
You have mistaken encouragement as self-indulgence, humor for boosting and overcoming hardship for criticism. Attending conferences is an art form, not unlike attending a strategy meeting during campaign development. You listen to each and every contributor, moving past your own bias to gain a piece of insight. I’m pleased you gained those insights from riCardo and Chris, both of which are fabulous people! Too bad you didn't gain more from Andy or Cameron, they actually had much goodness to share with the masses.
Wishing you the best in your career, travels and causes!
Jeni Herberger
P.S. Not changing your shoes for the next conference, not a problem. Not changing your outlook might be a problem.
riCardo rocks, right?! Nice. Its too bad you didnt get to connect better with Andy, Jeni & others. Jeni is a good friend and can speak for herself, so I'll speak to to the fact that if you felt "poor" that's a personal thing. I have no money in comparison and yet I never feel "poor" as compared to anyone… and I grew up legitimately poverty-stricken. No one can MAKE you feel poor unless you are unappreciative of the things you do have. Comparison to someone else's status isn't even apples-to-apples. People's situations from start to finish are unique & so perspectives won't ever truly match up.
Talking about shoes made you feel poor? As a matter of fact I did the same thing in my panel session. I bought a new pair of kicks 1hr after landing in Denver, mentioned it in my session & people got a huge laugh at that. Many even found me later & made joking mentions to it.
I mean no offense, so I hope none is taken. I just think it unfair to make such a personal judgement call without digging for more info at the sources first. But to each their own & I respect that.
All the best & continued success,
Steve G
RDQLUS
I also attended the session in question. The author is not alone in her feelings.
I always try to look to the bright side of every situation and try to find the most value in the opinions of others - no matter their shoes or number of houses. After the session, I had a lengthy conversation with a colleague in which I defended Jeni, giving every excuse I could think of for her repeated insensitivity to her audience. I tried to focus on her points of value, rather than comments about her wealth. In the end though, what did I remember most? The idea that she would NEVER shop at Payless, because it was below her, but that I might because I don't own 3 houses like she does.
Jeni is undoubtedly a successful and knowledgable person - and I'm sure a great and fun friend. Apologizing for wearing the same shoes two days in a row was unnecessary, pretentious, and immediately drew a line between her and most of her audience. Personal experience can be used to inspire, yes. I believe this was her intention, however her translation was not effective.
Yes, she had great points (if you look at my session notes, you will probably find them), but unfortunately the recurring self-praises are the messages I remember without referring to my notes.
- Fellow shoe lover who has been known to shop at Nordstrom AND Payless
I agree it was a mixed bag. It was my first time attending and I was hoping there would be at least once session on advanced typography or Photoshop techniques (included in the price of general admission). Most sessions were aimed at creativity with few practical takeaways, other than being inspired and meeting some great people.
I did enjoy the creative brainstorming session. Can't remember which one that was, and I loved the typography examples of Bach, Fonts, and Rock n Roll. But again, as a designer who's been around for awhile, I'd prefer sessions aimed more at advanced techniques and more in depth discussion about the work that is being presented.
I think it was helpful, yes. I would still love to attend next year. I just think it could be better.
P.S. I didn't hear Jeni's session but you weren't the only one who was offended. Two other conference attendees made a point of mentioning her presentation during dinner one evening. Neither were very impressed.
If I were to nominate a speaker for next year here is a someone whose work I admire a lot. And I doubt he would talk "the help" or his shoes.
http://twitter.com/thebookdesigner
Understood on the points being made, and if constructive, I can tell you that Jeni is probably taking notes right now adapting and givng credence to what's being said. And as this is a personal blog, I dare not say that you or anyone else shouldn't have an opinion. My only hope, as a person, designer, writer and speaker is that the criticism be constructive as to how to better reach the audience. I sat thru her entire session in question. She never once pointed at any of you and said "you are beneath me, you poor bastards!" Spare me that it was somehow implied. If she spoke too long about her shoes, then she spoke to long about her fricken shoes. Say that and move on. But make assumptions as to character and you become as bad as you are staking & burning her for.
For the record, I don't buy from Payless because I've had issues with QUALITY, not price. I don't wear fake Jordans—adamantly—due to QUALITY, not blind snooty homage to a brand. I don't take on crappy projects and clients who try to lowball me as an identity designer because I believe in my own QUALITY. Sometimes things that deal with money still really aren't about money.
Just a counterpoint to think on. I wish you all well and successes and would suggest contacting Jeni directly. I know my friend and she will strive to be and do better if the wrong message was being communicated.
All the best,
Steve G
Thanks for your candid post on what you experienced as the pluses and minuses of the HOW conference this year.
I felt that overall the quality of speakers was better this year with sessions that were much more focused on inspiration and design for social change. Von Glitschka's "Five Alarm Concepts" and Kevin Carroll's closing keynote were two examples of sessions that really made the whole event worthwhile for me. However, the big takeaway for me was the offline connections that I made. The real inspiration of the conference for me comes from meeting other designers that get just as geeked out about the industry as I do. The fact that I was able to meet a few of the people I've only been in touch with via social media made it that much more inspirational. Jeni Herberger, Steve Gordon and Jeff Fisher were just a handful of the wonderfully talented, inspirational and giving people I met this year.
That being said, I'm sorry to hear that your first encounter with Jeni was not the best. Having not attended her session I can't speak for what was said, however having met her in person and being an avid listener to her show I can honestly say that I think you have misunderstood her. I highly recommend listening to her show Talk Story with Jeni, because I gaurantee you'll walk away with great advice and inspiration on what it means to be creative. Hopefully, you might even change your perspective about one of the smartest people in the industry.
I'll be back at HOW next year, and hopefully we'll have an opportunity to meet.
Cheers,
Tad Dobbs
Creative Squall
Thanks for the comments. Glad to see I wasn't alone in what I felt were the HOW Conference's strengths and weaknesses.
As someone who paid almost $1200 to attend the conference (not including airfare and accommodation), I feel I have the right to comment on it's value. Public speakers in this regard are no different from the rock stars of the world and should be subject to review. When Jeni came out apologizing for wearing the same shoes two days in a row, I felt it was odd but probably just part of her 'Sex-and-the-City-God-I-Love-Manolos' act. However, as her session went on, she spent more time talking about her wealth than doling out practical advice. Her comment about not shopping at Payless but also mentioning that we (the audience) probably do veered into Marie Antoinette territory...the icing on the cake that I wasn't good enough to eat. It is my experience to always maintain a degree of relatability with an audience in order to form a common bond and elicit empathy...that was surely missing. The divide between audience and speaker couldn't have been more vast.
I was a newbie to the conference but the other people on my team who attended in previous years kept commenting on how it was clear the U.S. was still going through a recession (hence all of the self-serving, "look at my work, I'm available for hire" sessions). Hopefully this won't be a trend come Chicago. I otherwise plan on attending again. A slice of deep dish awaits.
I know just the place! Walking distance from the hotel… first slice on me!
;-)
Interesting perspectives from all. As a 10 year veteran of the HOW conference speaking on the fundamentals of success, establishing value and creating a life that fulfills you as an individual and serves your fellow man, I've so enjoyed the opportunity to teach and to learn. HOW asked me to present a session on "Becoming Priceless" during these economic hard times because I started my company grassroots, struggled through terrible times, raised a family and was able to come out on the other side proud of my accomplishments and grateful to all who had been a part of it. Establishing your credibility as a successful individual for the sake of the audience is obviously not an easy task. On the one hand, people want to know the person talking about making it through hard economic times has done just that, yet on the other hand people don't want to have a line drawn in the sand. Is it possible the subject matter is what was drawing the line rather than the speaker?
For those who know me and my story (including the four individuals who addressed my shoes just prior to the session thus making it the subject of much controversy), there was probably a greater understanding of the points I was making, the keys I had found that unlocked the door to successfully navigating the most difficult of situations and economies.
Its true, I buy shoes and, yes, I have more than one house, and own multiple companies. Its also true when I started out I was a single mom struggling to afford rent, food and shoes for my kids. Daycare wasn't an affordable option, so I kept my my kids at home with me while I worked day and night to establish my company. After 10 years, lots of mistakes, sweat, blood and tears, I began to see the results of my hard work. That, my friends, was the message I was sharing. For everyone who attended my session, I hope you can find one positive point to extract and implement to make the current struggles we are all facing not only manageable but leading to success.
You can download the deck at http://jeniherberger.com/downloads/Priceless_InHOWse2010.pdf
Check out my take on the HOW Conference, the incredible people I met and things I learned at jeniherberger.com ~ Peace and Aloha!