Design Matchmaker: Meaningful Connections For Designers

​We've all been to networking events where you felt the awkwardness of introducing yourself over and over.

​Unlike traditional networking events, Design Matchmaker removes that awkwardness and encourages conversations that go beyond job titles. It's a structured evening of short, guided conversations. You rotate to someone new every few minutes, and each round comes with a thoughtful prompt to get you talking about more than "So, what do you do?"

​By the end of the night, you'll have met several new people from across the NYC design community, learned from different design disciplines, and built relationships that can extend beyond the event.

​The format is a rotation, not a mixer. You show up and sit down. The prompts do the heavy lifting, so you can skip the awkward small talk and get straight to the good stuff.

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​Format: Facilitated speed-networking with timed rotations, 2 hours

​Suited For: Anyone in the NYC design community who wants to meet people outside their usual circle.

​Hosted by:

​Industrial Design Society of America (NYC) | The New York City chapter of IDSA, the professional organization for industrial design focused on building community and programming for designers and design students across the tri-state.

​Smart Design | A strategic design company that helps people live better and work smarter. As technology and business become more complex, Smart Design humanizes products, services, and experiences through deep research, insights, and design strategies.

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​Getting There:

​The event is at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 216 (formerly Building 127), at the corner of Morris Ave and 10th Row (formerly 4th Street)

​The entrance is next to the truck bay at that corner, with a sign on the door. Once inside, open the interior door to reach the elevator to the 3rd floor.

​All visitors must show a QR code to enter the Navy Yard, so please have it ready. The most convenient entrances are Sands Street (best for subway access) and Cumberland Street. The Clinton Avenue entrance is currently closed for construction.

​Parking: If you're driving, you can park alongside any of the brick buildings within the Navy Yard.

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​The Industrial Design Society of America (NYC) and Smart Design reserve the right to use any photograph or video taken at this event without the express written permission of those included in the photograph or video. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded. Please reach out with any questions.