From the globalization of design to the rise of local craftsmanship, the Design Leadership Network's 9th-annual Design Leadership Summit (DLS), slated for November 4-7 in New York City, will feature a range of subjects, a stellar line-up of speakers, and for the first time—a Design Leadership Award.

“In 2013 we brought together an extraordinary caliber of keynote speakers and panelists who delivered world class content to our community," said Peter Sallick, DLS co-host and CEO of Design Investors, Waterworks and Dering Hall. "The 2014 summit will continue in that tradition with extraordinary programming that inspires and educates attendees, with the addition of a stronger focus on guided as well as informal group discussions that allow attendees to interact and learn from one another."

Fran Lebowitz

The DLS will open with a cocktail reception and presentation by iconic New Yorker Fran Lebowitz. Held at the United Nations, the first day of programming will challenge attendees to consider the increasingly international scope and scale of the design marketplace. Attendees will gain exclusive access to governmental, corporate, and design world leaders who will each in their own way inspire and help attendees rethink firms’ reach and approach to global design.

Left: UN north delegates' lounge by Hella Jongerius and Rem Koolhaas

The second day will transition from global to local in Brooklyn’s Industry City. "Brooklyn has come to symbolize the rising culture of creativity and craft, epitomizing a deep sense of pride in making things and living local," said Sallick. "From home furnishings to food, music to art, technology to sports, Brooklyn has become a place that is inspiring and informing a generation of people making a difference." The DLS presentations will explore design education, the latest in creative technology, and the collaboration that comes through a culture of creativity. The day will close with an evening of dinner, games, music and networking at Brooklyn Bowl.

Industry City, Brooklyn

Rendering of Industry City's Factory Floor, a new 22,000 square foot space that will function as a permanent pop-up marketplace for local makers.

“Starting at the United Nations sets us up for in-depth conversations with design leaders who have global influence,” said Kate Kelly Smith, DLS co-host and SVP Group Publishing Director of Hearst Design Group. “In Brooklyn we’ll dive into some of the trends currently driving the course of design: artisanship, education, small scale industry and start-ups. New York City is the ideal venue for digging into these perspectives, both the macro- and micro-views on the forces at work in our industry.”

The inaugural Design Leadership Award will honor will recognize one individual leader for his or her contribution to the design and architecture community. Nominations will be open to a vote from DLN members who will also select the final recipient. Selection criteria includes demonstrated leadership, innovation in the fields of design or architecture, and a commitment to the advancement of the community.

“In introducing The Design Leadership Award, we are giving our members a platform to recognize individuals who have made an impact on the industry, and changed this community for the better,” said John Edelman, DLS co-host and CEO, Design Within Reach.

Highlights video from Design Leadership Summit 2013

Speakers, panels, topics and details for private tours will be announced in August.