The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)'s first Women+Design Summit (#IDSAWomenDesign)—focusing on the unique challenges and accomplishments of women in design—will be held on May 12, 2017 in San Diego. All are welcome to attend. 

See the schedule and sessions and register online by May 8. Book your hotel room block rate by May 2 at the Renaissance San Diego. A welcome reception, sponsored by PepsiCo, will be held on the evening of May 11 on the hotel's rooftop lounge.

"I'm looking forward to working with women across the Society to elevate our voices in the industry," says Megan Neese, IDSA, of Renault-Nissan Alliance, who—on May 1—becomes the fourth woman to assume the role of chair of IDSA's Board of Director's in the Society's 50+ year history. "My colleagues and collaborators lead IDSA's Women in Design Special Interest Section and a rare, all-female slate of officers is rejuvenating one of IDSA's largest communities—the San Francisco Chapter. Now, we hope to bring discussions about women in design to a national audience at our first Women+Design Summit."

Through speakers, sessions, panel, workshop and a networking lunch—the summit will delve into personal stories, experiences and ever evolving topics:

· Morning keynote Maaike Evers, who has spearheaded an alternative design studio formula in San Francisco, will share how she's guided by her passion and energy for design. The co-founder of Mike and Maaike, Inc. was named among the "Most Creative People in Business" by Fast Company.

· Afternoon keynote Erica Eden, director of global innovation at PepsiCo, will explain why "Women Are Not Robots" as she reveals "A Case for a Human Approach to Innovation."

· Go behind the wheel with Diane Allen of Nissan Design America in "Driving Design: Women in Automotive Design."

· IDSA San Francisco Chapter Chair and IDSA Women in Design Section Vice Chair Ti Chang, IDSA—co-founder of a San Francisco-based company specializing in discreet and luxury sex toys. CRAVE—will take attendees from "Industrial Designer to Entrepreneur."

· Emma Segal of Disrupt Design delivers the "Gender Equity Toolkit" workshop.

· Andrea Small, director of product and portfolio strategy at Herman Miller, shares "Untold Stories" of the women behind some of the most iconic designs of our time.

Rebecca Alvord, IDSA, of GE Appliances and a member of the IDSA Board, takes the helm of the "Inspiring Leadership" workshop. "Prepare to be challenged!" she declares.

A panel of seasoned designers will tackle questions about work-life balance and challenges that have impacted their success in life and design. Join Nancy Perkins, FIDSA, of Perkins Design Ltd., as she hosts "Gender Equity by Design" featuring Pattie Moore, FIDSA, an internationally-renowned designer, gerontologist and authority on consumer lifespan behaviors who was featured by ABC News as one of 50 Americans Defining the New Millennium; former IDSA Board Chair and President Betty Baugh, FIDSA; and Katherine Bennett, IDSA, of Art Center College of Design.

"Together we will dive into the journey of being a woman in design. We will look at how far we've come and how we arrived here, then push forward to see how far we still have to go," says Neese. "Several generations will weigh in as we discuss, debate and attempt to solve real world issues."

Follow the conversation and post photos using #IDSAWomenDesign on Twitter @IDSA; Instagram @IDSAdesign; and Industrial Designers Society of America on Facebook and LinkedIn. Join IDSA's Women in Design LinkedIn group.