Tuesday
September 9, 2025
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
NBS Launchpad
2211 Old Earhart Road
Suite 190
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
We had an inspiring day full of learning and connection, featuring CEU-accredited classes led by industry experts, opportunities to network with fellow education and design professionals, and insights into the future of learning environments.
School is back in session, and we’re turning up the energy with a dynamic day of learning, connection, and inspiration. Join us for CEU-accredited classes led by industry experts, network with fellow education and design professionals, and explore what’s next in learning environments. Come for one class or stay for the full experience, the event will offer lunch, happy hour, a book drive, exciting prizes, and interactive tours of the NBS Launchpad, our cutting-edge education space.
We hope you enjoyed the insightful sessions led by industry experts on the future of learning environments. To revisit the topics and information covered, the presentation materials are available for download below.
Create gaming spaces that support student success
Steelcase
Enhancing the experience for everyone at work
Steelcase
Design a classroom for all
Smith System
10:00AM – 10:30AM : Light Breakfast Bites & Coffee
10:30AM – 11:30AM
Esports & Gaming in Learning
Presented by Jerry Brown, Steelcase
1.0 LU (IDCEC/AIA)
What is esports? Why should we bring it into schools? And how can we set up gaming spaces in a way that drives student success? Here we will share what we have learned about esports and gaming culture from our secondary research, along with information gathered from our own interviews, observations and experiments.
11:30AM – 1:00PM : Recess & Lunch Provided
1:00PM – 2:00PM
Understanding Inclusive Design
Presented by Meg Bennett, Steelcase
1.0 LU (IDCEC/AIA)
Inclusive Design is the process of using participatory methods to inform design, enabling designers to create new ways for traditionally excluded communities to engage in activities of their choice. In this course, participants will delve into the principles and practices of inclusive design, including understanding the needs of diverse stakeholder groups, incorporating equitable design best practices and leveraging different lived experiences as a source of inspiration, innovation and creativity.
2:00PM – 2:30PM : Break & Optional Launchpad Tour
2:30PM – 3:30PM
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Presented by Emily Islip, Smith System
AIA (HSW) + 1.0 LU IDCEC Value
Discover how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) fosters inclusive, accessible environments that support all learners. This session explores UDL’s core principles and offers practical strategies for applying them in classrooms. Learn how intentional design and furniture choices enhance engagement, representation, and expression, while supporting diverse student needs. Participants will leave with tools to implement and sustain UDL in evolving educational spaces.
3:30PM – 5:00PM : Happy Hour (Raffle Prize Drawing & Esports Gaming Experience)
Jerry Brown collaborates with K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the country to create innovative research-informed learning environments that align spatial design with pedagogy. With over 20 years of experience as a K-12 educator, Jerry now prepares future teachers at Grand Valley State University’s College of Education, Innovation, and Technology. A recipient of the 2022 Pew Teaching Excellence Award, for bridging academic research with real-world practice, his focus is helping institutions design spaces that foster student engagement, identity development, and instructional innovation.
Meg Bennett is a Global Design Principal at Steelcase, specializing in workplace and commercial interior design. With over 20 years of experience in commercial architecture, interior design, and contract furniture, she uses human-centered design to shape how people interact with space.
Passionate about the built environment, Meg believes great design evolves alongside people, processes, and experiences. At Steelcase, she connects research and insights to spatial solutions, leading a team focused on hybrid work, inclusive design, and the future of workplace environments.
Emily’s passion for creating forward thinking educational curriculum and learning spaces has grown from her years of teaching in early childhood, elementary, and middle school classrooms followed by a decade of creating and designing innovative classrooms and school environments. With this strong background in education-focused design, Emily plays a critical role in developing products that enhance student engagement, collaboration, and well-being. Her work emphasizes ergonomics, flexibility, and sustainability, ensuring that Smith System’s products support both students and educators in creating more effective and engaging learning spaces.
As part of the event, we hosted a book drive to benefit Washtenaw Promise. This local nonprofit empowers children in underserved communities by fostering early literacy, nurturing social and emotional growth, and walking alongside educators and families to build brighter futures.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $130 and collected a bin full of books to support Washtenaw Promise. With NBS’s contribution, we’re proud to donate a total of $250 to this incredible organization.
To RSVP for Backpacks & Brainpower, please complete and submit the following form.
