speaker-photo

Bevan Bloemendaal

Founder, BB Creative Consultancy
Bevan Bloemendaal is a globally recognized brand strategist and experience leader with decades of impact across retail, design, and brand transformation. As Founder of BB Creative Consultancy, he partners with businesses to unlock human connection at scale, inspiring creative cultures and shaping experiences that disrupt, inspire, and endure. Previously, Bevan held senior leadership roles with Foot Locker, Timberland, and as Chief Brand & Creative Officer at Nelson Worldwide, where he redefined consumer engagement through immersive storytelling and design. A sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, he challenges organizations to rethink how they create relevance, belonging, and growth in a rapidly changing world.
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday October 22

Workshop #1 - The Thread That Connects Us (Narragansett Ballroom)

In a world overwhelmed by loneliness, disconnection, deep fakes and radical manipulation, one truth endures – humans need humans to feel human. What is the thread we, as creators of experience, can offer to restore that connection? In this powerful fireside conversation, global leaders Bevan Bloemendaal (BB Creative Consultancy), Loic Bizel (Lebiz Consulting Tokyo) and Mike Roberts (Keane) explore how design is weaving together the physical and emotional, the local and the global, the personal and the communal – proving that the most meaningful spaces aren’t just built; they’re felt. Through a gallery of real-world examples from across the globe spanning retail, hospitality and cultural experience – this session reveals the trends and touchpoints that are shaping emotionally intelligent design. Because the spaces we create aren’t just where people go – they’re where people connect.

Takeaways:
  • Explore how future of design will connect people physically and emotionally
  • Discover how global leaders are designing new experiences in both retail and hospitality 
  • Learn how human connection can be deepened by the built environment