History will be kind to these people, as they write it here in their own words. For the record, let’s call them independent eyewitness reports.
“I live in Hong Kong because of Podge. At Podge London I met Start founders Mike Curtis & Darren Whittingham and now I’m here! And now I’m organising podge in Hong Kong. Why? Having been in Hong Kong for four years I am in no doubt that Hong Kong, as one of the world’s few truly international cities and Asia’s design capital, has a major role to play in design on a global level. With this year’s theme being of a more international nature, the time is right to introduce the cream of Asia’s creative community to the phenomenon that is Podge. And what better way to do it than by linking up simultaneously with those other great cities in the name of peace.”Jonathan Cummings, Managing Director, StartJG Hong Kong
“I like to think of myself as an original Podge attendee who has introduced many new faces to our annual event over the past sixteen years -- even from the Big Apple. This year my role of Podge 'attendee' has finally shifted (due to the persuasive powers of Mr. Jones) to 'host' and I find myself organizing our private Podge breakfast here in NYC with Patrick Baglee as my partner in crime. The concept of gathering leaders of our global design community together across three continents to acknowledge and honor Peace One Day on September 21st was more important than my annual hop across the pond for a spot of lunch and something that I feel passionate about. Hopefully this will be an enormous success and perhaps the beginning of a formal NYC Podge lunch in years to come. ”Helen Keyes, Creative Director and Corporate Brand Consultant, New York
"Peace One Day is a global initiative, and given that we’re both long-standing UK Podgers at large in New York, it seemed only right and proper to gather the design leaders and legends of the America’s for our own Podge brunch at the magnificent National Arts Club in Manhattan. We’re thrilled to be bringing Podge to pastures new, and helping support Jeremy Gilley’s inspiring work, and we look forward to joining hands with friends across two oceans as we eat our muffins in the shadow of the United Nations. See you on the 21st"Patrick Baglee & Helen Keyes
"Is it the Design Industry? Business? Trade? To me, it’s a bunch of colleagues who share the same problems, issues, loves and hates. I consider other designers competitors last, friends first (and I’ve even been know to even fancy some of them). Every year at Podge I get a chance to reconnect with my friends in the UK and I wouldn’t miss it, ever. On my calendar Podge is a Jour Fixe, as we Germans say.”Erik Spiekermann, CEO - EdenSpiekermann
“I was a Podge virgin until 2006 and had honestly thought that Podge was just a bunch of old design-industry farts getting pissed. Well imagine my surprise! Seriously, Podge represents all the things that made me fall in love with our industry almost 20 years ago: great people unites into one big family.”Jill Marshall, Managing Director, Bloom
“While the professional annual get together is D&AD and the Design Week Awards, the social highlight of the Design year is the Annual Podge lunch. This is where real Design Industry Genius’s meet - this is where the real Design Gossip is bantered and most important where the professional and competitive cudgels are downed, the Egos left at the front door and the Design Business unites into one big family.”Michael Peters OBE, Michael Peters & Partners
“I am so looking forward to Podge this year having missed the last one. For me it is not just a chance to meet up with some really great friends that I see far to infrequently but also a time to reflect on what a truly great industry we work in with so many talented and lovely people. We are a lucky bunch albeit I am sure the likes of Paul King and others will be asking all about how life is ‘upt norff’ and getting the accent badly wrong.”Jonathan Sands OBE, Elmwood
“The Peacemeal is what it is all about. The most peaceful thing of all matters: a meal – or more – amongst competitors and friends alike. I always loved the idea that for one short pie we can all share our stories, get to the bottom of our peasness and shandy what makes this group so enjoyable: laughter and tears, gravy and distain, or new stories and old eggs. So for a few hours this September we can all share meat loaf not war.”Gion-Men Kruegel, Executive Creative Director, Interbrand
“Podge is the one day a year when the best of Britain's design talent celebrate the best of why we are in the business....people! As for social networks - Podge was clearly the inspiration for Facebook and Linked In! But with alcohol! Phil Jones is the Mark Zuckerberg of design networking!”Chris Nurko, Group Chairman, Futurebrand
“Always good fun, always good company. But, you've really got to pace a Podge. If you start off too quick, you can find yourself tucked up in bed by 7pm.”Jonathan Ellery, Creative Director, Browns