UCDA Design Conference: Confluence

Thank you for registering for the 53rd annual UCDA Design Conference, hosted in the diverse international city of Atlanta where trade, design, and innovation are seeing unprecedented growth. A booming arts district, a confluence of culture, and a line-up of dynamic speakers, workshops, and community are sure to ignite your senses, providing you with the inspiration that you need.

Every year, we look forward to connecting with our design community at the conference where we take an in-depth look at the issues and trends in design and communication communities, both in and out of educational institutions, and gain inspiration to spark our creativity and improve our collaborations. Sample a broad range of experiences and see what Atlanta has to offer. Come together to trade experiences with your peers. Listen to the dynamic lineup of speakers. Return home inspired. Connect with others who are attending via the UCDA Events app.

INSIDER TIP: PLAN YOUR VISIT
discoveratlanta.com 

Atlanta’s October weather is generally dry (no rain) with high temperatures in the 80s gradually down to the 70s and lows from the 60s to 50s.

INSIDER TIP: DRESS IN LAYERS
Meeting rooms can sometimes be chilly, so dress in layers or bring a light sweater.

GETTING TO ATLANTA
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ALT) is located just south of downtown Atlanta and is a global gateway, offering non-stop service to more than 150 domestic and 70 international destinations.
https://www.atl.com

The Peachtree Station (Amtrak) and is approximately 5 miles south of the InterContinental Buckhead hotel standing in the Brookwood Hills neighborhood. The depot was conceived as an Italian Renaissance pavilion with classical features including pilasters, columns, and a prominent entablature.
https://www.amtrak.com/stations/atl

MARTA
MARTA is Atlanta’s rapid transit rail system. It carries passengers from the airport up to Buckhead and beyond, and east and west through Atlanta’s neighborhoods. When flying into the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it's easy to get to the hotel using the Atlanta metro train transport system (MARTA). MARTA's Airport Station is inside the Domestic Terminal, between the North and South baggage claims.
https://www.itsmarta.com

Red Line
The Red line travels directly to Buckhead (the station is approx. 3 blocks from the hotel) Note: If you’re traveling after 8:30 p.m., you may need to take the Gold line (Doraville) train from the airport and transfer to a Red line (North Springs) train at Lindbergh Center station. 

Train Stations and Schedules
https://www.itsmarta.com/train-stations-and-schedules.aspx

Mobile App
https://www.itsmarta.com/marta-on-the-go.aspx

INSIDER TIP: TAKE MARTA TO THE HOTEL
We recommend taking Marta from the airport. With Atlanta’s well-known traffic, it’s the easiest (and quickest) form of transportation. You may buy a one-way ticket (includes four free transfers within a three-hour period) or a one-day pass. You can also use MARTA to travel between downtown Atlanta if there are any locations you want to visit while there!

 

GET YOUR DIGITAL COMPANION FOR THE UCDA DESIGN CONFERENCE
We are introducing a new events app called Agorify for the conference. Look for an email from team@agorify.com to download the app and join the event.

Please let us know if you don’t receive this email invitation (be sure to check your spam/junk folder) by sending an email to info@ucda.com.

You will be able to download the official conference app that will include the following features. 

FEATURES
Schedule—Complete program at your fingertips with links to relevant information about sessions, speakers, and evaluations.
Sponsors—Learn more about and connect with our event sponsors.
Evaluations—Easy-to-use online evaluations for each session and overall event.
Floor Plans—Digital maps to help you locate where you need to be.
Area Guide—Everything you need to know about the area from exploring to enjoying a great meal.

INSIDER TIP: GET THE APP
Download the app now so it's installed and ready when the event launches and ready when you want it!

 

Let your friends, colleagues, and family know you are going! Share your experiences and photos before and during the event.

CONFERENCE SITE
The 53rd annual UCDA Design Conference will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta (north of downtown). Rooms will be limited this year because of all the activities going on in and around Atlanta mid-October.

Intercontinental Hotel
3315 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326                               
404-946-9000

INSIDER TIP: BOOK YOUR ROOM EARLY
UCDA has a limited room block at the conference hotel, so you are encouraged to book early.

DISCOUNTED HOTEL RATES
To secure your room, contact the hotel directly at 404-946-9000 and mention the UCDA Design Conference to receive your room at the rate of $209 (single or double). You may also. book online at https://book.passkey.com/go/UCDADesignConference23. The deadline to receive this rate has been extended until September 13, based on availability.

The rate is also available two days pre- and post-conference, based on availability. After that date, rooms may be available at the prevailing rate.

The hotel stay is not included in the conference registration fees. You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations. Room blocks may fill before the hotel deadline and have sold out the last few years, so please make your reservation immediately to ensure the discounted rate and availability.

ONSITE REGISTRATION
Saturday, October 14, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Be sure to pick up your name tag and conference registration materials at the registration desk located outside the Windsor Ballroom.

Name tags must be worn at all UCDA events.

INSIDER TIP: AVOID THE RUSH—AND LINES—AND PICK UP YOUR NAME TAG EARLY.

BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO’S GOT THE BUTTON?
So, you want all the buttons from the 2023 UCDA Design Conference, do you? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Fill out the form below and submit your payment information and we will have a set ready for you when you check in! No need to keep checking the button bin during the conference to see if—or when—new buttons are offered.

Pack are just $10, and only 50 packs available. You will received ALL 12 BUTTONS—plus a special 13th button that only those who purchase the 12-pack will get!
Order today!

UCDA FOUNDATION AUCTION OPENING
Saturday, October 14, 1 p.m.
Closing reception: Monday, October 16, 4:30-5 p.m.
Each year we ask our members, speakers, sponsors, and anyone in our profession to submit items to be auctioned off at the annual conference. Proceeds from the UCDA Foundation Auction at the UCDA Design Conference will directly benefit UCDA.

Objects made by our members including photographs, paintings, drawings, prints, posters, jewelry, ceramics, weavings, cards, books, etc., are especially well-received by conference attendees. Also, quirky and unusual items such as pop-up books, collectibles, and objects d'art do extremely well in the silent auction. And, donated items from the conference city will forever remind the winning bidder of the wonderful time they had while attending the UCDA Design Conference.

Bring an item or two to donate for the silent auction: drop items off at the registration desk.

You may also contribute to the UCDA Foundation outside of the auction with a monetary donation.

1. Give or pledge online at the UCDA Foundation website
2. Give using CashApp: $UCDAFoundation

INSIDER TIP: STOP BY THE AUCTION’S CLOSING RECEPTION ON MONDAY TO ENSURE YOU DON’T GET OUTBID!

PARTY ON THE GREEN
Saturday, October 14, 6:30-9 p.m.
It’s time to mix and mingle with other conference goers! Partake in refreshments, food, and meet old friends and new contacts with our Networking Game.

COFFEE TALK, CITY WALK, OR INSTAMEET

Sunday, October 15, 7-8 a.m.

Why not enjoy an early start with a walk around Buckhead? Join UCDA leaders, colleagues, and friends for an invigorating beginning to your day. More interested in coffee at 7 a.m.? Come join colleagues, friends, and UCDA leaders for some down-to-earth coffee talk.

Are you an Instagrammer? Bring your camera for a stroll through the hotel and surrounding neighborhood as you discover and share your photographs through Instagram. Tag your pics with #UCDA2023.

PUBLICATIONS SWAP SHOP
Sunday, October 15, 5:30-6 p.m. (Sponosred by Slate Group)
Share your work and pick up some samples for inspiration in this limited-time event. Doors will open for one hour, and once the samples are gone, they’re gone! Bring or send ahead approximately 30-50 samples (or as many as you can spare). If sending, please ship them to yourself at the hotel and drop off at the UCDA Registration Desk.

The Swap Shop is a run and get ’em sample exchange. The doors open, and it’s a free-for-all. Sort of like a bride’s bargain basement sale, only with publications instead of dresses, designers instead of brides, and the publications are free.

Those bringing or sending materials for the swap will receive an entry for a drawing to receive a “priority pass” to be at the head of the line!

Send them to:
Intercontinental Hotel
Attn: Your Name (hotel guest)
3315 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326                               
404-946-9000

INSIDER TIP: BRING MATERIALS FOR THE SWAP TO RECEIVE A “PRIORITY PASS.” 

SCHOOL SPIRIT EVENT
Monday, October 16
Show your school spirit by wearing your institution or company colors on Monday!

UCDA EXPO
The UCDA Expo (formerly the Resource Center) includes an exhibition by various companies. Visit with company representatives, get answers to your most pressing questions, and see the latest techniques, products, and services.

Also included this year—check out the Sponsor Pods for additional programming and the Design Pods for some creative hands-on activities.

Special thanks to all our sponsors, exhibitors, and partners!

INSIDER TIP: LEAVE EXTRA ROOM IN YOUR LUGGAGE OR BRING A SHIPPING LABEL FOR ALL OF THE GOODIES YOU’LL PICK UP AT THE EXPO (AS WELL AS THE SWAP SHOP).

 

CODE OF CONDUCT
Please see UCDA’s Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, including our Statement of Inclusiveness. We expect conference participants to follow these rules at program venues and program-related social events, along with the COVID-19 Code of Conduct (subject to change based on local requirements).
 

ATLANTA AND BUCKHEAD
There are so many things to see and do in Atlanta, and with the MARTA so near to the conference hotel, you can easily get around.

While there, feel the creative heartbeat of Atlanta and the surrounding area, and explore the authenticity of the city’s arts and culture. See Atlanta for Creatives for just a short list of the many opportunities available.