Summer Networking 2026

July 20, 2026

The bayern design forum e.V.’s Summer Networking event brought together the worlds of design, business, and the creative scene. The focus was on exchange, new ideas regarding AI and design, and the future of creative innovation.

The bayern design forum e.V. community gathered in Nuremberg on July 13, 2026. Following a board meeting and a general membership meeting, the evening was dedicated to dialogue, networking, and community building. Once again, it became clear that the special impact of design arises from working together.

To kick things off, Rolf Schifferens looked back on the association’s history: Founded 39 years ago, bayern design forum e.V. will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. At the same time, the evening also marked a change in the board: Dr. Dewi Schönbeck is taking over as chair, while Schifferens will serve as secretary going forward.

In her welcoming remarks, the new chairwoman emphasized the association’s role as an important platform for discussion and exchange. She noted that the connection between design, business, and society in particular makes a valuable contribution to highlighting the importance of design and sustainably strengthening Bavaria as a business location.

Nadine Vicentini, managing director of bayern design, also emphasized the importance of shared commitment. Trust, open dialogue, and close collaboration within the network are central to successful project work, she said, because good design arises above all from exchange.

Prof. Dr. Friedrich von Borries from the Hamburg University of Fine Arts then provided an inspiring presentation. His presentation focused on the GetMinds project, which opens up new forms of dialogue about design. Among other things, he addressed the question of how artificial intelligence can influence creativity and the strategic importance of design for companies and organizations.

Also in attendance was Andreas Auberger, the new director of the CreativeTechHUB at Bayern Innovativ GmbH. The CreativeTechHUB connects stakeholders from the creative industries, technology, business, and research, thereby fostering innovation at the intersection of creativity and technology in Bavaria.

The summer festival thus not only provided a space for networking and conversation but also offered exciting perspectives on the future of design. It was an evening that demonstrated once again: creative innovation arises where different perspectives come together.

More information about the association is available here: https://bayern-design.de/verein.