In March 2023, the Leaders of Design hosted a group of designers, partners, international influencers and members of the media on a trip to Israel for its annual conference, a keystone to building and sustaining its vibrant community. The dynamic melting pot of talent toured historic locations throughout the country to gather the kind of inspiration and information that can only be gleaned from experiencing new cities, meeting new people and forming new alliances.

First, the Leaders of Design traveled to Jerusalem, which offered attendees a special opportunity to witness how old and new come together. They explored the many layers of the city, observing how it has developed and changed over thousands of years. After a few days, the conference moved on to Israel’s cultural capital, Tel Aviv, internationally known for its initiative and innovative spirit. While there, members heard from internationally acclaimed industrial designer Ron Arad, engaged in a workshop on culture led by industry strategist David Lecours and learned about the latest innovations in the field from students at Reichman University.

“As an organization, the Leaders of Design has evolved into a think tank for inspiring our members to do their best work,” said co-founder Keith Granet. “The travel component of our annual conference has influenced their design skills, while our leadership training and relationship-building activities have grown their practices beyond their expectations. Israel marked the 17th year of our annual conference, which once again was an experience that will continue to influence our members’ lives and work.”