SPAN
A conference about design and technology, hosted by Google
What is the cyborg version of cake?
“What kind of needs could a bot have? What does it need for its own survival and functionality that can then be transmuted into something for pure pleasure?”
3 cities. 12 colors. 2,700 shapes.
What is the music of architecture?
“I'm particularly interested in the way that architects create a sense of rhythm and dynamics in the build environment.”
How do you make the invisible visible?
¿Cómo puede el diseño contemporáneo ayudar a preservar las tradiciones artesanales?
"En txt.ure, creemos que la colaboración entre el diseño y la artesanía promueve la experimentación y la innovación, que son necesarias para el desarrollo del diseño contemporáneo mexicano.”
About
Conversations about design and technology, hosted by Google
SPAN is a conference exploring the ways in which design and technology shape our everyday lives. This year, we’re featuring the work of makers and thinkers in Pittsburgh, Newcastle-Gateshead, and Mexico City—cities where art and industry intersect in new and intriguing ways. A conference for designers by designers, SPAN is our opportunity to highlight the best in today’s interdisciplinary design practice. Previous SPAN conferences have been held in Los Angeles, Tokyo, New York, London, and San Francisco.
Check out #SPAN17 for the latest updates and connect with Google Design by following us on Twitter, Google+, and Facebook, as well as signing up for the Google Design Newsletter.
FAQ
Registration
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Who can attend SPAN?
Due to limited capacity, we have a small number of tickets available through open registration. Remaining tickets are distributed invite-only and tailored to region. Sign up for event updates to stay informed on future Google Design engagements in your area, subscribe to the Google Design Newsletter, and follow us on Twitter, Google+, and Facebook.
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How can I register for SPAN?
If you received an invitation email, follow the link to access the registration form and confirm your attendance. Please be sure to register using the same email address from which you received the original invitation. If you did not receive an invite, register here for one of a limited number of open registration tickets.
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What do I need to know about registration?
All information entered into the registration form must be correct and accurate to the best of your knowledge. All information must be entered in English. Some of the information entered (such as name, company, and the photo you upload), will be displayed on the attendee badge.
All registered attendees agree to allow Google to contact them regarding their registration and attendance at the event. By registering for a ticket, you agree to allow Google to communicate with you via email with information regarding the event.
Attendance at SPAN is not allowed by the following: residents of embargoed countries; individuals ordinarily resident in embargoed countries; or individuals otherwise prohibited by applicable export controls and sanctions programs.
You agree to be solely responsible for your own safety, belongings and well-being while participating in SPAN. Google Inc.and its affiliates won't be liable for your participation in SPAN.
Applicants and attendees can request the deletion of their registration data after the event ends by emailing designconference@google.com. -
When does registration close?
Invitation and public registration for SPAN Pittsburgh will be open on a first-come, first-served basis until August 30, 2017 or until tickets are available. The registration period for SPAN Mexico City and SPAN Newcastle-Gateshead will be announced at a later date.
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Can I edit my registration after I’ve submitted it?
Yes. You are able to edit your registration form after you’ve submitted it using the link in your confirmation email.
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I already registered but am unable to attend. Can I cancel my registration?
Yes. If you can’t attend the conference, you’re able to cancel your registration using the form linked in your confirmation email.
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I received an invitation and I’d like to nominate someone to attend with me or on my behalf.
You can nominate attendees via the “recommend a friend” link in your invitation email. Please note that because space is limited, a recommendation doesn’t guarantee admission. If space is still available, we’ll extend an invitation to your friend directly.
Badge Pick up
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How can I pick up my SPAN badge?
Badge pick up takes place on location at the SPAN venue on the first day or day of programming. Please bring your photo ID or confirmation email to match your name to your badge.
Parking and Transportation
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How do I get to the Pittsburgh venue?
SPAN Pittsburgh will be held at a venue in Bakery Square, accessible by car and near the bus stops at East Liberty Blvd/Dahlem Pl and Penn Ave/East Liberty Blvd.
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Where can I park near the Pittsburgh venue?
There is limited parking available at the event and we encourage attendees to use public transportation, car sharing services, or be dropped off.
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Are there accessible parking spaces?
ADA parking spaces will be available at SPAN, please email us ahead of time so we can secure a spot for you. Again, we will keep your details private. Upon arrival, please follow signs for parking and have your placard hanging from the car mirror and visible to parking employees at all times to expedite the parking process.
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What other alternatives to parking are there?
All guests who’ve received an invitation will be given a Lyft voucher to be used during the event.
Photographs and Video
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Will there be photography at SPAN?
Photographs and video taken at SPAN by Google, or others on behalf of Google, may include your image or likeness. By attending SPAN, you agree that Google may use such photographs and/or video for any purpose without compensation to you.
Accessibility
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Is the SPAN venue accessible?
Google strives to make events open and accessible to everyone, regardless of disability or special needs. Participants with disabilities and/or special needs should provide details in the registration form and/or by emailing us at designconference@google.com. This information will be kept private and will be distributed only to the individuals who need to know it to complete your accommodation request. Otherwise, please approach the Registration desk to find a member of staff at SPAN if you need assistance or have questions about accessibility during the event.
For information on accessible parking spaces, please see the Parking and Transportation FAQ.
Food
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Will food be served at SPAN?
Food will be served at SPAN Pittsburgh, including morning pastries, coffee and tea, lunch, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. Details on food service for SPAN Mexico City and SPAN Newcastle-Gateshead will be available at a later date.
Child Care
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Will childcare be offered at SPAN?
No, attendees will need to make their own arrangements for childcare. For nursing mothers, please inform a member of the SPAN team and a space will be made available to you.
Livestream
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How can I watch the livestream?
SPAN Pittsburgh will be livestreamed during the evening of September 14 and the afternoon of September 15. Sign up here for updates on the SPAN livestream.
Cultural Partners
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What’s a SPAN cultural partner?
This year we’ve partnered with a number of cultural institutions and organizations in Pittsburgh to provide special access to SPAN attendees. For a list of participating partners, plus detailed hours and information, please visit our map.
Past Events
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Where can I find out more about past SPAN events?
FORM, our first-ever design conference took place in San Francisco in 2014. For 2015, we reconceived the conference identity and launched a two-city series: SPAN New York and London. In 2016, SPAN took place in Los Angeles and Tokyo.
Learn more about the SPAN Reader (Vol 1 and Vol 2) and find additional SPAN-related articles, guides, and videos here.
Legal Disclaimers
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Registration terms and conditions
Photographs and/or videos taken at SPAN by Google, or others on behalf of Google, may include your image or likeness. You agree that Google may use such photographs and/or video for any purpose without compensation to you.
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Anti-harassment policy
Google is dedicated to providing a harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, national identity, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. All attendees must abide by our anti-harassment policy.
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Conduct policy
Google reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person from SPAN (including future SPAN events) at any time in its sole discretion. This includes but is not limited to attendees behaving in a disorderly manner, or failing to comply with the terms and conditions herein.
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Visas
If you aren’t a resident of the USA, you should check with your local government to determine the required documents and arrangements needed for your travel to the USA. We are currently unable to provide support for attendees seeking an entry visa to the United States for attendance to SPAN 2017.