Reconnect With The Human Side of Our Color Community
At a time when so much of our work is mediated through screens, systems, and automated outputs, CMG's International Summit theme "Human–Color–Exchange" creates space for real connection, conversation, and reflection.
Human–Color–Exchange brings the International Summit back to color as a human experience. This year's program introduces new, interactive formats linking CMG's World Color Forecast™ to lived experience and real-world practice through industry experts.
Set in Asheville, North Carolina, the Summit invites face-to-face dialogue, meaningful exchange through ColorBridge Workshop, reknowned guest speakers and time to connect with local artisans and artists in the River Arts District, with an optional visit to the Biltmore Estate. Designed for conversation, connection, and collective insight, this is where color is explored through people, place, and shared perspective.
Your Summit registration comes with a COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION to
CMG's Virtual Summit Reveal on August 27-28, 2026.
Human–Color–Exchange
Color comes alive through dialogue, observation, and the quiet exchanges that happen when we gather in the same room.
Human–Color–Exchange honors these moments, recognizing that understanding color is as much about listening and sharing as it is about analysis.
Human–Color–Exchange is an invitation to slow down and experience color through human connection. New programming opens space for Industry-focused Roundtable Workshops, shared dialogue and interpretation that connect CMG World Color Forecast™ directly to real-world industry applications.
The Human-Color-Exchange experience extends beyond the room as participants connect with local artisans and artists in the River Arts District, exchange perspectives with peers, and explore the cultural richness of the region, with an optional visit to the Biltmore Estate. Together, we rediscover color as something deeply human.
Who Should Attend?
Global manufacturers, brands, and marketers understand the importance of color marketing to their bottom line. As a product developer, designer, manufacturer, CMF specialist, color specifier, or anyone who works with color for products or services, you won’t want to miss our Summit experience.
The Benefits of Attending
Join the latest color design conversations, helping you to succeed in your field, and helping your company to achieve continued growth.
Network virtually with individuals outside your specific industry, expanding your horizons and opening new areas for exploration.
Be part of an open-discussion atmosphere that will allow you to interact and come away with lasting relationships and connections. The friends you make will form your color community for years to come, and their energy and insight will prove invaluable.
You’ll hear newfound color revelations that will keep you, your company, and your clients well-versed in all things color.
Learn from color design professionals and influence your perception of future color directions.
Guest Speakers
Color as a Catalyst for Equity and Belonging by Laura Guido-Clark
Wednesday, May 13 - 08:00 AM
For too long, vibrant color has been treated as a luxury rather than a necessity. In 2011, Laura Guido-Clark founded Project Color Corps™ with a radical premise: that every community deserves the dignity of beauty.
In this presentation, Laura shares a decade and a half of lessons learned from the front lines of transformation. Moving beyond plain aesthetics, she explores the intersection of Neuroaesthetics and social justice, demonstrating how color can be leveraged to foster joy, safety, and a true sense of belonging. Through the "human lens" of those impacted, Laura reveals why one of the most powerful tools for community building and transformation is color.
Color, Regulation, and The Human Experience by Nicole Baxter
Color is more than decoration and embellishment, it provides information. It helps our brain tag memories, create context around emotions, and map our environments. How we experience color depends on how it's used. In our homes, it's permanent and sets the emotional foundation by activating or stabilizing our nervous system. Conversely, in fashion, it's fluid allowing us to express our moods. In products, it creates a sense of novelty and playfulness, or imparts a sense of luxury and sophistication, shaping our emotional responses.
Nicole speaks about the intersection of design, biology, and human experience, exploring how people maintain nervous system regulation while moving through the uncertainty and decision-making of the design and construction process.
Workshops Sneak Peak
ColorBridge™ Speed Mentoring - Facilitated by Doty Horn
Tuesday, May 12 - 02:20-05:00 PM
An exciting and interactive workshop designed to foster meaningful connections within the CMG community!
Engage with fellow professionals in a dynamic round robin format, where each table explores a specific topic.
This fast-paced exchange encourages insightful conversations, helping you gain valuable perspectives while strengthening your network.
Flow and Watercolors Workshop - Moderated by Christine Abassary, Artist, Ph.D.
Thursday, May 14 - 12:45-03:45 PM
An immersive 3-hour workshop exploring the connection between color, creativity, and wellbeing. Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the session invites participants to engage in a guided, expressive watercolor practice.
Through a series of guided exercises, attendees explore watercolor techniques including wet-on-wet mark-making, working from small to larger formats. The emphasis is on curiosity and freedom, encouraging to let go of judgement and rediscover a more instinctive, creative mindset.
Christine Abassary introduces the concept of "Neuroemergence", reconnecting with our innate creativity through new, sensory experiences. Attendees will gain insight into how creative practices can support focus, emotional clarity, and personal reflection.
BECOME A PARTNER
CMG Partnership Program gives you the opportunity to support our programs, events as well as our global membership. Opportunities may be tailored to fit your needs.