Webster University DEI Conference
I was tasked with designing graphics and leading art direction for Webster University's 10th annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference in 2026. The highly anticipated event provides a safe space for people to share their experiences and learn from each other. The event produced a 55% increase in registrations and a 17% increase in sponsorships compared to the previous year. In addition, media coverage reached nearly 6.5 million people.
My biggest challenge was to provide art direction and an overall design that matched the theme for the conference. This year’s theme was The Audacity to Persist: Reclaiming Space, Voice and Justice. Additionally, the event was canceled last year. Therefore, this year’s conference needed to have a strong marketing presence with clear messaging to attract a significant audience.
My plan of action for the art direction was to utilize some of Webster's brand colors (blue, orange, and gold) to highlight the most significant content. The colors were also used to represent the diverse communities that the event seeks to highlight.
The bold headline text with the orange arrow represents the underrepresented communities having the audacity to persist in order to reclaim space, voice, and justice.
