"The party has begun." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
The party really has begun over here at Design Manager! We are so excited about the upcoming release of our iPhone App. This project has been a year in the making so to kick it off right we hosted an exclusive App Launch Party on Friday of High Point Fall Market.
Photography by iMay Media
Our team consisted of Brad Martin, Janna Chanoux, Jamie Daddario, myself, and Joe Kissel. We had an absolute blast mingling with clients (and potential new clients!), showing off the app, drinking our signature cocktail the "App-erol Spritz, giving away prizes, and of course taking pictures!

As you came into the party the step and repeat was a hit. Then most designers headed straight to our testing bar where we had devices lined up and ready to play with.

A pit stop for a signature cocktail and then over to the swag table to discuss all things market. Our "App Packs" were the talk of the crowd as they included a pop socket (aka the best thing ever), a photo lens for the iphone, pens, stickers and more.
Photography by iMay Media
As usual, our #DesignMyths mugs were a huge hit. We went through over a hundred as we re-stocked throughout the night and not a single mug was left in building by the end.
Photography by iMay Media
Jamie and Janna ran the testing bar where they demonstrated the main features of the app while showing off the look and feel and navigation as well. They were blown away by designers sharing all the problems that the app will be solving already.

Joe and Brad worked the crowd as they were the resident celebrities. Particularly Brad who got pulled into the most pictures as "the webinar man." The best stories included where Brad has traveled with our designers as they watch the webinars from different locations around the world and even funnier around their homes as they do chores, workout, fall asleep at night, you name it.
Photography by iMay Media
When I wasn't passing out "App-erol Spritzes" or iPads, I was hanging with our industry friends like Nick May of The Chaise Lounge Podcast and Thomas Lester of Home Accents Today.
Photography by iMay Media
Or showing off our App Videos on the flat screen TVs so more people could view the features and see it in action.
Photography by iMay Media
Photography by iMay Media
We loved spending quality time with designers who support us on a daily basis. We loved the intimate setting where we could hear how the software saves designers hours of time every week, saves them thousands of dollars every month and gives them peace of mind that their businesses are running smoothly. It never gets old hearing those stories, meeting designers face to face that you have emailed with 10+ years and really brings to life everything that we "whiteboard" and "geek out" about all year. Thank you again to all that came - you made our Market! And to those that missed out - please stay tuned for future events as we would love to meet you in-person and hear your story too. You can find the rest of the party pics over on our Facebook page.
Photography by iMay Media
If you aren't on the list yet to get your hands on the app first, please sign up below. We are so excited to take all the love and positive energy from the party and keep that rolling through the release! Stay tuned!