design and vitra are practically synonymous. the family-owned swiss company is trusted with manufacturing the works of some of the world’s most respected and renowned designers. think eames, vernor panton, and jean prouvé —these are just some of the iconic names that have entrusted them to manufacture their pieces.

this year, vitra design museum is leading the charge in moving the conversation around design forward through a conference called the politics of design. the day-long affair will address design as a political activity with the idea that designers are constantly making decisions regarding social issues such as inclusion, identity, and sustainability. the aim of the conference is to explore the big question that surrounds this line of thinking: “while design is a powerful took for social and political change does it really have an effect on things?”

taking place on april 10 from 1:45 to 6:30, the day will be broken into three parts with top players in the fields of design, philosophy, sociology, and politics speaking on panels. confirmed speakers include paola antonelli, bruce sterling, danah abdulla, jan boelen, claudia chwalisz, indy johar, amelie klein, and etienne turpin.

the politics of design is presented by the vitra design museum and will take place april 10 at trienalle milano, teatro dell’arte.