Style-Vision is staging its biggest Round Table yet in October in St Jean Cap-Ferrat, Côte d'Azur.
The next event, which runs October 26 to 28, has drawn together creative leaders from a broad range of disciplines.
They include Dr. Christine Ahrend of Volkswagen's trend research group; Deidre Hackman, design director of Speedo; Brechje Vissers, senior consultant at Philips Design; and Roger Tredre, WGSN editor-in-chief.
The first of Style-Vision's innovative cross-disciplinary Round Tables – with their emphasis on collaborative work – was held in October 2003 at the Negresco hotel in Nice, attracting enthusiastic reviews.
Since then, the innovative and intimate format has developed steadily, with participants also appreciating the opportunity to network in relaxed surroundings.
Mette Kristine Oustrup, managing partner of Style-Vision, said the format will be expanded to locations close to Hong Kong, London and New York in 2006. "I am also looking for partners and sponsors to create Round Tables in countries like India, South Africa, Russia and Brazil. Or maybe Bali! Why not?"
She added: "The diversity of a global world reinforces the conviction that crossing views, mixing praxis and exchanging ideas is a necessity. Many creative leaders are also in dire need of some "fresh air", somewhere you connect with like-minded people away from the stressful daily routine."
"We see amazing new thoughts initiated as well as business initiatives launched at our Round Tables."
Confirmed attendees for next month's event include: Dan Ostahie, CEO, Altex Impex SRL, Romania; Antoine de Riedmatten, Creative Marketing Studio, Firmenich, Switzerland; Michelle Alfandari, president, Moda International Marketing, US; Dr. Christine Ahrend, Trend Research Group, Volkswagen; Shannaz Schopfer de Villarreal, founder, Advanced Beauty Technologies.
Also on the list: Sohrab Vossoughi, president, Ziba Design, US; Tanja Fisher, senior design manager, Focused Appeal Business Line, Nokia, UK; Liisa Poulakka, senior design manager, Insight & Innovation, Nokia, UK; Ron Pompei, CEO and founder, Pompei AD, US; Jody Turner, CEO and founder, Culture of Future, US; Brechje Vissers, senior consultant, Philips Design; Keith Yamashita, CEO, Stone Yamashita Partners; Deidre Hackman, design director, Speedo, US.