about agi
student conference
 

Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) is a not-for-profit organization comprised of the world’s most respected graphic designers, illustrators and commercial artists. The group was founded in 1950, marking its first year with a celebrated exhibition mounted at the Louvre in Paris. With representation from over 15 countries, the collective work of AGI members represents the finest packaging, identity, publication, illustration and poster works in the world.

On September 23-28, 2008, over 1000 of the world’s top designers, students, educators and graphic arts professionals will converge in Chicago for the 2008 AGI Congress and AGI Student Conference. Alliance Graphique Internationale (AGI) will bring their annual Congress to America for only the third time in fifty years. Billed as the global design event of 2008, the event will present lectures, exhibitions, and a host of unique interactions with the world’s most notable leaders from the design profession.

The student program invites students and design educators from throughout the world to engage in a variety of lectures, special programs, workshops and exhibitions. AGI members will participate in side-by-side activities with the attendees, sharing knowledge, practical insights and hands-on instruction.

 
speakers (as of 4/14/08)
paul sahrejohn bielenbergniklaus troxlercarin gold
berg
michael vanderbyljennifer morlajames cro
ss
steff geissbuhlermichael bierutleonard sonn
oli
paula scherrick valicentifrancois robertseymo
ur chwast
deborah sussmanbart crosbydana arnett
 
schedule (as of 4/14/08)
 

day one: design hero lectures

tuesday, september 23, 2008
the art institute of chicago
rubloff auditorium

8.00 - 9.00am registration
continental breakfast
9.00 - 9.30am official welcome
9.30 - 10.15am speaker one
10.15 - 10.45am speaker two
10.45 - 11.15am speaker three
11.15 - 11.45am speaker four
11.45 - 12.15pm morning speakers
12:15 - 1.15pm lunch
1.15 - 1.30pm welcome back
1.30 - 2.00pm speaker five
2.00 - 2.30pm speaker six
2.30 - 3.00pm speaker seven
3.00 - 3.15pm short break
3.15 - 3.45pm speaker eight
3.45 - 4.15pm speaker nine
4.15 - 5.00pm speaker ten
5.00 - 6.00pm speaker eleven

day two: expert workshops

wednesday (september 24, 2008)
the art institute of chicago
and various venues in chicago

8.00 - 9.00am continental breakfast
9.00 - 9.30am podium welcome
9.30 - 10.30am adobe presentation
10.30 - 10.45am short break
10.45 - 11.45pm apple presentation
11:45 - 1.00pm lunch
1.00 - 2.15pm expert workshop*
2.15 - 2.30pm break
2.30 - 3.45pm expert workshop*
3.45 - 4.15pm break
4.15 - 5.30pm keynote speaker
5.30 - 6.00pm closing remarks
 
expert workshops
 
chicago design office tours:
unique and behind-the-scene tours of your favorite design firms at Crosby Associates, Leo Burnett USA, Motorola Design Lab, or Bruce Mau Design
close-up, hands-on and mind expanding:
experience valuable close and personal time with one of these three brilliant practicing designers as they engage you in their ways of thinking and making. you will be moved to the next level. led by Paul Sahre (conceptual master of books and editorial illustration, NYC), Jennifer Morla (creative director of Morla Design and Chief Creative Officer of Design Within Reach, San Francisco), Nicholas Blechman (principal of Knickerbocker Design an illustration and design studio and former art director of the NEW YORK TIMES Op-Ed, New York) or Christoph Niemann (redefines the wit of graphic visual language like no other as seen in the NEW YORKER and the NEW YORK TIMES SUNDAY MAGAZINE, New York)
conversation with Paula Scher and her posters:
a conversation and exhibit tour of Paula Scher and her posters
designing for consumers — a look at how Converse and Nike markets to global consumers:
a look at how Converse and Nike markets to global consumers
design at the movies:
HELVETICA – highlights of the film and discussion with Michael Beruit
global identity lecture:
a special presentation of Coca-Cola’s new global design and branding program
Joan Flasch Artists’ book collection:
a discussion with Doro Boehme, Special Collections Librarian, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
letterpress demonstration:
hands-on instruction to old-world printing
Mini Design History Lectures:
a historical look at great moments in design with Deborah Sussman (Sussman Prejza is a pioneer of environmental graphic design, creator of arresting visual imagery of architectural and public spaces, Los Angeles), Jim Cross (an ambassador of elegant and consistently applied design in the corporate world, Los Angeles) or Bart Crosby (founder of Crosby Associates, designer of exemplary corporate-identity programs, role model and mentor for generations of designers, Chicago)
seeing, noticing and sharing:
at the end of your time with one of these amazing designers on the streets of Chicago you will be sure to see your world with new eyes. led by Seymour Chwast (illustrator, designer and founder of Pin Studio, New York), Stephen Doyle (masterful designer, brilliant artist and great guy, New York), Francois Robert (photographer, designer, artist, and larger than life personality, Chicago/Tucson), Rick Valicenti (designer/artist, mentor and your muse for a day, Chicago)
 
accommodations
 

Food and lodging are not included in the Student Conference fee. Chicago, being a tourist friendly city, does offer many affordable options for accommodations from Hostelling International to four-star hotels. Do be aware that Chicago also hosts many meetings in September and hotel rooms as well as Hostelling International Chicago will likely be 100% booked. This being the case, we recommend that you reserve your hostel bed NOW! In support of this suggestion we’re providing the following information to best serve your needs during your stay in Chicago.

Hostelling International Chicago
24 East Congress parkway
Chicago, IL 60605
http://www.hichicago.org

Located in the center of downtown Chicago, Hostelling International is a 500 bed hostel, rated as BEST large hostel worldwide based on online customer reviews in 2006 and 2007. Guests enjoy safe, clean accommodations starting at $28 per person per night in a shared dorm. HI-Chicago offers:

  • Special AGI rate - $28/night plus tax
  • Shared accommodations in separate male/female dormitory-style rooms with 6-10 beds per room, many with in-suite facilities
  • Towels, linens, and blankets provided
  • Free Wi-Fi in common areas (lobby and dining room), information desk staffed by friendly volunteers, self service kitchen
  • Discounts to area attractions such as the Sears Tower and Hancock Observatory
  • 24-hour access and 24-hour security
  • No age restrictions
  • Free continental breakfast from 7-9am

About HI-Chicago
Most major attractions are within walking distance of Hostelling International Chicago’s perfect location. These include the Sears Tower, The Art Institute, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Michigan Ave./Magnificent Mile and Museum Campus. McCormick Place is less than two miles away and easily accessible by public transportation.

Reservations For AGI Student Conference Attendees
To receive the AGI rate of $28 plus tax per night, you must indicate the convention’s name when making your reservation. The rate is based on availability, and reservations must be made 45 days prior to the beginning of the conference to guarantee the rate. Reservations can be made by calling directly 312-583-2225, or emailing reserve@hichicago.org. Please indicate what dates you are interested in, the number of beds you would like to reserve and the gender. A Visa or MasterCard is required to hold the reservation. Payments can be made upon arrival with Visa, MasterCard or cash.

Alternative Hotel suggestions for AGI Student Conference Attendees
For alternative inexpensive hotel rooms, search for neighborhood and city hotels at http://www.choosechicago.com. There are also many sites available online. Chicago is as safe as any other large city. Stay in well-traveled areas and always travel in a group. Hotels near public transportation (CTA-Chicago Transit Authority) should be considered. Most of the Student Conference activities will take place in downtown Chicago at the Art Institute of Chicago which has easy access to CTA trains and buses.

 
register
 

The Conference fee is $ 100.00 USD.

Please complete and submit this form before Friday, September 5, 2008.

I am a student or faculty member at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
I am a design student or faculty member at a college, university or institute

INSURANCE
The organizers do not accept liability for personal injuries sustained during the conference or for the loss of, or damage to, property belonging to conference participants (or accompanying persons) either during, or as a result of the conference and/or excursions and activities. Please check the validity and coverage of your own insurance.

sappi
Register