Pics from the design mind Motion Event

We had almost 200 people in the frog studio for the official launch of the design mind Motion issue. Luck? Methinks not. Wine (red and white), water, lapel mics, and directors chairs - these things don't just appear out of nowhere. Nor do eighty page magazines. Fine efforts all around.

Here's my take as a moderator: Having flown in from Austin the previous morning I have a two hour time difference/buffer in my favor. While I would normally get up at 7am back home, that's 5am SF time. Of course, I didn't actually get up at 5am Pacific Standard Time so I get to sleep in, and sleep is good for maximum brain fuctionality.

The day starts, and the night's event is not far from my thoughts. Meetings, emails, daily things to do, and the event begins to become more real. I write down what I might say. I leave the office and walk the sidewalks around the studio talking aloud to myself, er, rehearsing. I think I sound too stiff. I decide to try and not sound stiff. I get an unrecommended coffee. Sara M gives me advice about having a go-to generic question should I get hung up such as "where did you come up with idea for the article." Tim L gives me advice: "be yourself," and that does it. I'm ready.

Rachel is the first to arrive. Everyone seems calm, and that's a good cue for me. After I say a few words to the crowd about how we're going to take Q&As and about the idea of Motion, it's all good. Wow is Alonzo King a spiritual guy. He's talking about dance but it's a lesson on how to live one's life authentically. Surprise all around, and good feelings too. There may also be envy present - envy on wanting a more authentic life of one's own. I introduce Doreen L, and then Eric B, and then the last group of frogs and everyone talks as if we're having a conversation. I find a chance for humor here and there. We're moving at a good clip. There are questions. There are answers. There is schmoozing and the exchange of business cards. Chairs are put away. The studio clears out and there is one last circle of frogs past and present, new and not so new. Talk of Dusseldorf, provocation, and next time. Is there a good bar nearby? Goodbye Chelsea.