What’s next for design? Pentawards first in-person festival looks into the future of the industry

Packaging fans will likely be familiar with Pentawards’ world-leading annual packaging design awards. Its 15th anniversary last year culminated in a virtual gala ceremony with winning designs spanning environmentalism and mental health issues. This year, however, the renowned design platform unveils its first in-person event with a two-day festival that will run from 22-23 September 2022 at London’s Science Museum. Packed with talks from experts across the design industry and panel discussions, Pentawards Festival 2022 will offer countless opportunities to get inspired and connect with fellow creatives. On top of that, attendees will also receive invaluable insights into the future of the packaging and design industries, with this year’s theme titled: Design: Where next?

It’s a hefty question, but to help designers, studios and all those in adjacent industries navigate “current issues, solutions and latest innovations”, Pentawards will tackle the concern via three key themes, the site explains. Sustainability 2.0, Authentic Inclusivity and Essential Futures are this year’s core sections – with all sessions split between these concepts. Discussions on the metaverse, new sustainable materials, AI, the future of diversity and inclusion plus avoiding greenwashing are among the issues underpinning this year’s sessions.

Confirmed speakers at the two-day event include artist Felipe Pantone, Pentagram’s Jon Marshall and Paula Chin, senior policy advisor at WWF, with industry debates to be held alongside keynote speakers. Embracing the full benefits of an IRL event, fostering creative connections is also a priority for Pentawards. With its Meet the Brands: All Out Networking event – held in the museum’s Flight Gallery – Pentawards will offer attendees pitching and networking opportunities with global brands. For those with their sights firmly set on the highly anticipated Pentawards winners announcement, the festival will be followed by the official gala award ceremony at Royal Opera House.

The projects shortlisted for Pentawards are known for tackling some of the industry’s most pressing problems. Last year, winning projects included Supple Studio’s exploration of men’s mental health through box design. Pentawards continues this running thread with their talks this year. For example, one panel discussion led by JDO’s Boma Krijgsman, Vault49’s John Glasgow and Unilever’s Lara Kerbaj will explore the future of diversity and inclusion in design – offering actionable ways designers can support this driving force. The agenda also offers the chance to look at the process behind some of the most successful branding projects of recent years. For example, BBC’s creative director Tim Jones will discuss his work on the BBC One Idents and Tokyo 2020 in a discussion on pushing good work further, while Pentagram’s Jon Marshall will break down numerous packaging case studies that address sustainability.

To get a comprehensive look at this year’s agenda and sign up to experience all the event has on offer, head over to the Pentawards Festival 2022 website.