We will have an open bar for the beginning of the evening or at least until you all make us regret the idea of offering a bunch of lectured designers free beer. Nonetheless, we’ll attempt it. Since the lounge will be open to locals, tourists and anyone who decides to go in you need to have your badge so that the bartenders know who to give drinks at no charge.

enjoy and have fun everybody!

i am in a forbidden place. so be merry and drink away all YOU can just for me!!

from saudi with thirst!!!

I would like to invite all the Speak Up readers in North Wales to an alternative party at my place. We'll have some good ale from the local brewery and whatever wine is on special offer at Tesco. We'll moan about missing The London Design Festival because we can't be bothered to go down to London and we'll try to forget our deep sadness over missing the Speak Up party by praising at length the superiority of British design over that of the colonies across the pond.

Who's coming?

Alright I put me down as a definite. Anyone else?

A chance to meet Armin + Bryony in person, wouldn't miss it! BTW, happy (belated) anniversary

you know i'll be there!

Can we come sans badge if we pay for our own drinks?

of course, david (I might even let you borrow mine for a drink or two)

I'll be there for sure. I hope many of you readers can make it too — regardless of whether or not you're attending the conference. I know there must be a ton of you in the Boston area, especially RISD.

It's always interesting to match the face and voice with the writing. I'll be the Asian guy next to the two beautiful blondes — Marian and Debbie.

I'll be the drunk guy next to two beautiful Jack and Cokes.

I'll join your entourage Tan, and make you look really important and famous. Any takers?

Without a doubt, if you are not attending the conference, but are in the area stop by and I will give you a "badge" to use for the night.

Let us all gather under one roof... blah, blah, blah (and have fun).

>next to the two beautiful blondes..

...and one stunning brunette, Bryony. I'm not worthy.

It seems I'm going to need a bigger limo for the post-party.

I'll be there.

Probably in a corner, nervously clutching a Makers Mark on the rocks.

I'll be the other brunette standing next to Tan, looking like I belong with somebody and hoping he doesn't introduce me as his B-yawch.

You're my wing-man, JT. Don't you know that? Armin used to be my wing-man, but he's Bierut's wing-man now. Whatever.

Just remember, wing-men aren't really supposed to talk. Just look cool and act like you're having a great time hangin' with me.

Jason, everyone knows Tan; as previous wingman just laugh at all the "Tan the man!" coming his way.

And to clarify one thing: anyone can come, regardless if you are a conference attendee or not, the badge is only for free drinks at the bar, otherwise it will be pretty hard to keep that in check.

Geez...I wish I could travel all the way from PA to hang out with fellow designers who like to SPEAK UP, but unfortunately I cannot.

I've been busting my hump trying to get my business on the move and can't leave at a time like this.

I will now go sulk quietly in a corner. Drink a few for me!

Okay, the alternative N Wales party isn't taking off too quickly, so I'm going to extend the invitation south down to Builth Wells & east to include Cheshire.

Yesiree, Bob! This is going to be an event to rival the Eglwysbach village f�te.

Yeah I'd love to go; I'm only $1000 short for the conference, $300 for airplane tickets, and I need $ for the hotel too.

Seriously I wish there would be a bargain conference or something for those who don't make a lot of money... this conference sounds like it is going to be tight...

Aaargh...All my favorite people are gonna be there and here I am, a couple thousand dollars short and starting a new job the week of the conference. Have a great time everybody! And have a drink for me. This get-together's being posted on our AIGALA site, so look out for the AIGA LA posse and the Polychrome crew. Hey everyone, send me postcards...