Project Overview

• Client: National Public Radio (NPR)

• Event: Week in Washington (WIW) 2016 Conference

• Role: Conference Branding Designer, Senior Graphic Designer

• Duration: February – March 2016

• Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)

• Industry: Media, Public Affairs

Objectives

• Establish a Visual Identity: Create a strong visual presence that aligned with NPR's established brand identity while differentiating the conference as a unique and impactful event.

• Create Cohesive Event Materials: Design a suite of materials that were functional, professional, and easy to navigate, enhancing the attendee experience.

• Enhance Attendee Experience: Ensure that each material, whether a nametag, program guide, or signage, contributed to a seamless and engaging event flow.

• Stay True to the Event's Mission: The branding needed to reflect NPR's mission of providing insightful, informative, and trustworthy content, while also capturing the importance of the political discussions taking place.

Design Approach

1. Brand Consistency with NPR:

• NPR’s established branding elements, such as the distinctive NPR logo, color palette, and typography, formed the foundation of the conference branding. The challenge was to create a sense of novelty for the conference while respecting NPR’s long-standing brand identity.

• A sophisticated, modern aesthetic was chosen, with clean lines, bold pattern, and a minimal color palette to maintain NPR's reputation for professionalism while adding a fresh touch for the event.

2. Designing for Function and Visibility:

• The conference materials included large-format signage, program brochures, nametags, banners, and digital displays. Each item needed to be visually striking, while also serving its functional purpose, whether to guide attendees, inform them of the schedule, or display speaker names and session details.

3. Personalization and Cohesion:

• Nametags and badge designs were designed to reflect the conference’s identity, featuring a clean, elegant layout with the conference logo, attendee name, and organizational affiliation. This helped foster networking opportunities by making it easier for attendees to connect.

• Additionally, the event programs were designed to be both practical and visually appealing, featuring a color-coded schedule and visually engaging imagery that captured the essence of the event’s themes.

4. Bringing the Experience Together:

• Every material was designed with the attendee’s experience in mind. From entry signage to session identifiers, each piece helped create a cohesive journey through the conference. This thoughtful design allowed attendees to easily navigate the event, feel welcomed, and stay informed.

Reflection & Lessons Learned

This project reinforced the importance of designing with purpose—every design element had a specific role in creating a seamless attendee experience. The collaboration with NPR's team allowed me to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that each design served a functional role without compromising on aesthetics.

• Importance of Clear Communication: As a branding designer, clear communication with the event organizers was critical. Understanding their needs early on helped ensure the materials would fulfill the logistical requirements while still maintaining visual appeal.

• Timely Production: The tight timeline for this project was a valuable reminder of the importance of organization and careful planning in producing high-quality work within time-sensitive constraints.

This project was a great opportunity to blend creative design with functional event materials, contributing to the success of the WIW 2016 Conference and helping NPR establish a strong, professional presence in the event space.

Outcome & Results

• Successful Brand Integration: The conference branding was well-received and successfully aligned with NPR’s core identity while creating a distinct and sophisticated look for WIW 2016. All materials were cohesive, contributing to a polished and professional event experience.

• Increased Attendee Engagement: Attendees noted that the easy-to-read signage and clear program layout helped them navigate the event smoothly, resulting in higher engagement with sessions and speakers. The personalized nametags and programs helped attendees feel more connected to the event.

• High-Quality Visual Impact: The event’s branding elevated the conference’s prestige, with impactful signage that created a strong visual identity throughout the venue. The cohesive look of the materials left a lasting impression on attendees and helped position NPR as a leader in fostering critical conversations.

Key Features

• Signage: Large-format, clear, and visually striking signs that guided attendees to sessions and key locations.

• Event Program: A detailed, well-organized program featuring the event’s schedule, speaker bios, and session topics, designed to be both functional and aesthetically appealing.

• Nametags: Elegant and simple nametags that allowed for easy networking and personalization for attendees.

• Brand Consistency: All materials adhered to NPR’s branding guidelines, ensuring a professional and cohesive visual identity throughout the event.