Do the right thing, and do it with compassion— or don’t do it at all

3daysofdesign is an intense, immersive, interactive experience. A mix of design disciplines, featuring artists, artisans, architects, furniture and lamp designers, manufacturers, retailers, thought–leaders and trailblazers on the cusp of something exciting.

Every hour of the 3 days has been planned ahead of time, to provide a highly curated and coordinated festival, replete with amazing exhibitions, events, product launches, tours, Walk & Talks, drinks and dinners. All organised within a clear framework at designated Design Districts across Copenhagen, where visitors have i—Points, District Managers and Design Ambassadors to help them navigate the festival in person. Online and in the palm of your hand, there’s our website and our festival app, as focal points for information, updates, interviews, podcasts, videos, and more. It’s a massive undertaking.

Behind the scenes, I’m devoted to doing everything it takes to create an unforgettable festival that lasts just 3 days. All that planning takes place in hundreds of other days that you don’t see leading up to our festival. That’s when there’s an explosion of outrageous ideas and concepts to surprise and inspire you, along with an unbridled energy, enthusiasm, and something else. Magic.

But I’m not alone. I have a fantastic, dedicated, passionate team, and a wonderful community–led festival based on trust and mutual respect. It reflects a shared feeling we foster at 3daysofdesign that we’re all in this together.

Beyond the 3 days

Not only do we orchestrate experiences that are meaningful and memorable, we also nurture a close sense of community, based on a shared belief in the power of design to connect us. I have an enormous sense of appreciation for the people who have helped us from the start over a decade ago, and the people who have joined us since then. It’s a remarkable connectivity that lasts beyond the festival, over years and even generations.

We have no hidden agenda

3daysofdesign is a not–for–profit organisation and we give back to the exhibitors who invest in us. Our administrative task is to introduce, inform and optimise the opportunities we help create with our global visibility platform. We’re a democratic organisation featuring both emerging and established talent, so every voice is heard from all kinds of brands whatever their size. Our ultimate task is to make sure that everyone gets a return on their investment. Something that goes beyond what can be measured with money: from an increase in brand awareness, to coverage by the international press, to expanding business networks, to learning about new methods and materials—the impact of our festival is far reaching.

We go to great lengths to ensure that all our visitors, design professionals, the global press, influencers, and the general public enjoy an extraordinary experience that they simply couldn’t get anywhere else.

Copenhagen’s Creative Pulse

Then we have our lovely city. It’s an honour to have Copenhagen as the stage for our festival. It’s truly a gift. Not just because of its natural beauty, iconic architecture and award–winning urban design, but also because of the informal yet respectful spirit. Denmark is known as a design nation, and we’re proud that 3daysofdesign is emblematic of Denmark’s forward–thinking, design–minded culture.

There’s a time and a place for everything and everyone

In the end of the day, as we see it, success isn’t about size, money, or numbers. And this is not a competition. We are a unique concept co–created with our Copenhagen community, along with every exhibitor and guest who joins us from abroad. From our perspective, there’s a right time and place for everything and everyone. We’re happy to contribute to a rich global design discourse from our corner of the world.

As Denmark’s Official Design Festival, and as stewards of our 3daysofdesign brand, the trust and support that we have for each other is reflected in the respect that our festival has garnered from around the globe.

More than anything

Even though we are from diverse cultures and continents and a mix of various design disciplines, the soul of 3daysofdesign is about acting with passion and integrity. Looking after each other. Despite our exponential growth, it’s about supporting and respecting each other’s distinctive identity and added value. Remembering our purpose. Keeping our unique edge, sense of intimacy and close feeling of community. And joining forces together with us to champion design as a catalyst for positive change.