What do get when you combine six design world stars who have collectively held senior positions at more than 35 leading publications, one amazing moderator, and the delightful destination of Portland, Maine? ABSTRACT, a conference on the future of design in media to be presented by AIGA Maine on Friday, June 10. Alice Twemlow, chair of the unstoppable MFA Design Criticism program at the School of Visual Arts, will guide the day of in-depth, highly visual, and interactive sessions led by names you know: Gael Towey, Luke Hayman, Florian Bachleda, Arem Duplessis, Dirk Barnett, and Scott “The iPad Whisperer” Dadich. Come for the business-focused discussion of design as a driver of innovation (and revenue), stay for the practicum on launching an iPad publication. Ready to register? We’ve finagled a $100 discount for UnBeige readers: simply enter the code unbeige2011 at checkout. Think of it as our Memorial Day gift to you.

Motion graphics by Erick Fletes