Lawrence Technological University’s Detroit Center for Design + Technology (DCDT) Design Incubator will continue its creative economy-focused speaker seminar and workshop series, DCDT TALK, in 2018. DCDT TALK is meant to reach and support new and growing creative businesses in Detroit. For those seeking resources and guidance as they build business in Detroit, a selection of eight programs will be presented courtesy of the Hudson Webber Foundation and in partnership with its Design Incubator programs DCDT CoWORK and Woodward & Willis, a student-led design studio.

Planned workshops and speaker seminars coincide with free access to DCDT CoWork beginning at 9 a.m. each day a program is offered!
2018 Schedule

​(6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13) 
​Speakers: Nikki Pardo, owner of Global Alliance Solutions, Tiffany Brown of Urban Arts Collective along with Professor and Author, Dr. Jackie Stavros.

​(6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 18)
Speakers: Billy Strawter, Founder of MILO and Dr. Jerry Davis, associate dean for business and impact at University of Michigan Ross School of Business and Edi Demaj, COO of Rocket Fiber.

​(6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8) 
Speakers: TBD
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​Thomas Edison famously found 10,000 ways not to create a lightbulb. What about YOUR 10,000 ways *not* to do something? What have you failed at -- only to learn something in the process? When have you fallen on your face -- only to come back stronger than ever? Come together and share your stories of failure in short 5 minute stories with slides. You'll gain perspectives you haven't realized yet, empower others to look at their own failures, and most likely have a few laughs along the way.

Stories from work, creativity, and life are all welcome. Tell us what you want to talk about no later than July 14. 
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​(6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12)
Speakers: Lynne Avedenka of Signal Return, Jim Stevens of Lawrence Technological University's College of Architecture and Design, Jeevak Badve, vice president of strategic growth at Sunberg-Ferar.

We’ll explore how technology and design are evolving, and influencing one another. How does technology make it possible to move from an online business to a brick-and-mortar location? What is the impact of 3D modeling and printing on classic design techniques like screen printing? How can new and old tech work together and influence customization for businesses moving forward? We’ll find out. 

​(​​6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26)
Speakers: Author Karen Dybis, Alex Clark of Bon Bon Bon and Kiki Louya, co-owner of The Farmer's Hand and Folk.

​(6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10)
Speakers: Kimberly Clayson of Clayson, Schneider & Miller in Detroit.
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Just as crucial a step as starting a business, entrepreneurs are encouraged to keep the end in sight. Growing a new business in Detroit holds the promise of success, but all businesses transform and some will not last. We’ll navigate the finances and processes necessary to plan an exit strategy. Learn when and how to sell a business, navigate a merger or prepare for the unforeseeable future.

GALLERY




​Thank you to the Hudson Webber Foundation for their support to Lawrence Technological University's
Detroit Center for Design + Technology.
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