If you’re a Saturday Indesign regular, you know that the speaker series is where it’s at. As an event targeted at refreshing your design inspiration and giving you the latest products and insights for your specification journey, SID talks are a sure fire way to capture all you need to know and translate it through engaging, open discussions with some of design’s best and brightest. 

This year is no different, and with the countdown well and truly on to Saturday September 2nd, it’s time to start browsing the lineup and planning your day around the areas you want to learn more about.

Right through event day we’ll have panels, presentations, talks and workshops from many of our participating exhibitors. Hop from showroom to showroom, grab a seat, and out the latest across areas including sustainability, residential design, media, travel, design collaborations and MORE. You’ll hear from the industry’s leading names and be able to ask questions and participate in workshops to help distill their knowledge into your day-to-day practice.

The best part? Like all of Saturday Indesign, our talks and workshops are 100% free and open to all attendees. Simply complete your free registration and head to the talks that most interest you. A word of advice though, get in well before the official start time as our exhibitors only have limited seating!

The Design Discussions

Get around our official SID Talks program and dive into design discussions curated by Indesign, Habitus and Architecture & Design editors! 

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Designing for beauty and the environment
Discover the brands, product designers and architects pioneering a new course in future-focused design and manufacturing – products and innovations that balance aesthetics with environmentally conscious design in new and unexpected ways.
Hosted by: Jardan
522 Church Street, Richmond

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Design Investment: A journey of sustainable luxury and timeless value
In a world where conscious consumerism and mindful design choices are becoming increasingly important, understanding the elements of design worth investing in can be a valuable asset. This talk will focus on substance and insight, empowering you to make informed design choices that align with your values. As the expression goes – buy once, buy well.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances
540 Swan Street, Richmond

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Well(beings) at work
In post-pandemic, people-led working environments, wellbeing continues to define our emotional and physical connection with work. This panel explores the biophilic design tools and strategies, and cool product innovations, that ensure a healthy connection to nature and our future wellbeing.
Hosted by: Tait
209/211 Smith Street, Fitzroy

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Don’t be afraid of colour and pattern
This panel rejects the minimal and beige to celebrate new approaches to styling through pattern, colour, texture and form. Hear from designers celebrated for their expertly bold and expressive approach.
Hosted by: Arthur G
618 Church Street, Richmond

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Publish me!
In today’s complex media and marketing landscape it can be hard to cut through the noise and have your voice heard. In this session we hear from Indesign Media’s senior editors, marketing executives and Australia’s top design PRs on how to read today’s media landscape and stand out from the crowd.
Hosted by: ownworld
11 Stanley Street, Collingwood

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Growing graduates into leaders
What does it take to grow today’s early career architects into tomorrow’ leaders? This intimate conversation brings together the views of early career architects and senior practitioners to address the benefits and challenges of a contemporary design education against the reality of day-to-day practice.
Hosted by: Brickworks
367 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
For the love of art
Keen to bring some art into your projects and spaces? This talk, hosted at KFive, will challenge your thinking on art and how it informs a space. The discussion will explore the significance of investing in quality art and craftsmanship for a lifetime of enjoyment – from furniture, paintings, sculpture, lighting or functional ware.
Hosted by: K5
Level 1, 275 Smith Street Fitzroy, Melbourne VIC 3065

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Travel-tecture: Is sustainable luxury the future of hospitality and travel?
The new luxury is understated, refined and intuitive – which is no different when it comes to travel. While post-pandemic holidays may be on the rise, there is also more demand for hospitality to not only be sustainable, but also engage with locals and volunteerism – what is design’s role in this new world order?
Hosted by: Reece with: Neolith
The Works – 57 Balmain Street, Cremorne

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Hybrid at heart: Future of kitchens and bathrooms
It goes without saying that we’ve all spent a lot of time at home these last few years. How has this changed our views – and aspirations – for our kitchens and bathrooms. This panel rounds up the very latest directions in appliances, textures, colours, finishes and more, for these two most treasured touchpoints in our homes.
Hosted by: Sub-Zero Wolf with: e&s, Omvivo
Bank House 11-19 Bank Place, Melbourne CBD

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Illuminating perspectives
Discover the world of lighting design in this captivating conversation featuring an esteemed international guest, Rebeca Martinez. Gain insights into evolving trends, innovative techniques, and the transformative power of lighting. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on creating ambiance, enhancing functionality, and promoting sustainability.
Hosted by: AJAR
120 Johnston St, Collingwood

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Australian designed and made: The secret to successful design collaborations
Renowned designers and business owners Justin (Cosh Living) and Travis (Cantilever) will share the insights they’ve learned along the way, moderated by an industry professional. Discover how they began working together and get practical advice on forming successful partnerships. This interactive session offers diverse perspectives, inspiring anecdotes, and takeaways for your own collaborations.
Hosted by: Cosh Living with: Cantilever
Level 6/600 Church Street, Richmond

The Talks

Tune into talks put together by our event exhibitors!

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
CPD – Acoustics
Earn a complimentary CPD point as the ECF HFA presents an enlightening session on the latest advancements in acoustics, ensuring you stay updated and informed in this crucial field.
Hosted by: ecf HFA
1F Marine Parade, Abbotsford

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Student Panel – Framing Conversations: in discussion with Utopian Futures
Hear from the team behind the Saturday Indesign Project installation in this special design talk. Learn about the project, from conception to production, and understand how Framing Conversations speaks to this year’s Saturday Indesign theme: Utopias.
Hosted by: HOW. and Autex Acoustics
The Melburnian, 250 St Kilda Road, Southbank

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Technical Zone – Waterproof Wallpaper
A live installation demonstrating the flexibility of Waterproof Wallpaper in the indoor and outdoor built environment.
Hosted by: Design Precinct
550 Swan Street, Richmond

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
A Morning with Maricor and Maricar: Panel on the Collaboration Process
Join us for a morning session as we delve into the intricate world of the collaboration process with artists Maricor Maricar and the Signature Studio team. Gain insights into their creative journey and explore the techniques that bring their vibrant artworks to life.
Hosted by: Signature Floors
Level 2/125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Aspect material of tomorrow
This talk is set to offer a comprehensive exploration of developments within the sustainable realm. The event will feature directors from various sustainable partners, engaging in discussions about the latest advancements in eco-friendly materials and technologies, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of sustainability.
Hosted by: Aspect Furniture
333 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Sustainable design and the circular economy
Hear from Libby Staggs of Sustainable Business Matters and her expert knowledge on the shocking amounts of landfill and why sustainable design in the workplace is more important than ever. Joining Libby will be members of the Thinking Works product design team highlighting sustainable design principles and their application.  
Hosted by: Thinking Works
3a/650 Church Street, Richmond

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Meet the Makers
A joint talk by Andrea Preda (Mutina) and Justin van Nierop (Design Precinct) showing the latest inspired Design direction by Europe’s leading designers, Patricia Urquiola, Vincent Van Duysen and Michael Anastassiades.
Hosted by: Design Precinct
550 Swan Street, Richmond

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Extremis founder Dirk Wynants
An enlightening talk with none other than the visionary behind Extremis, Dirk Wynants. Gain insights into the creative process and the inspiration behind the iconic designs that have made Extremis a leading name in the world of outdoor furniture.
Hosted by: Living Edge
650 Church Street, Richmond

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
How to create a natural Australian Garden with Phillip Withers
Learn the art of crafting an authentic Australian Garden from renowned expert Phillip Withers in this engaging session. Join us from 1:00pm to 2:00pm and delve into Withers’ expertise on creating a naturally vibrant garden that embodies the unique beauty of Australia’s flora.
Hosted by: Tait
209/211 Smith Street, Fitzroy

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Industry Panel – Framing Conversations: designing for utopian futures
Based on the project collaboration between RMIT, HOW Group, and Autex Acoustics, join this industry panel in discussing the importance of connectivity as a utopian value for future sustainable design.
Hosted by: HOW. and Autex Acoustics
The Melburnian, 250 St Kilda Road, Southbank

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Technical Zone – Waterproof Wallpaper
A live installation demonstrating the flexibility of Waterproof Wallpaper in the indoor and outdoor built environment.
Hosted by: Design Precinct
550 Swan Street, Richmond

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Panel Talk with Darren Palmer & Tanya Buchanan
Prepare for an insightful event as Darren Palmer, everyone’s favourite judge on “The Block”, delivers a brief address, setting the stage for the afternoon. Following his speech, get ready for a captivating Q&A with esteemed guest MC, Tanya Buchanan, Editor in Chief of Belle Magazine. To round off the session, you will have the opportunity to ask Darren any questions.
Hosted by: Camerich
597 Church Street, Richmond

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Design Revelations with Reece
Join for insightful coverage from Reece’s recent Global Bathroom Tour of industry leading design fairs: International Sanitation & Heating Fair (ISH), Milan Design Week and Kitchen & Bathroom China (KBC). Explore the trends, findings, and innovative ideas shaping the future of bathroom design.
Hosted by: Reece
The Works -57 Balmain Street, Cremorne 

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Meet the Makers
A joint talk by Andrea Preda (Mutina) and Justin van Nierop (Design Precinct) showing the latest inspired Design direction by Europe’s leading designers, Patricia Urquiola, Vincent Van Duysen and Michael Anastassiades.
Hosted by: Design Precinct
550 Swan Street, Richmond

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Thinking Local, Acting Global
Join Living Edge for an engaging panel discussion that delves into the dynamic world of design and architecture, with a focus on the interplay between thinking locally and going global. The event aims to bring together prominent designers, architects, and industry experts from around the world to explore the challenges, opportunities, and inspirations that arise when merging local cultural sensibilities with global design trends.
Hosted by: Living Edge
650 Church Street, Richmond

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Dive into Design Innovation with Thinking Works
Curious about sustainable design and the circular economy? Join this session to gain insights from Libby Staggs of Sustainable Business Matters, who will shed light on the staggering landfill impact and the growing importance of sustainable workplace design. Libby will be joined by members of the Thinking Works product design team, showcasing how sustainable principles shape our product designs. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the world of sustainability and design innovation.
Hosted by: Thinking Works
3a/650 Church Street, Richmond

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
First People, First Design
Engage with Grace Ferguson (they/them), Kamilaroi Winya Executive Stakeholder and Corporate Social Responsibility & Marketing Manager. Join us for an enlightening CPD presentation focusing on crucial topics such as cultural appropriation, Indigenous design, and effective engagement with Indigenous artists and individuals. Take away valuable insights and earn 1 CPD point as you delve into these essential conversations.
Hosted by: Winya
15 Queen Street, Melbourne CBD

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
An Afternoon with Maricor and Maricar: Panel on the Collaboration Process.
Join us for an afternoon session as we delve into the intricate world of the collaboration process with artists Maricor Maricar and the Signature Studio team. Gain insights into their creative journey and explore the techniques that bring their vibrant artworks to life.
Hosted by: Signature Floors
Level 2/125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Champagne and Oyster Hour with David Hicks
Champagne and Oyster Hour with David Hicks. Join for an exclusive conversation with David Hicks from 4; Career, extraordinary projects and what inspires David’s signature luxury aesthetic.
Hosted by: Sub-Zero Wolf + e&s + Omvivo
Bank House 11-19 Bank Place, Melbourne CBD 

The Workshops

Get your hands dirty and lean in to live demonstrations and workshops to equip you with the practical skills you need.

9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
From Pick to Press, La Marzocco and Numero Uno Coffee demonstration
Start your day with a coffee masterclass from Coffee Woman of the Year, and Numero Uno owner, Gina Di Brita to learn about how the perfect bean is picked and roasted. Gina’s dedication is not just in making the perfect blend, but in fostering and enhancing the farming community, extending her passion to the farmers in Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Miele Laundry & Cooking Demonstration – Design & technology continuity meets cooking and laundry convenience
Why should design continuity stop at the kitchen? Join the Miele display to explore the Miele cooking and laundry range and discover our unique colourways, designs and technology, which match seamlessly with each other from the kitchen to the laundry. 
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Technical Zone – large panel cutting
An interactive experience held by master tiler, Grayson, showing how to cut super large format porcelain panels without either your heart or tile breaking.
Hosted by: Design Precinct
550 Swan Street, Richmond

10:30 AM / 1:30PM /4:30PM
V-ZUG Cooking demonstrations
Enjoy a signature canape demonstration and tasting by V-ZUG, highlighting innovation, design and unique functionality in the kitchen. Make sure to make it here for one of the three demonstrations across the day: 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.
Hosted by: V-Zug & Molteni&C
459 Church Street, Richmond

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Smeg Live Cooking Demonstration Activation – Technology with style
Synonymous with style, design, and quality, Smeg will showcase their latest cooking appliances, Dolce Stil Novo, designed in collaboration with Italian renowned architect, Guido Canali. Discover Smeg’s latest designs and cooking technology including their new OmniChef Combination Oven and Microwave Steam Oven, and share a love of food through a live cooking demonstration
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Fisher & Paykel Cooking demonstration – Design freedom and kitchen solutions 
Join the Fisher & Paykel team to learn about the food insights that drive their approach to kitchen appliance design, and understand how to combine products to create a solution tailored to the individual client. Explore Fisher & Paykel’s three built in design ranges minimal, contemporary and professional, which have been crafted to match with each other and home environments so that creating a considered space for your clients has never been easier.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Portrait Paintings By Archibald Finalist Dan Butterworth
Embrace the extraordinary – own a complimentary breathtaking self-painted portrait by none other than the brilliant artist Daniel Butterworth, a celebrated finalist of the prestigious Archibald Prize.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
V-ZUG Live Cooking Demonstration – Pioneering technology & design
V-ZUG products exemplify Swiss innovation and sophistication. Experience elegant design and commitment to sustainability with V-ZUG. Enjoy their signature canapé demonstration, featuring a plant based recipe that highlights innovation and healthy living in the kitchen.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Gaggenau Live Cooking Demonstration – Be inspired by Gaggenau’s iconic designs
See the timeless design of Gaggenau’s appliances and how they work within a myriad of interior styles. Their innovative range is inspired by the requirements of top chefs, with a host of unique offerings that can transform a kitchen into a cooking paradise; including their ergonomic ovens with side-opening doors and their Vario 400 cooktops, which can be customised to suit individual cooking styles and needs.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Masterclass: How to design the ultimate entertainers kitchen with master chef Sergio Perrea
Winnings Brand Ambassador Sergio Perera, guest chef of this year’s Masterchef, and Chris Hemsworth’s private nutritionist and chef, will run an exclusive masterclass sharing his secrets on how commercial appliances and functions have been integrated into domestic homes and how to achieve professional cooking results at home.
Hosted by: Winning Appliances 
540 Swan Street, Richmond

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Technical Zone – large panel cutting
An interactive experience held by master tiler, Grayson, showing how to cut super large format porcelain panels without either your heart or tile breaking.
Hosted by: Design Precinct
550 Swan Street, Richmond

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Artisan Furniture Making
In the afternoon at K5 showroom, immerse yourself in the world of craftsmanship as an artisan furniture maker showcases their unique creations, offering a firsthand glimpse into the intricate artistry and dedication behind each piece.
Hosted by: K5
Level 1, 275 Smith Street Fitzroy, Melbourne VIC 3065

All Day
Meet the Designer – Ross Didier
Design is Shaolin kung Fu where Art is bare knuckle fist fighting. I mean artists can do whatever they want for their art and this liberation is the point of what they do.
Design on the other hand has disciplines with givens, and to ignore these misses the point of designing.
Good art communicates ideas – good design serves function, and the story this creates is inspiring.”- Ross Didier.
Hosted by: Didier 
550 Swan Street, Richmond

Getting around on the day

Thanks to our transport partners, Neolith, each exhibitor location is connected by our free all-day hop-on hop-off bus loop. Event handbooks and interactive maps will be available on the day.

Register today for your chance to go in the running for our prize pool of over $33,000. See you there, 2 September.

We can’t wait to see you at #saturdayindesign 

Find out what’s happening in our Saturday Indesign precincts: Collingwood, CBD, Richmond. End your day with a bang, secure your tickets to the Official Saturday Indesign After Party here.

Key event details:

Saturday Indesign
2 September, 2023
9am-5pm
Key design locations across Melbourne
Free to attend! Register now!