As we are inching closer to the Design Forum 2020, Marina Mrdjen Petrovic, marketing & communications manager at OFIS joins us as a moderator for two exciting panel discussions. As a marketing and communications manager at OFIS, one of the oldest furniture and flooring suppliers in the UAE, Petrovic has been a key figure in leading the brand’s recent revitalisation, followed by numerous marketing campaigns. Additionally, her influence has grown out of a journalism passion for researching and writing about the latest developments in both commercial interiors and the furniture industry and their impact on how design is practised. Petrovic has also co-authored one of the editions of the “100 Objects of Desire” book, successfully organised multiple design events in Dubai, moderated panel discussions and round tables, often tackling issues of gender inequalities in the world of design, best sustainable practices vs. value engineering, copyright infringement, and industrial design theft. She has been regularly collaborating with key interior designers in the region by supporting them promote their work but also helping them choose the right solutions from OFIS for the commercial spaces they design.

The event will be held on March 25, 2020, at Fairmont The Palm

Here’s the list of our confirmed speakers: 

Why we need more legacy projects in the region?
Ever wondered what will happen once the Expo 2020 is over? What happens when the scope of the work of pavilions, hotels, and other developments has been delivered, Are legacy projects like District 2020 vital for economic development as they will result in job and investment creation. Do we need more of these for continued growth? We invite experts to share their opinions on legacy projects.

Moderator: Marina Mrdjen Petrovic, marketing & communications manager at OFIS

Speakers: Diane Thorsen, design director, Gensler
Marija Krsmanovic Stringheta, senior architect, RMJM
Janus Rostock, vice president, MENA Head of Concept Architecture, AECOM
Kerem Cengiz, managing director LWK & Partners, MENA
Steve Kiernan, general manager, Bond Interiors

Gender pay gap in the creative industry!
It’s everywhere in the world and even RIBA takes keen interest to encourage practices to report to help address the Gender Pay Gap across the profession. Do women in the design industry feel that they there’s a great imbalance in pay between men and women and this needs to be addressed. Let’s find out the reasons of this behaviour from the experts and solutions to solve this problem.

Moderator: Marina Mrdjen Petrovic, marketing & communications manager at OFIS

Speakers: Laila Al-Yousuf, design director|partner, SAY Studio
Marianna Piccolo, founder, MY Pick One
Kristina Zanic, owner and CEO, Kristina Zanic Design Consultants
Rasha Alkady, founder/principal architect, STUDIO KAD
Ellen Søhoel, founder, XBD Collective