Keynotes – Friday, June 28.

The first keynote of the 2024 Product + Design Conference was led by John Maeda. He shared insights and data about AI’s implications for humanity and gave strategies for staying ahead of AI capabilities through creative work. 

Denise Tilles explained the buzz around Product Operations, and how it could multiply organizational scaling. She provided insights on evaluating the effectiveness of product strategy and ensuring development resources aligned with company goals. 

Cliff Gilley explored factors that are leading to disengagement amongst product managers, after 2023 reports showed a staggering amount of product professionals leaving the product field. He suggested actionable strategies we can take to reignite joy in product management. 

The final keynote from Ryan Rumsey gave us practical techniques for making better decisions and products across cross-functional teams. He emphasized the importance of clear communication and mutual appreciation for expertise. 

Workshops – Thursday, June 27.

Workshop attendees enthusiastically embraced the hands-on experiences crafted by our workshop facilitators. With Prerna Singh, we explored four discovery methodologies through hands-on exercises, leaving with a concrete action plan for implementing effective customer research. 

In our workshop with John Haggerty, we learned about AI’s multidisciplinary impact across industries. We learned how to leverage AI for analyzing customer feedback, predicting churn, identifying product development risks, and conducting competitive analysis through interactive activities and case studies. 

On the design side, Ryan Rumsey helped us visualize, gather, and interpret metrics to drive product strategy, transforming our approach through a blend of design, statistics, and business techniques. 

In the second design workshop with Patricia Reiners, we learned how AI enhances design innovation, streamlines workflows, and personalizes user experiences, leaving with a clear understanding of its impact and actionable strategies for digital product design. 

1. Exclusive access to industry experts.

We brought the brightest minds shaping the product and design communities to Rochester. 2024 saw our biggest lineup of speakers, including John Maeda, Denise Tilles, Ryan Rumsey, Cliff Gilley, Patricia Reiners, John Haggery, and Prerna Singh. 

2. Connecting with fellow professionals.

The Product + Design Conference saw a record number of attendees over two days. We made new friends and reconnected with those we hadn’t seen in some time. It was the place to be for connecting and sparking new ideas. 

3. The best of both worlds.

The P + D Conference provided a safe space for us to learn and grow together. The keynote day helped build strong ties with peers while the area-focused workshops gave the opportunity to dig into skill development. 

4. Leveling up abilities.

Our attendees left the conference with sharp, new skills, easily transferable to everyday tasks. We learned best practices and ways of working that will empower us to move faster and drive positive outcomes. 

5. Rochester in summer.

The Farewell Drink & Networking hour was our way of closing the event, but it was only the beginning of experiencing everything Rochester had to offer. From exploring the grounds and galleries at the Memorial Art Gallery to taking a relaxing stroll through Highland Park, attendees experienced Rochester at its peak. There was no better way to cap off an event than by catching a show during the Rochester International JazzFest.