COVID-19 Update: Design Thinking

We will be issuing regular updates on this page regarding the event status in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak. For urgent questions, please use the live-chat function (available Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET) or call 1-800-882-8684. 

Design Thinking 2020 is going ahead as scheduled.

In light of the recent developments surrounding COVID-19, I wanted to provide you with some information leading up to Design Thinking Austin, taking place next month.

Firstly, I want to stress that the show will go on! We are continuously monitoring what the CDC, WHO, and US Government have recommended and follow their advice. I want to assure you that our attendees’ health and well-being are our #1 priority and we do not take the current situation lightly. Therefore there are several precautions and measures that we are and will undertake in these last weeks leading up to the event and on site in Austin.

Before I dive into those, a few facts to note:

1. I am pleased to report that this year’s conference is tracking ahead, meaning our year on year growth will continue
2. Although Design Thinking as a topic appeals globally, our attendees are overwhelmingly from North America – including all speakers, attendees and sponsors. Our current attendee list is over 90% based in North America
3. No attendees currently attending are from China, S. Korea, Italy, or Iran
4. Continued registrations and sponsorship in the past several weeks despite current news reports on the virus

All of this is excellent news and speaks to the strength of the Design Thinking Austin program, but despite this optimism, we know that we must be vigilant to ensure that our venue and attendees follow basic good-health protocols including no hand-shaking, washing hands regularly, and stressing that if anyone feels unwell, to please not attend, and if they are already in Austin for the event when this occurs, to see a healthcare professional immediately.

Additionally, please note the following precautionary and preventative measures are being taken to ensure the event environment is as healthy and safe as possible:

• Hand Sanitizer will be available throughout the expo hall and session rooms
• Signage displaying best health and hygiene practices will be placed throughout the event
• Venue staff will be sanitizing common areas frequently throughout the entirety of the event
• Providing additional sanitizing wipes to exhibitors to clean their booth areas each night
• Monitoring any new potential attendees for their location and adhering to Department of State travel restrictions
• All attendees receive guidance consistently on sensible health practices for their reference

We are looking forward to seeing you in Austin next month. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Mario Matulich
Managing Director, Customer Management Practice
T. 212.885.2719
E. info@customermanagementpractice.com