Since 2008, A Better World by Design (BWxD) has brought scientists, designers, CEOs and students from around the world to Providence, RI to discuss how design and design thinking can work to make the world a better place. The three-day student-organized conference takes place at Brown and RISD campuses and promises "a year's worth of good feelings" for all in attendance.

This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of the conference, scheduled to run September 28–30. Core77 will be providing daily coverage of the event, from keynote speakers to panel discussions and everything in between.

The lineup of speakers promises not to disappoint, headlining Rocco Landesman, the Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts. Other speakers include Lorna Ross, Creative Lead and Director of the Mayo Clinic, and Cheryl Heller, founder of Heller Communication Design and Board Chair of PopTech.

Panels include: Big Data (featuring Ben Fry), Design Policy, Education for Social Innovation, Failure in Five, Research in Design for Development, Local Food Realities, Persuasive Communication, and Sustainable Business Models.

As with every year, BWxD does an excellent job of organizing hands-on, interactive workshops alongside talks and panel discussions. Design for America: Re-Thinking Political Engagement, Polyhedra by Weaving hosted by RISD STEAM Club, and Rapid Prototyping are just a few of 19 workshops being offered over the course of the next three days.

To kick off the entire conference, BWxD is throwing themselves what is sure to be an epic birthday party with the fantastic folks over at ANCHOR. Introducing the Better World Hall of Fame for the first time in BWxD history, the honorees will be showcased in the gallery space. From bike swag to a photo booth and bike-powered DJ, Damien Ewens, this year's after party might just be able to top last year's (a pretty sizable feat, based on past experience).

Student and Professional passes are still available for BWxD, be sure to stop by abetterworldbydesign.com to grab yours!

See all of our Better World by Design 2012 coverage:
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