2024 Year in Review: Transformation, Community, and the Power of Design

December 18, 2024

Cybelle Jones

This year has flown by, and it is difficult to believe that we are two weeks away from 2025. As the SEGD staff prepares for our 2025 events, I have to pause and absorb the immense gratitude I feel for the creativity, innovation, and passion that radiates from the SEGD community – all of you! This has been a year of transformation—not just in how we grow and connect as an organization, but in the way our members continue to redefine the role of design in shaping the human experience.

A Year of Connection

In 2024, SEGD embarked on strategic new initiatives to strengthen our community and elevate the profession of experiential design. The introduction of Professional Practice Groups (PPGs) created new spaces for collaboration and shared expertise, while the addition of Rachel Moran as Membership Experience Manager allowed us to deepen support for chapters and enhance member resources.

Our events this year reflected the energy and ingenuity of our community:

• 2024 SEGD Conference Experience Dallas: Attendees left this gathering not just inspired but equipped with actionable insights. From carbon-neutral initiatives to rethinking collaboration in the design process, the conference underscored the potential of experiential design to influence human behavior and create positive change. One attendee shared, “This conference gave me a deeper understanding of the future of experiential design, especially around sustainability and environmental impact. I’m excited to incorporate these lessons into my work.”

The collaborative spirit of each event was palpable, reminding us that the power of our community lies in its ability to come together to address challenges and share bold ideas.

• SEGD Exhibition + Experience: Through interactive workshops with provocative prompts, participants engaged thoughtfully with critical issues like racial injustice, social polarization, climate emergencies, and techno-ethics. The day culminated in 40+ creative models and design briefs that showcased the brilliance and problem-solving spirit of our attendees.
• SEGD Sports + Entertainment: With clients and designers from prestigious organizations such as the Sphere, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and KC Current, this inaugural event highlighted the shift toward spaces that have branded experiences at the forefront, particularly for women’s sports. It was a resounding success, and we are excited to continue these conversations in 2025.

Building Momentum for the Future

2024 also saw SEGD make great strides in amplifying the voice of the experiential design community. From participation in the inaugural D7 Summit, where SEGD has a seat at the table with the top six global design organizations, we discussed design’s role in addressing climate action and equity. SEGD also set new standards in design excellence with our new established sustainability recognition criteria for the 2025 SEGD Global Design Awards, we have worked to ensure that our field is seen as a vital force for positive change.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re thrilled to present a full calendar of events that reflect the richness and diversity of our community. Each gathering will explore the evolving role of design in transforming spaces, shaping human experience, and advancing equity and sustainability.

Emerging Horizons: A Year of Transformation

As we prepare to meet for the 2025 SEGD Conference Experience San Francisco on November 13–15, 2025, I am reminded of the city’s symbol, the phoenix—a powerful emblem of transformation and renewal. Like the phoenix, our work as a community represents a constant evolution, rising from challenges with creativity and strength to chart new paths forward.

In 2025, we will model a new way of experimentation, bringing out the best of what SEGD represents for the world to see. Together, we will embrace new lenses and innovative approaches, celebrating the communities we serve and shaping the collective future of design.

I am energized by the horizons ahead and the incredible potential of our work together. Thank you for being an essential part of the SEGD community!

Wishing you a joyous holiday season.

In Gratitude,
Cybelle Jones
CEO, SEGD

Please note: SEGD will be closed from December 25, 2024, through January 1, 2025 and we’ll see you in the new year!