Thursday, March 12
11:45 a.m.
$25 for Non-Members
RSVP to aafreservations@gmail.com
Building a solid brand and changing perceptions is hard. Building a brand out of a region with four major metropolitan areas and 2.34 million people, ALL of who have a very acute sense of civic pride, is a lesson in design diplomacy. Megan Stephens and Willoughby Design have had the privilege (most of the time) of participating in many ongoing efforts to build the KC brand. Megan will share the evolution of Kansas City as a brand and the role that design, marketing, and patience have played in advancing the vision for one united region.
Willoughby’s ongoing work with the many complex facets of civic identity from public transit to tourism to local business is a lesson in what (and what not) to do when branding a community.
Megan Stephens is President and Partner at Willoughby Design, a strategic brand innovation and design firm with specialties in brand identity, retail/restaurant and packaging. The firm’s inclusive approach to brand design leads to highly relevant brand experiences that delight and inspire everyday life with a specific passion for connecting with women from a female perspective. Founded in 1978, Willoughby Design is a certified woman-owned business with offices in Kansas City, Mo. and San Francisco, Ca. Clients range from Panera Bread, the United Nations, Hallmark Cards, The Hershey Company, Einstein Bros Bagels, Noodles & Company and SPIN! Pizza to civic organizations including VisitKC, KC Chamber and Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. Learn more at WilloughbyDesign.com.
Website: willoughbydesign.com
Megan on Twitter: @MegaPop
Willoughby on Twitter: @Willobuzz