CODE: Cincinnati Open Design Event
We crack the code on an upcoming event that showcases and cultivates our city's array of design talent. Learn more about the concept, who's involved and when you need to clear your calendar.

From fashion and architecture to graphic and digital design, the Tri-State is teaming with talent. To foster and inspire that talent, local marketing minds developed the concept for Cincinnati Open Design Event (CODE).

AGAR, previously Ionic Collective, is the OTR-based marketing, branding and event planning agency behind CODE. Agar, a scientific term, is a substance used as the base of an experiment to grow a culture in a vessel.

Since launching in 2009, the team at AGAR has executed a variety of unique experiences for an array of Cincinnati-based global brands and agencies such as P&G, Landor and Possible Worldwide. These executions tapped into local talent such as promoters, marketers, designers, videographers and event planners.

That's what inspired the idea for CODE, says Andrew Salzbrun, AGAR Managing Partner. "The idea came from looking at the vast array of design talent within the city and how it truly is a global leader," he explains. "Its extensive in areas such as graphic, digital, fashion, industrial and gaming design. These all need to be recognized and celebrated as we move toward positioning our city as a global leader while attracting and retaining talent in addition to doing award-winning work."

According to Salzbrun, the concept for CODE is a four-day event, spanning October 17-20 this year, that includes day-time activities based around learning and thought leadership through workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers. "The evenings are geared toward bringing all types of creatives together," says Salzbrun, "outside of the agency walls and creating a place for social interaction and entertainment that is specific to that crowd." The day-time sessions are bucketed into three category buckets:
1) Consumer (industrial, graphic, branding)
2) Style (fashion, beauty, print)
3) Entertainment (digital, gaming)

The evening portions will be released on the CODE website within a week, says Salzbrun, and the daytime sessions/workshops will all be held at LPK.

Partners include: AGAR, Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa, Amy Kirchen, Navarro Photography, Diet Coke, Ultimate Air Shuttle, Bridal and Formal, Wella, City Flea, Chore Monster, StyleZen, Righting Style, The Brandery, Rockfish, LPK, Saks, New View Model Management, Elementz, and more.

Salzbrun says the goal of CODE is "to rebrand Cincinnati as an international hub for design, and strengthening that reputation continuously."

To learn more, visit CODE online at www.cincinnatiopendesignevent.com or become a fan on Facebook.

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