The Six Cities Design Festival is a £3 million initiative aimed at celebrating and raising awareness of the value of design and creativity in all six of Scotland’s cities. Launched by Scotland’s First Minister, the programme includes business/design and learning programmes as well as a biennial festival programme of public events, running from 17 May – 3 June 2007.

Upcoming events in Inverness 

Success by Design – Elmwood Design Ltd with Jonathan Sands, chairman

In association with the Chartered Institute of Marketing
Marriot Hotel, Culcabock Road, Inverness
Thursday 3 May, 6pm

A talk by Jonathan Sands of Elmwood Design Ltd on The Effectiveness of Design. Elmwood Design Ltd work closely with forward thinking businesses such as ASDA, HBOS, Durex and eBay. Jonathan will illustrate the ways in which Elmwood improve the effectiveness of design for their clients. Register at www.six-cities.com/business

Brand Essentials workshop

In association with Inverness Chamber of Commerce
Centre for Health Science, Old Perth Road, Inverness 
Thursday 10 May, 10am

In order to reach their full potential, all companies need to present themselves appropriately to potential customers, staff, suppliers and investors. The free workshops last for two hours and aim to provide delegates with a basic understanding of the process of branding a product or service, through practical advice and case studies. Brand Essentials includes a session where delegates can start to draft their own design brief with the assistance of a design adviser. The workshops are aimed at pre start-up and start-up companies who have yet to develop a brand identity and also first-time users of external design expertise.
To reserve a place, contact Paula Nicol, Chamber of Commerce on 01463 718 131 or email: paula@inverness-chamber.co.uk

Design your Business – start-up workshop

In association with Cultural Enterprise Office
Centre for Health Science, Old Perth Road, Inverness 
Wednesday 16 May, 1.30pm-5pm

One of a series of free workshops and events specifically created for designers by Six Cities Design Festival's Design into Business and Learning programmes and Cultural Enterprise Office. Whether you are looking to start a design business or are already working as a freelance designer, this afternoon workshop aims to help you plan your way forward. It will help you to define your work as the basis for marketing and gaining support for your ideas and look at how to plan your time, projects and business. It will also offer information and practical exercises on costing, pricing, budgeting and financing, with advice on different legal structures available to support and protect your work.
Register at events@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or telephone 0844 5449990

Get Ready to Sell at Trade Fairs

In association with Cultural Enterprise Office
Centre for Health Science, Old Perth Road, Inverness 
Wednesday 23 May, 1.30pm – 5pm

One of a series of free workshops and events specifically created for designers by Six Cities Design Festival's Design into Business and Learning programmes and Cultural Enterprise Office. This workshop will help you to explore the logistics of exhibiting and selling your designs at trade events. The afternoon will cover advice on managing expectations, how to plan and prepare for an event, display and promotions, pricing and selling, dealing with buyers and also include a personal account from a designer with experience of showcasing and selling work to trade buyers.
Register at events@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or telephone 0844 5449990

Design In Action

In association with Fusion and the Inverness Chamber of Commerce
Scottish National Heritage Building, Westercraigs, Inverness
Thursday 24 May, 5pm

What is design? What do designers do and how do they do it? Is it just about flashy logos and websites, or could it actually add impact to all aspects of your business? No lectures, no presentations, no formal sessions - this is a roll-your-sleeves-up-and-get-stuck-in activity evening, giving you the chance to work with a wide range of designers with different areas of expertise (architecture, landscape design, interior design, marketing, event design, branding, graphics design, experience creation) - and with non-design businesses too - to experience the creative process for yourself. We think you'll be surprised when you discover just how many business processes can be transformed through skilful design. Be prepared for a fun, lively, challenging and surprising evening! You definitely do not need to be a designer to take part!
To reserve a place please register at www.fusionlinking.co.uk/EventsBook or call Paula Kirby on 01463 667302 - or email paula@fusionlinking.co.uk

All Design into Business events are free, unless otherwise stated but places must be registered in advance. Please note that a refundable deposit may be required to secure a place at some workshops. For further information, please go to www.six-cities.com/business