For the latter part of 2009 we teamed up with the Dorset Design Forum (DDF) as our main sponsor. Following Meetdraw4 Matt Desmier, Chair of the Dorset Design Forum, wrote an article for Dorset Business magazine about the work of the DDF and Meetdraw. Below is an extract of what he wrote:

2009 saw the successful launch of the Dorset Design Forum – set up to inspire the sector, graduates and design buyers alike, as well as connecting the local industry with, not only itself but others. Strengthening and promoting the design industry in Dorset, the DDF took a considerable number of smaller steps in order to make huge leaps forward for the local design industry.

The Dorset Design Forum managed a very successful training programme consisting of a series of one day workshops specifically for the creative industries in areas which they themselves have requested and teaming up with Meetdraw for a number of very well-attended networking events. Having caught the  attention of the Local Authorities and hopefully garnering their support, Meetdraw ended 2009 in style with “The Meetball” held at the Winchester.

Following the success of 2009, the activities planned for 2010 look even brighter and more exciting. With both the DDF and Meetdraw set to continue with their inspirational workshop series and networking event line up respectively, alongside a host of other events the Dorset creative industries are going to have a busy 2010.

During the course of the year there will be an inspirational speaker programme whereby four undisclosed big name speakers, well known within the wider creative industries will visit Dorset in order to inspire our local creatives. We also look forward to the publication of the Cream of Dorset, a book which is dedicated to the celebration of Dorset’s design industry.

In addition, the future of our local industry has not been overlooked. Local creative agencies are being encouraged to tap into the local talent pool via the Graduate Internship Programme which is offering a £1,000 grant towards the cost of employing a graduate. And in conjunction with the South West Design Forum ‘Buddies’ will be launched, a mentoring scheme giving under-graduate students the opportunity to work alongside some of Dorset’s most highly regarded Creative Directors.

It certainly is going to be a busy year for the creative industries in Dorset, so there has never been a better time to get in touch and get involved.

Many thanks for all those individuals and agencies who gave there support last year.

More information on the Dorset Design Forum.

Check out a whole bunch of photos on Flickr and see what other Meetdrawers want for Christmas.

Thanks to John Parker and Jamie White for capturing it all.

We’re chuffed that Creative Advantage & the Dorset Design Forum have again given us a huge chunk of money to put behind the bar. Those of you that get there early enough can swap your signature for one of our beer tokens.