Some of the world's top designers like Philippe Starck will be a keynote speaker at the Business of Design Week in November
Tadao Ando, the 1995 Pritzker Architecture winner, will share his views with participants at BODW
Larry Keely co-founder of Doblin Inc is also one of the industry experts at the international conference

Held from 18-21 November, Business of Design Week 2004: Lifestyle Asia (BODW),  will comprise an international conference and forum by prominent figures from the world of design and innovation strategy, a design exhibition showcasing regional excellence and an outreach exhibition displaying the design energy and flavour of Hong Kong.

Freeman Lau, chairman, Board of Directors, Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC), the organiser of BODW, said the event has become one of Asia's most important design and business forums. "With world famous design authorities like Philippe Stark and Tadao Ando participating this year, Hong Kong's reputation as a hub of design excellence in Asia is further confirmed," said Mr Lau.

BODW co-organised by the Trade Development Council will also give the business community valuable insights on why and how design can make a difference in increasing competitiveness and improving the bottom line.

Guest speakers such as IKEA chief designer Lars Engman and other industry experts will explore the secrets of the world's leading brands and their relationship with design and business in terms of brand strategy, innovation and technology, and how they reflect their host culture and city. The "who's who" in the design world will also identify coming market needs and future trends that will shape business.

HKDC is a non-profit organisation founded by the Hong Kong Federation of Design Associations Ltd. With the aim of helping business excel through design, HKDC also intends to equip the city with a rich source of innovative products and services, and design talents across all disciplines.

More details in Hong Kong Design Centre