Future of Design: Megatrends that Matter - iF Design at SXSW 2025

Future of Design: Megatrends that Matter 2025
Monday, March 10
2.30 - 3.30pm
at THE LINE Austin hotel
Onyx Ballroom
111 Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78701
Join iF Design- host of the prestigious international iF DESIGN AWARD- for an exclusive preview of the iF Design Trend Report 2025. Unveiling some of the key forces shaping design’s future, this dynamic panel brings together cross-disciplinary industry leaders to explore how physical, digital, and emerging design is transforming our world. From resilient supply chains and green high-tech, to human-machine interplay and talent alignment- don’t miss this chance to stay ahead of the trends!
Engage in thought-provoking discussions and a live audience Q&A.
For anyone who loves great design and believes it can help make the world a better place.
Please note that this event is held at an official SXSW 2025 location. Attendees must be SXSW badge holders, SXSW Interactive, Platinum, Film or Music.

moderator:
Lisa Gralnek
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagralnek/
Lisa Gralnek is a visionary leader in strategy and brand building, with senior roles at adidas, Chobani, moo.com, BCG, and Walmart. Since 2017, her consultancy, LVG & Co., has driven future-focused growth and transformation. In 2023, she became the first Managing Director of iF Design USA, introducing its prestigious awards to North America, while also serving as iF’s Global Head of Sustainability & Impact. Previously, she spent nearly a decade in high fashion as a Talent Agent and Photo Editor. A recognized speaker and thought leader, her insights appear in The New York Times, Fast Company, and Fortune. She hosts FUTURE OF XYZ, serves on nonprofit boards, advises startups, and holds a BA from Bates College and an MBA from INSEAD.
https://ifdesign.com/en/

speaker:
Cheryl Durst
Executive Vice President / CEO IIDA, Chicago, IL (USA)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-durst-hon-fiida-386335a/
As the Executive Vice President and CEO of the International Interior Design Association, Cheryl is committed to achieving broad recognition for the value of design and its significant role in society. Under her leadership, IIDA sets an agenda that leads the industry in creating community, advancing advocacy and continuing work toward equity. She is a member of the International WELL Building Institute Governance Council; and a Trustee for Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art and the NYSID. Cheryl was the first recipient of the Interior Design Hall of Fame Leadership Award, and is the first Black woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
https://iida.org

Leigh Gammons
CEO Tangent, London (UK)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-gammons-58b42920/
​Leigh Gammons is the CEO of Tangent, bringing over 15 years of experience in leading global experience technology businesses for FTSE 100 companies, boutique consultancies, and agencies. His expertise spans executive management, customer experience, and technology, with a history of working with clients like HSBC, Ford, Unilever, and Coca-Cola. A recognized figure in the digital sector, Leigh serves on advisory councils for Microsoft, Adobe, and Sitecore.
https://tangent.co
Uwe Cremering
CEO, iF Design | Internationa Forum Design, Hanover (Germany)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/uwe-cremering-653706b1/
International Forum Design (iF Design) is a globally recognized organization promoting excellence in design and innovation. The iF Design Award, one of the most prestigious design competitions, honors outstanding achievements across various disciplines. Through its leadership, iF Design fosters creativity, sets industry benchmarks, and drives innovation by recognizing and supporting cutting-edge, user-centric designs that shape the future of industries worldwide.
https://ifdesign.com/en/
***********************************************************************************************************
This event is supported by the Global Innovation Embassy. GIE is a collaborative network, founded to facilitate connections between innovators, founders, entrepreneurs, creatives, policy makers and other stakeholders across disciplines, industries, and national borders.

Uwe Cremering has been the CEO of iF International Forum Design GmbH since April 2021. Previously, he was part of Sennheiser's PRO Division, driving innovation in 3D audio technology. With a career spanning over two decades, starting at EXPO 2000 in Hannover, he has led initiatives in digitalization, transformation, business development, and design. His expertise positions him at the forefront of shaping the future of design and innovation on a global scale.

Declaration on the granting of rights to one's own picture when attending an event

Photographs and videos will be produced for the purpose of comprehensive reporting, documentation and promotional purposes as part of "iF Design" during SXSW 2025.

Host or Publisher Global Innovation Embassy