Upcoming Events

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Thursday, September 16th
Spark Studio – Hyperakt

Where: 401 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 | MAP

Time: 6:30 pm time to chat;
7:00 pm discussion begins
Cost: a bottle of wine or beverage
RSVP: rsvp@sparknyc.org

Founding Principals and Creative Directors Julia Vakser and Deroy Peraza, will share their insights on running a small studio. Particular emphasis will be placed on maintaining a work/life balance, business strategies and successes, as well their team's industry recognition.

Hyperakt is an independent New York City design firm with a passion for creating work that effects change in the world around us. They work with clients who fight for social justice, celebrate cultural diversity, advance the pursuit of knowledge, and share their entrepreneurial spirit.



Tuesday, October 5th
Spark Roundtable - Intellectual Property Best Practices

Where: TBD

Time: 6:30 pm time to chat;
7:00 pm discussion begins
Cost: a bottle of wine or beverage
RSVP: rsvp@sparknyc.org

Copyright law is fairly black and white, but what about the gray areas of intellectual property rights for design? Be a part of the debate at the Spark Roundtable. Hot button topics will include: where do designers draw the line between copying and influenced by, releasing your files to in-house teams, presenting work on your web site completed at other firms, and following a system established by a previous designer. Share experiences and studio policies as we debate common issues of rights and usage together.



October 13th and 14th
Two Spark Roundtables - Comparing Proposal Strategies and Pricing

Where: HOW Mind Your Own Business Conference  Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, New York City
Time: 8:00-8:50 am each day
Cost: $1,195 full conference registration, - $100 discount code available for Spark members
Register Here: http://www.howbusinessconference.com/register/

How does your pricing measure up against others? Clients interviewing several firms see how designers structure their pricing, yet designers rarely discuss this subject with each other.

This workshop boldly tackles this "taboo" topic in order to candidly share with your colleagues how you'd respond to a sample project. We'll provide a brief description of the client, project scope and then circle the room sharing what each firm would typically propose.

On October 13th we will cover Branding and Print
On October 14th we will cover Website Design and Social Media Campaigns

Be prepared to share in order to gain valuable insights as we compare pricing, firm size, services provided, and overall approach to the defined objectives. Past iterations of this workshop have been known to completely transform participant's businesses

The MYOB Conference
Don't just attend for our Roundtables! The entire MYOB conference is 3 days (October 12-14) of close-up, nuts & bolts problem-solving combined with big-picture, long-term planning. You’ll look at your work, your clients and your marketing from a whole new perspective. Find solutions to some of your toughest business problems.

Organized by HOW magazine, in partnership with noted consultant David C. Baker of ReCourses, Inc., this conference is tailored specifically to address the challenges faced by creative-firm principals and owners. You’ll explore hard-hitting topics on managing for profit, leadership, and positioning your firm for smart growth. Plus you’ll have numerous opportunities to network with other creative firm principals in a non-competitive environment.

Visit www.myobconference.com for the complete rundown on conference sessions, speakers, and special networking opportunities. We've found this is a design business conference that really gets down to business!


Tuesday November 2nd
Spark Speak – Emily Cohen on Must-have Clauses to have in Contracts

Where:  Type Directors Club
347 West 36th Street, Suite 603
New York, NY 10018
| MAP
Time: 6:30 pm time to chat;
7:00 pm discussion begins
Cost: a bottle of wine or beverage
RSVP: rsvp@sparknyc.org


Emily Cohen is a top consultant and frequent speaker on business-related issues for the creative industry from staffing to pricing and contracts. She will discuss 10-Must Have Clauses you should include in contracts to help guide client relationships.

Tuesday December 7th
Sixth Annual Holiday Networking Party

Where: Vig Bar, 12 Spring St. at Elizabeth St. | MAP
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: $15 includes light fare
& cash bar
RSVP: rsvp@sparknyc.org by Dec 1 with your name and vendors you're bringing

Bringyourself, your business cards, and the vendors you love to our fifthannual festive holiday networking event! This is a great time for newand perspective members to come meet our group and see what types ofrelationships Spark can help
grow for you.





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Design: MSLK