MELBOURNE
11 SEP

About

Sex, Drugs & Helvetica is an event like no other. Described as “industry espionage” and “work experience at six studios in one day”, it’s an exclusive look at the highs, the hurdles and the learning curves behind six different projects. It’s insightful presentations. It’s unparalleled interviews. It's an opportunity to not only be surrounded with other like-minded creatives, but to meet and talk with six Australian- and internationally-renowned designers.

Find out why Cheryl Heller developed an entire Master’s program in Design for Social Innovation for NYC’s esteemed School of Visual Arts. See how James Greenfield led a design team in the reimagination of the brand and digital presence for Airbnb – a company worth more than $10billion. And from a man who’s worked with Chin Chin, Yo-Chi and Coda, hear Nick Cox discuss the ins and outs developing an immersive brand experience for Supernormal – one of Australia’s Top 25 restaurants.

And, for the first time, we’re running masterclasses in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. This is a chance to participate in an intimate session with our international speakers, learning techniques both essential and invaluable to your personal and professional life.

Grab a ticket. Join us on Friday 11 September. Get ready to interact, connect and create. Our speakers are ready. We’re ready. See you there.

"WITHOUT A DOUBT THE GUYS AT SEX, DRUGS & HELVETICA RAN THE BEST DESIGN CONFERENCE I’VE SPOKEN AT."

Michael C. Place, Build

Speakers

CHERYL HELLER (USA)



An AIGA medalist for her contribution to the field of design and Founding Chair of the first MFA program in Design for Social Innovation at NYC’s School of Visual Arts, Cheryl Heller is an unstoppable force.

Cheryl is a business strategist and communication designer. She has founded two companies and taught creativity to leaders and organisations globally. She has helped businesses grow from small regional enterprises to multi-billion dollar global market leaders and designed strategies for hundreds of successful entrepreneurs. Her clients have included Ford, American Express, Reebok and Marriott International.

In 1999, she created the Ideas that Matter program for Sappi, which has since given more than $12 million to designers working for the public good.

Website — dsi.sva.edu
Twitter — @cherylheller

Straight to the Point: How to Communicate Effectively with Cheryl Heller masterclass. Full Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane masterclass details here.

JAMES GREENFIELD (UK)



A London-based creative director, James Greenfield has worked at some of London’s leading studios, on projects for some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Google, Microsoft, MTV and Nike.

James was recently Head of Design on the D&AD- and Cannes Gold Lions-winning More4 and 4seven projects for British television’s Channel 4. He has been creative director on large Nokia and Microsoft projects and recently lead the rebrand of tech giant Airbnb.

This year, James started Koto with his partners Caroline Matthews and Jowey Roden – born of their love of working at the intersection of branding and digital.

Website — studiokoto.co
Twitter — @gradiate
Instagram — @studiokoto

How to Make a Meaningful Brand with James Greenfield masterclass. Full Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane masterclass details here.

ZOË POLLITT (AUS)



Director and co-founder of Eskimo – one of Australia’s most respected design and brand agencies – Zoë Pollitt has 23 years’ experience at the forefront of branding.

She has established a world-class business based on a combination of smart ideas, strategic thinking and high-end design. A genuine desire to always achieve what’s best for her clients has lead to an exceptional list of design and branding projects for the likes of Vogue Australia, Oroton, Westfield, Mirvac, SABA, AMP and, most recently, QIC.

Zoe’s work on the evolution of the Westfield brand, including Westfield Sydney, reflects her innate skill for astute and yet beautifully creative brand positioning.

Website — eskimodesign.com.au
Twitter — @snowyzoe
Instagram — @eskimodesign

BEN MILES (AUS)



As Creative Director at Interbrand Sydney, Ben Miles has had a huge hand in shaping some of Australia and New Zealand’s biggest, boldest brands, including Telstra and SKY TV.

He subscribes to a simple yet powerful philosophy: pro-positivity. Ben believes a good environment attracts great people and great people create bold ideas – the perfect combination to enable change. This drives his determination to deliver real results for his clients, providing solutions that transform a business both internally and externally.

His approach involves championing collaboration, focusing on big ideas, putting the audience at the centre of his work and, of course, having fun while he’s at it.

Website — standapart.com.au
Twitter — @benmiles9

NICK COX (AUS)



Co-founder of Projects of Imagination, Nick Cox brings the integration of interior and graphic design to all projects.

With previous design stints at Melbourne’s Fabio Ongarato Design and 3 Deep, Nick’s work has come to focus on a diverse mix of cultural and retail clients. Recognising a need for industry change, together with his business partner Dion Hall, Projects of Imagination focused their attention on the hospitality landscape. Nick has since been a player in some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurant identities and interiors, including Chin Chin, Coda and Supernormal.

Steering away from the spotlight, Nick measures the value of the studio’s work through the commercial success and out coming of their client’s projects.

Website — projectsofimagination.com

DANIEL BANIK (AUS)



With a background in strategy, user-centred interaction, service and experience design, marketing and brand management, Daniel Banik is a driving force behind August.

As the agency’s co-founder, he takes a holistic approach to business – his own and that of their clients – and constantly asking, “How can we do it better?”. Daniel is a strategic thinker and doer who leads the August team to think big and deliver work that exceeds clients’ expectations.

He has worked with clients such as Yarra Valley Water, Snowgum, Major Projects Victoria, La Trobe University, Royal Botanic Gardens, Nous Group, Scope, Peddle Thorp Architects and Australian National Academy of Music.

Website — august.com.au
Twitter — @DanielBanik

"This is one of the few events that has a clear, solid insight into the design process from start to finish."

Simon Hipgrave, The Hungry Workshop

Schedule

REGISTRATION
9.30AM
Register, collect your wristband and pick up your program and tote bag before we open doors.
DOORS OPEN
10.00AM
No seat allocations here. First in, best dressed.
INTRODUCTION
10.30AM
Our MC Andy will take the stage and run you through the important things. Questions, comments and selfies: @sdhelvetica #sdhmel2015
SESSION 1
10.45AM

BEN MILES (AUS)
Creative Director, Interbrand

NICK COX (AUS)
Founder / Creative Director, Projects of Imagination

LUNCH
12.15PM
Time to refuel. There are some great places to eat along South Wharf Promenade. Or the DFO food court will sort out those on a budget.
SESSION 2
1.30PM

ZOË POLLITT (AUS)
Founder / Creative Director, Eskimo

DANIEL BANIK (AUS)
Founder / Director, August

BREAK
3.05PM
A quick break before the final stretch. Need some quick caffeine? The Convention Centre Café in the foyer is nearby.
SESSION 3
3.30PM

JAMES GREENFIELD (UK)
Founder / Creative Director, Koto

CHERYL HELLER (USA)
Chair, Design for Social Innovation program at SVA

MEET-&-GREET
5.00PM
The presentations are done but the socialising’s just getting started. Stick around, meet fellow creatives, chat with our speakers and have a drink (or two, or three) on us.
AFTER PARTY
6.00PM
You know what to do.

"The conference completely shattered the initial skepticism of going to conferences, and turned out to be a truly invigorating experience."

Nexus Designs

Details

WHEN

9.30am - 6.00pm
Friday, 11 Sep 2015

WHERE

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

Get Directions
Open Map

Tickets

STUDENT

General

Premium
(Limited tickets)

  • Entry to Sex, Drugs & Helvetica Melbourne 2015
  • Six exclusive presentations
  • Six Q&A sessions
  • 2015 conference tote bag (designed by Build)
  • 2015 conference program
  • Networking opportunities
  • Entry to Meet-&-Greet with speakers
  • Free drinks at Meet-&-Greet (until the tab runs out ;)

Valid student ID must be shown at the registration desk on the day.

  • Entry to Sex, Drugs & Helvetica Melbourne 2015
  • Six exclusive presentations
  • Six Q&A sessions
  • 2015 conference tote bag (designed by Build)
  • 2015 conference program
  • Networking opportunities
  • Entry to Meet-&-Greet with speakers
  • Free drinks at Meet-&-Greet (until the tab runs out ;)
  • Express entry to Sex, Drugs & Helvetica Melbourne 2015
  • Six exclusive presentations
  • Six Q&A sessions
  • 2015 conference tote bag (designed by Build)
  • 2015 conference program
  • Free entry to a masterclass with Cheryl Heller or James Greenfield (valued at $239)
  • Networking opportunities
  • Entry to Meet-&-Greet with speakers
  • Free drinks at Meet-&-Greet (until the tab runs out ;)
  • The latest Frankie magazine
  • The latest Process Journal
  • The latest Offscreen magazine
  • The latest IdN magazine

119.00

139.00

339.00

On sale until 5pm AEST, September 10
Get Tickets
On sale until 5pm AEST, September 10
Get Tickets
On sale until 5pm AEST, September 10
Premium tickets available: 20 SOLD OUT!

STUDENT

  • Entry to Sex, Drugs & Helvetica Melbourne 2015
  • Six exclusive presentations
  • Six Q&A sessions
  • 2015 conference tote bag (designed by Build)
  • 2015 conference program
  • Networking opportunities
  • Entry to Meet-&-Greet with speakers
  • Free drinks at Meet-&-Greet (until the tab runs out ;)

Valid student ID must be shown at the registration desk on the day.

119.00

On sale until 5pm AEST, September 10
Get Tickets

General

  • Entry to Sex, Drugs & Helvetica Melbourne 2015
  • Six exclusive presentations
  • Six Q&A sessions
  • 2015 conference tote bag (designed by Build)
  • 2015 conference program
  • Networking opportunities
  • Entry to Meet-&-Greet with speakers
  • Free drinks at Meet-&-Greet (until the tab runs out ;)

139.00

On sale until 5pm AEST, September 10
Get Tickets

Premium
(Limited tickets)

  • Express entry to Sex, Drugs & Helvetica Melbourne 2015
  • Six exclusive presentations
  • Six Q&A sessions
  • 2015 conference tote bag (designed by Build)
  • 2015 conference program
  • Free entry to a masterclass with Cheryl Heller or James Greenfield (valued at $239)
  • Networking opportunities
  • Entry to Meet-&-Greet with speakers
  • Free drinks at Meet-&-Greet (until the tab runs out ;)
  • The latest Frankie magazine
  • The latest Process Journal
  • The latest Offscreen magazine
  • The latest IdN magazine

339.00

On sale until 5pm AEST, September 10
Premium tickets available: 20 SOLD OUT!

FAQ

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

Don’t worry about printing your ticket – all you need to bring is a valid ID. If you bought a Student ticket, please make sure you bring a valid student ID or you’ll need to purchase an upgrade to a General ticket.

CAN I BUY TICKETS ON THE DAY?

Of course. As long as the event isn’t sold out. Just head to our registration desk. We take cash or card.

WILL I BE ABLE TO MEET THE SPEAKERS?

Of course. If you see our speakers wandering around during any of the breaks, feel free to introduce yourself. Or hang around for our Meet-&-Greet at the end of the day – they’ll definitely be there then.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DEALS WITH LOCAL HOTELS FOR ACCOMMODATION?

Yes we do. Our friends at Accor are providing special discounted rates at selected Accor Hotels. Just call or email Ibis Melbourne, Novotel Melbourne, Hotel Lindrum or Grand Hotel Melbourne directly and mention the code SDH2015 to get the discounted rate. The discounted rate depends on room availability at the time of booking.

Contact

GENERAL

zac@sexdrugshelvetica.com

PRESS

leisha@sexdrugshelvetica.com
Download our press kit

SOCIAL

FacebookTwitterInstagramYoutube — Snapchat — Periscope

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