"FocusOnDESIGN - provides designers of diverse backgrounds a forum for professional development, economic empowerment and social accountability."

Since 2003 FocusOnDESIGN has drawn design practitioners, educators,
students and people in related professions from cities across the U.S. and
several countries to hear presentations on topics ranging from best business
practices and new technology to the social and anthropological aspects of design.

REALITY CHECK Portfolio Review (.pdf flyer)

Was presented by FocusOnDESIGN, in partnership with
the Department of Fine and Performing Arts,
Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts,
Bowie State University during their week long

Date/Time: Saturday, April 19    12 PM - 3 PM   
Fee: Admission Free to the public and all students.
   Location:Bowie State University, new Business
Graduate School, Room 1208
14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715-9465

Presenters: Barry Rahmy of ESPN, Lorenzo Wilkins
of SD33, Aquent, AIGA DC and more

Reviewers: Myron Curtis Smith, Information Designer;
Hadiya Williams, Graphics Designer; Tony Teat, Graphic
Design; Debra Woodfork, Production and Design Manager,
Rodney Williams, Design Principal, RCW Communication
Design, Rahsaan Wlliams, Graphic Designer,
Meshella Johnson, Certified Interior Designer,
Mavis Waller, Interior Designer; and others

A unique design workshop, portfolio review and focus on
careers in art, visual communication, motion graphics/
animation, multimedia and design. High School and College
Students attended and their portfolios were reviewed by
area professionals Light refreshments, door prizes, a
small scholarship opportunity, special giveaways from
Stash TV, Adobe and more.

Association Forum at NeoCon^®
Presented by FocusOnDESIGN
Brands Aren't Just for Stores Anymore [AF9]
Date/Time: Tuesay, June 10 • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Merchandise Mart, Room
Highlights: Everyone is jumping on the branding bandwagon these days and apparently for good reason. It's safe to say that branding is no longer the sole purview of the ubiquitous coffee vendor or cool white-on-white techno-providers. Everyone from Downtown Associations to boutique retailers to hotel developers seems to understand the importance of a strong brand. And why is that? Because companies are embracing the power of branded environments as tools for communicating what in the world they stand for. Join FocusOnDESIGN in a panel discussion with Lori Mukoyama, her associate and guest speakers. Lori is a nationally known expert in retail branding who offers an exciting and fresh approach to interior design as it becomes more of a tool about defining image and promoting brand.
Speakers: Katie Sprague, VP, RTKL Architects • Ellen Farrar, VP Marketing and Communications, The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association • Alex Mandarino, Co-owner, Tangerine • Marty Collins, President/CEO, Gatehouse Capital
Moderator: Lori Mukoyama, principal, RTKL Architects
Credits: 0.2 CEU, 2LU Fee: $35

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair

Attendee Registration Online
for the NeoCon^® Show
June 9-11 Chicago only

NeoCon®, the largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiors in North America, returns to the Merchandise Mart marking its 40th year this coming June 9-11, 2008. Encompassing 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space and 10 floors, NeoCon boasts more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing thousands of cutting- edge product introductions. Over 130 CEU, LU and CFM/MFP accredited seminars, keynotes, luncheon programs and panel discussions will take place not to mention exciting networking events to celebrate the design industry. More than 50,000 industry professionals are expected to attend. We hope to see you there! To pre- register go to www.neocon.com now and save time and money!
We look forward to seeing you on June 9-11.

Be sure to register for our FocusOnDESIGN Association Forum at NeoCon^® "Brands Aren't Just for Stores Anymore" Tuesday, June 10 • 9:30– 11:30

moderator: Lori Mukoyama


speaker: Katie Sprague

NeoCon^® East 2007


Att endee Registration Online  
for the NeoCon^® East Show
October 29-30 only