The first students to attend Package Design Matters Conference (PDMC)

February 13, 2017

The opening keynote speaker, Ricardo Crespo, with ClemsonGC students. He is an executive creative who has worked as the global creative chief for 20th Century Fox and the chief creative post at Mattel Inc.

Written by Dr. Nona Woolbright (faculty) and Grace Mosley (class of 2017)

The Package Design Matters Conference (PDMC) describes the conference as “A perspective-changing event with top-level brand owners, retailers and agency leaders exploring design’s strategic business value” for both graphic and package design professionals. This year, for the first time in the conference’s history, students were able to attend the event. So, it was without hesitation that I brought ClemsonGC students to listen, learn, and introduce themselves to the professional and business leaders from the front end of the packaging supply chain – concept and design.

Below is the perspective from one of those students – Grace Mosley.

One of the many opportunities offered to Graphic Communications students such as myself is the chance to attend professional conferences in the printing and design industry. Participating in these events gives us the chance to learn about developing trends in the industry and meet industry leaders. In January, I traveled with Dr. Nona Woolbright, Carter Lowden (Junior), and Sidney Kizer (Senior) to the Packaging Design Matters Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida.

We listened to presentations with topics varying from building effective business partnerships to the changing consumer culture in relation to the packaging design industry. We also had the chance to browse sponsor tables showcasing the latest materials, technology, and printing innovations within the realm of packaging.

Throughout the conference, we met many successful designers and advertisers. We ate dinner at the same table as the CEO of a company that designs packages for several well-known food brands. After we explained how the Graphic Communications program teaches students a technical understanding of printing, he expressed the understanding how to optimize a design within a specific printing process is what would make our graduates a unique asset to his company.

During the networking sessions, we also met the opening keynote speaker, Ricardo Crespo. He is an executive creative who has worked as the global creative chief for 20^th Century Fox and the chief creative post at Mattel Inc. During our conversations with him, he encouraged us to use our time as students to find the one thing that sets us apart.

Overall, the opportunity to meet successful creatives allowed me to become more comfortable presenting myself in a professional environment. Experiencing the scope of the packaging design industry was extremely valuable to me as I continue to determine which graphic communications related industry I want to work in after I graduate.