Partnering with TEDxChicago this year as their Creative Agency Partner was more than just a collaboration—it was an opportunity to bring our shared values and creativity together to amplify the voices of those shaping the future. We’re thrilled to have worked alongside the incredible TEDxChicago team—to help bring the “Lighting the Way” theme to life through compelling design and thoughtful visual storytelling.
We are honored to be the first Creative Agency of Record for TEDxChicago, entrusted with elevating the event’s visual identity and overall user experience. Collaborating closely with the TEDxChicago team, our team developed a cohesive design system that brought the theme to life, creating a seamless narrative across all touchpoints—from printed materials to digital assets. This partnership allowed ArtVersion to push creative boundaries and reinforce the powerful ideas shared on stage, making it a truly transformative collaboration for all involved.
From the start, our shared vision for the event was clear. TEDxChicago’s dedication to sparking insightful conversations aligned perfectly with ArtVersion’s commitment to creating purposeful and impactful design. Every element, from the printed booklet to digital experiences, was crafted to enhance the audience’s journey, uniting our creative strengths to ensure the event was a stunning success.
This year’s TEDxChicago event placed a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that all performers, speakers, and attendees, both in-person and virtual, could fully engage with the experience. From implementing clear, high-contrast visual designs to incorporating assistive technologies, the event strived to create an inclusive environment that welcomed everyone to join the conversation.
At ArtVersion, accessibility is something we take very seriously in all of the work we do. We believe that great design is not only beautiful and functional but also accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. Our team goes beyond compliance, considering accessibility from the very first stages of the design process. By integrating features like scalable typography, screen reader compatibility, and color schemes that meet WCAG standards, we ensure that each project we deliver resonates with the widest possible audience while maintaining an exceptional user experience. This dedication to inclusive design helps us create spaces—digital or physical—where everyone can participate and connect meaningfully.
“Your team jumped in on a partnership, rallied, and scaled quickly, and we collectively accomplished a remarkably designed TEDx. I got constant compliments on how beautiful the materials and the design system was this year.” —Dustin Huibregtse, Director, Lead Curator, Speaker Coach at TEDxChicago.
The booklet, in particular, became a highlight for many of the attendees, including leaders from the design and architecture communities. We’re honored to hear how much it resonated with them and elevated the overall experience of the day. Each piece we designed was an extension of the speaker’s unique message, and it was gratifying to see it all come together on the day of the event.
Dustin Huibregtse’s shoutout from the stage meant a lot to us, as design is something truly special at ArtVersion. He remarked, “It has been a dream collaboration, truly elevating the design and experience we deliver—everything from the booklets and badges to our digital and social presence. This is TED, where the ‘D’ stands for Design. Earlier this year we hosted a design event, diving deep into what design means for all of us. ArtVersion, thank you for being such an incredible partner.” Hearing these words reminded us of the impact great design can have on bringing ideas to life and creating memorable experiences.
“Thank you ArtVersion. I’ve enjoyed our partnership this year and deeply appreciate your team jumping into this with us. I’m glad to hear you all enjoyed the evening! It was great to finally meet you in person. I’ll be in touch as we ramp up for next year. Until then, have an amazing Fall!” —Loie Greenwood, Associate Director of Creative at TEDxChicago.
It was also a pleasure to connect in person and see the impact of our work firsthand. We deeply value the personal relationships that were formed through this partnership and look forward to many more moments of collaboration and shared success.
“Thanks for being such a great partner and source of inspiration for TEDx and me.” —Michael Downey, Creative at TEDxChicago.
Downey set the tone for TEDxChicago 2024 by developing the theme concept, “Lighting the Way,” with an inspiring creative direction that guided our entire design approach. His vision laid the foundation for a cohesive and impactful aesthetic, serving as a springboard for our team to collaboratively extend the design systems across both print and digital channels. Together, we explored innovative ways to visually represent the announcements of the speakers, ensuring that the digital assets, social media, and printed materials were not only unified but also elevated the overall experience. This alignment allowed us to build a seamless visual journey that embodied the essence of the event while resonating with the audience on a deeper level.
“The booklet and the entire design system were beautifully executed—truly a collective accomplishment we can all be proud of. I heard from so many attendees who were captivated by how the design seamlessly complemented the experience of the day.” —Kelly Fernandez, Associate Director of Attendee Experience Lead & Performance & Arts at TEDxChicago.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dustin Huibregtse, Loie Greenwood, Michael Downey, and Kelly Fernandez for their partnership, enthusiasm, and unwavering support. Hearing them express their excitement about our collaboration was incredibly rewarding for our entire team, and it motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through design.
Founded in 1999 in Chicago, ArtVersion has grown into a dynamic agency with offices both in the city and suburbs. While our expertise and influence extend globally, most of our team calls Chicago home, making it the perfect base for collaborating with impactful organizations.
As we reflect on this year’s event, we’re excited for what’s to come. Our journey with TEDxChicago has just begun, and we’re already looking forward to lighting the way together again next year. Until then, we wish the TEDxChicago team and everyone involved an amazing fall season.
Here’s to the future!
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