Inside BT: Design Nation and the Challenges of Organizing an Online Conference
Description
In this episode of Inside BT, we sit down with Alyssa Nguyen, the Director of Design Nation, to discuss the process of moving the DN 2020 conference online as well as her broader vision for the conference this year.
Time Stamps
0:00 - 1:15: How Alyssa got involved with BT
1:15 - 2:38: Executing on her vision for an expanded conference with diverse students and executives, confirming the venue, and proving the conference's viability
2:38 - 3:47: Reacting to the initial news on cancelling the in-person event due to COVID despite planning for 9 months
3:47 - 5:42: Rethinking the conference over spring break, discussing the change with the team, and levering the BT network to receive feedback from the trustee board
5:42 - 7:20: Expanding accessibility to West Coast and FGLI students through digitization, especially within the exclusive design world
7:20 - 9:49: Shifting the programming online and structuring the programming in a digital setting
9:49 - 12:43: Speaking on programming, including live keynotes and workshops alongside intimate seminars with students
12:43 - 14:13: Managing and motivating a remote team
14:13 - 15:29: Biggest takeaways from organizing BT's first digital conference
15:29 - 16:40: Highlights and lowlights of DN 2020 with organization and engagement
16:40 - 18:09: Being prepared logistically for potential problems that may pop up
18:09 - 20:40: Biggest piece of advice for students; framing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; creating a positive work environment with your team