RCE CONFERENCE OF THE AMERICAS 

United Nations Conference 
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How will a city host an international conference for United Nations delegates to advance the education for sustainable development? 

Context 

CONFERENCE HOSTS 

The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was hosting its first international RCE Conference of the Americas. We designed a complete conference experience from the ground up. This included design research, service design, UX, web design, branding, asset production, and being good hosts for 37 U.N. delegates from 8 countries so they could focus on their work advancing the education for sustainable development. 

Conference 

WORK + PLAY 

U.N. delegates worked hard over multiple days giving presentations, leading workshops, holding meetings, but we also gave them a chance to explore Michigan's natural resources and unwind at a party. 

Design

WATER   

Working closely with a dedicated branding and visual designer, we crated an identity system focused on three key themes of flow, connection, and water. Touchpoints included conference badges and lanyards, emails, a website, printed flags, tickets, sponsorship packages, and custom local Michigan gift baskets. 

Research 

HUMAN CENTERED APPROACH  

The project began with thorough service design methodology including stakeholder mapping, personas, user journeys, service blueprints, and experience prototyping. 

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Work