MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS EVENT SERIES:
During the last decade at least, more and more business decisions have included some element of design. Two companies merge or one is acquired, branding comes into play. A new product launch, a marketing plan, a building signage system, a landscape, a city master plan, communications of any kind all involve design at some level. All too often that "level" is lower than where the important decisions are made. As designers we are handed "marching orders" rather than be participants in a plan we helped create. We are not being "invited to the table" of the original decision makers.

Thanks to many of our design industry organizations, AIGA among them, designers are learning the necessary skills that allow them to be a credible force among the leaders of industry. We should look no further than the role branding has played in the success or failure of a product or a company to realize how far we have come to making an impact in everyone's daily life. In an effort to contribute towards that effort, AIGA KC has created our own Business Series, to further the skills of our own membership and consequently our Kansas City business community.

Part 1: The Money
The first session will focus on the subject of finances as it relates to the client, the employer and the designer.

The Questions:
Q: What are the ins and outs of working on retainer?
Q: Should studios require an advance on every project?
Q: When should work be subcontracted?
Q: How does Small Claims Court work?
Q: Is there a ceiling on my salary as an in-house designer?


The Answer:
These financial questions, and other important topics, will be discussed by three expert panelists from diverse creative business models at Mind Your Own Business: The Money. Join us for this special morning round-table, the first in a four-part business series focused on the issues surrounding running a successful design business.

Panelists:
Kyle Johnston
Web + Design/Creative Director
Garmin International Inc.

Jack Swearengin
Vice President
Director of Creative Services
Nicholson Kovac, Inc.

Patrice Eilts-Jobe
President/Creative Director
EAT Advertising and Design

When:
Thursday, February 26, 2009
7:30-8:00 am
Registration and complimentary continental breakfast
8:00-9:00 am
Panel Discussion and Q+A

Admission:
$20 AIGA Members
$30 Non-Members

Please register online in advance, Seating is limited to 80 and registration will close when the even is full.

Where:
AIGA / AIA Office
104 West Ninth Street, Suite 101
KCMO 64105
Google It!

Parking:
Parking is available on the street (metered) and in paid lots or garages, including a garage on Ninth Street.

Who Should Attend?
This event is geared to the needs of in-house, studio, agency, and freelance designers. However, creative service managers, account executives and related professionals are also encouraged to attend.

About the Mind Your Own Business series:
AIGA KC's new business programs begin in 2009 with a four part series each focusing on a specific aspect of design business. The topics will be:
Part 1: The Money
Part 2: The Client
Part 3: The Career
Part 4: The Business

Questions?
Email secretary@kansascity.aiga.org.

Membership:
AIGA Professional membership is less than $300 with online enrollment and quarterly payments are available. Join AIGA now!

Attending this event? Tell your friends on Facebook.