Media

For all media enquiries about designEX, please contact

Whispr Communications
Selena O’Hare
03 9534 8600
0425 224 159

Marianne O’Donoghue
Marketing Manager,

02 8923 8328

02 9954 5622

Media upload area for exhibitors supplying new product and images »

To collect media passes onsite please visit the Press Office at the show. Press accreditation will be required.

Charity Partner

Design Aid: Helping To Rebuild Victoria

WHAT?

DESIGN AID is register of professionals willing to donate their services to help rebuild the communities damaged by the recent bushfires.

The register will include designers, decorators, architects, builders, landscapers and associated trades. The register could also potentially enlist suppliers who are willing to provide goods at discounted rate.

The Design Aid register is not a fund raising scheme, and volunteers will not be asked to donate money.

WHERE?

Consultations will be offered in Melbourne and in rural areas of Victoria.

Professionals can nominate where they would prefer to work.

HOW?

Free design/building advice to individuals, families and community groups who need to rebuild their homes and community buildings.

Professionals will be allocated a set number of hours donated consultation, to be given as:

Creation of concept schemes to suit budget
One-on-one design/building consultation in rural location
One-on-one design/building consultation in Melbourne
Panel-style question and answer forum in rural location

The register will be compiled through a central database, overseen by an appointed volunteer, in accordance with privacy laws and requirements. The information of volunteers will not be used for any purpose other than those stipulated in an agreement signed by the volunteer.

Recruitment for the Design Aid register will be done in the following ways:

A stand at designEX 2009 (Stand 830)
A website offering on-line registration
Press releases to adjoin the publicity campaign for designEX 2009
National press release to industry publications, local and national media

NOTE:

Potentially the Design Aid concept could be extended nationally to provide on-going support to disadvantaged communities in need of industry expertise.

Find out more on stand 830 at designEX.

designEX brings in the B.I.G. names

Media Release
19 February 2009

This year, designEX has attracted more than 35 speakers on over 20 different subjects for its international seminar series, which features celebrated Danish Architect Bjarke Ingels, founder of multi-award winning practice BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group.

“Ingels spearheads a new generation of architects that combine shrewd analysis, playful experimentation, social responsibility and humour,” said Edward Owens from dmg world media.

“It is precisely these elements that have seen him scoop the 2008 World Architecture Award for Best Housing and the recently announced 2009 Forum Aid Award for Architecture for “Mountain Dwellings”, a daring 80-unit project that sits atop a concrete hillside of carparking. We are very excited to have Ingels share his ideas at designEX,”

Ingel’s current major project is the Danish Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, which BIG won in September 2009. Called “Welfairytales” it is a highly interactive and very Danish response to the Expo’s “Better City, Better Life” theme.

In his keynote address, Yes is More – A theory of Architectural Evolution, Ingels will give his impression of how global design evolves through excess and selection, and how his practice, BIG, operates like an eco system of ideas. Critical of the cliché of the avant-garde architect as an angry young man rebelling against society, BIG is interested in the idea of adaptation rather than resistance. By saying yes to all the influences of a living society BIG seeks to turn pleasing into a radical agenda, and to change the world through evolution rather than revolution.

Danish turns Dutch on the last day of designEX, when designers Floris Schoonderbeek and Freek Verhoeven from the Netherlands join Australia’s Martyn Hook (Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects) for an engaging Discussion Panel on Global Design. Facilitated by Andrew Mackenzie, Editor-in-Chief of Architecture Review Australia and (Inside) magazine, the panel examines the evolution of design and architecture in this changing world and what to expect in the future of design.

Floris Schoonderbeek is best known for his “Dutchtub” mobile bathtub, which exports the culture of ‘boundless bathing’ to inspire people to rediscover their outdoor environment. Similarly focused on the alfresco lifestyle, Freek Verhoeven is the designer behind the colourful Freek Outdoor Carpets that have taken Europe by storm. Both products will be on show at designEX in the Electrolux Outdoor Room feature with Jamie Durie™.

designEX’s international design experts will be joined by high profile Australian speakers including Michael McCann (Dreamtime Australia Design), and futurist Richard Watson.

Keynote Session (Bjarke Ingels): Thursday 30 April, 10.30am-12noon and Friday 1 May, 10.00am-11.30am. Global Design Discussion Panel: Saturday 2 May, 10.30-12noon.
Each session costs $90.

Online registration for designEX 2009 is now open. Visit www.designex.info.

- ENDS -

designEX 2009: 30 April – 2 May, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Capturing the passion of design professionals across Australasia for 21 years, designEX is the #1 exhibition for the latest trends and innovations in contemporary design and interior architecture. designEX returns to Melbourne this year with new features Kaleidoscope for textiles, sitting alongside designEX favourites like the Seminar Series, Latitude, the Electrolux Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie and D4S, an interactive showcase of the latest in design for sustainability. designEX is co-located with Form & Function, the premier exhibition for the building industry, the 2009 Interior Design Awards and the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2009 National Conference. designEX and Form and Function are trade-only events.
www.designex.info

About dmg world media

An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg world media produces over 250 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes more than 40 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media employs 700 people and maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, Australia and New Zealand. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), one of the largest and most successful media companies in the United Kingdom. Additional information on dmg world media can be found at www.dmgworldmedia.com

Media contact:
Selena O’Hare or Mel Derepas at Whispr Communications; T 03 9534 8600, M 0425 224 159 or sohare@whispr.com.au

D4S Finds Design To Sustain The Future

As the quest to shrink our footprint intensifies, new ideas galore will be launching at the 2009 designEX and Form & Function exhibitions – each designed to take the heat out of our energy-sapping human habitats.

D4S (“design for sustainability”), is a show feature in its third year that seeks out cutting edge products where responsible design elements, such as minimal consumption and waste, are integrated without compromising on aesthetics and functionality.

“For a sustainable future, we need to redesign the way we use the world, and this concept is at the heart of the D4S showcase,” said Edward Owens from dmg world media, which stages the event.

“Let’s face it, sustainability issues are big opportunities for clever design.

“This rethinking is uncovering a diverse range of D4S innovators in 2009,” said Edward. “From transforming food care with the optimum refrigeration options of the Izona CoolDrawer from Fisher & Paykel to advances in integrated renewable energy, with Schott Solar’s multifunctional glass panels – and everything in between.”

In 2009 D4S welcomes Design Victoria as a principal partner, along with Sustainability Victoria, which each year ensures that all participants embrace the following criteria:

1. Efficient design – keep the material and resource inputs to a minimum;
2. Cyclic design – ensure materials can be cycled through natural or industrial systems;
3. Safe design – avoid toxic and hazardous substances and processes;
4. Communication – keep it honest and encourage responsible behaviour.

In keeping with its eco-design fundamentals, all display plinths at D4S are made from D4S participant Xanita’s revolutionary new X-Board, which combines recycled cardboard with sugar cane bagasse.

D4S will showcase sustainable design at its finest and also includes a bookshop with daily book signings from industry recognised authors, and the Zip café.

Sustainability Victoria and Design Victoria will host the D4S Tool Box of online resources to help influence design priorities and achieve sustainable outcomes.

To pre-register online for free entry to designEX and Form & Function, go to: www.designex.info.

- ENDS -

Media contact:
Selena O’Hare or Mel Derepas at Whispr Communications
T 03 9534 8600, M 0425 224 159 or sohare@whispr.com.au

About dmg world media
dmg world media is an international exhibition and publishing company, producing more than 250 market-leading business to business exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs. In addition, the company also produces 45 related trade and consumer magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media maintains a worldwide presence through more than 30 offices around the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, China, Australia and New Zealand. www.dmgworldmedia.com.au

designex Goes To Extremes To Bring The Best In Outdoor

Jamie Durie, celebrated author and TV presenter, Australia’s favourite garden guru and Oprah’s “go-to guy” for all things green, will be part of the exciting line-up of speakers and innovators in outdoor design at designEX in Melbourne on 30 April to 2 May.

Jamie’s seminar presentation, Extreme Scaping, follows the global wave to creating greener urban environments for healthier cities and how easily this can be achieved.

“In the din and chaos of a chattering city, what better place could there be for a garden?” Jamie says. “City dwellers are realising they can make a difference to their spaces – from the neglected rear laneway and the humble apartment balcony to the rooftop on a high rise towerblock – and they are looking to professionals for advice.”

Extreme Scaping aims to sow a revolution in dense urban living by sharing with the industry inspiring ideas and information on:

Vertical gardens and vertical farming;
Rooftop gardens;
Community gardens and bringing neighbourhoods together;
Creating wildlife sanctuaries in cities;
Window boxes and container gardening;
Landscaping with edibles.

Reflecting Australia’s obsession with the outdoor lifestyle, the seminar supports a growing feature within designEX that is totally devoted to outdoor design, with more than 20 innovators showcasing new products.

The Electrolux Outdoor Room with Jamie DurieÔ pulls it all together with a fresh modern outdoor cinema concept. Jamie will be presenting from the area and there will be several like-minded new products nearby, including global representation with the “Dutchtub” mobile bathtub by Floris Schoonderbeek exporting the culture of ‘boundless bathing’.

“In its third year, the Outdoor Room has proved a favourite and this year visitors and exhibitors alike can retreat to the space, kick back and enjoy the BBQ and outdoor cinema experience,” said Edward Owens from dmg world media.

So for the latest in outdoor, this year’s designEX is not to be missed: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from Thursday 30 April – Saturday 2 May. Jamie Durie will present Extreme Scaping on Thursday April 30 from 3.00pm - 4.00pm. Tickets cost $65.

For a full program of seminar speakers and to pre-register online for free entry to designEX and Form & Function, go to: www.designex.info.

- ENDS -

Media contact:
Selena O’Hare or Mel Derepas at Whispr Communications

T 03 9534 8600, M 0425 224 159 or sohare@whispr.com.au

Renew Your Faith In Good Design - designex 2009 Count Down Begins

The hottest calendar dates for design disciples have been revealed as designEX, Australasia’s #1 exhibition for commercial and residential interior architecture and design, announces its 2009 event.

Celebrating the passion of the Australian design industry, the central theme this year is ‘designEX – It's a Religion’.

designEX is calling all true believers to head to Melbourne on 30 April to 2 May in 2009 for the pinnacle of the design calendar: a three-day celebration of design trends, products and people.

“Capturing the zeal of design professionals across the Southern Hemisphere for 21 years, designEX has built a loyal following of those acutely interested in design innovation,” said Edward Owens of dmg world media, which stages the event.

“We expect more than 300 leading design companies to gather together to showcase their creativity,” he said.

WHAT:       designEX 2009
WHEN:       Thursday 30 April – Saturday 2 May
WHERE:     Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
WHY:         For total design enlightenment

Developed to maximise revelations, visitations and inspirations, designEX will be launching a new program for its International Seminar Series. This will sit alongside perennial favourites, including The Electrolux Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie and D4S, an interactive showcase of the latest in Design for Sustainability.

To all designers, architects, specifiers, retail buyers for furniture and homewares, property managers, developers, landscapers, interior designers and decorators: stay tuned for more details.

designEX will be co-located with Form & Function, Australia’s premier building, architectural and construction trade exhibition, the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2009 National Conference and the 2009 Interior Design Awards.

ENDS

Media contact:
Selena O’Hare or Mel Derepas at Whispr Communications

T 03 9534 8600, M 0425 224 159 or sohare@whispr.com.au