Date & Time: September 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Blanc Gallery, 15 E 40th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016
Theme: (AI)ndustrial Revolution – Exploring AI, Creativity, and Cross-Disciplinary Innovation
New York, NY - September 15, 2025 - Utopia., in collaboration with the A’ Design Award, successfully presented the (AI)ndustrial Revolution Panel Talk as part of the 40×40 International Exhibition in New York City. The event united global leaders in architecture, fashion, e-commerce, finance, and creative strategy to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, redefining culture, and inspiring new forms of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Qi Shen’s Leadership as Host
At the center of the evening was Qi Shen, Senior Product Manager at TikTok Shop, who served as the panel’s moderator. With a career spanning leadership roles at ByteDance, Alibaba, and JD.com, Shen is recognized for her expertise in product innovation and global e-commerce strategy. Her moderation set the tone for the dialogue—framing artificial intelligence not just as a technological disruption, but as a cultural and human-centered force with profound implications.
Shen guided the conversation with authority and precision, integrating insights from panelists into a cohesive narrative. Her ability to balance technical rigor with cultural awareness allowed complex concepts to become accessible to a broad audience, while also addressing ethical responsibilities in the AI era. Her leadership was widely noted by attendees as a defining element that elevated the discussion into a meaningful exchange with global resonance.
Program Highlights
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Expert Perspectives: Distinguished panelists shared how AI and generative technologies are driving transformation in their respective fields—from sustainable architecture to luxury branding, digital platforms, and creative entrepreneurship.
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Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue: Under Shen’s direction, the panel navigated opportunities and challenges while highlighting the human and cultural impact of AI across industries.
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Audience Engagement: A dynamic Q&A encouraged direct interaction with experts, sparking debate on ethical, creative, and technological questions.
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Networking Reception: The evening concluded with a networking session that fostered global connections among designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Photo Courtesy: Utopia. Team
Featured Panelists
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Qi Shen | Senior Product Manager, TikTok Shop (Technology & E-Commerce)
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Brando Vassallo | Founder, Smile Stringz (Fashion & Creative Leadership)
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Martin Schott | International Head of Creative, Phillips (Creative Direction & Branding)
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Viljon Caka | Founder, Pensotino (Finance & Art Patronage)
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Oliver Schütte | Founder, A-01 (Architecture & Sustainability)
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Josiah Forgath | Founder, Methods; Global Notion Ambassador (Productivity & Digital Strategy)
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Claudia Pecchio | Project Director, A-01 (Sustainable Product Innovation)
Photo Courtesy: Utopia. Team
Curatorial Statement
The (AI)ndustrial Revolution panel examined the evolving role of AI in creative practices, from digital commerce to sustainable architecture and fashion innovation. A core focus was placed on how smaller studios, independent designers, and underrepresented voices are harnessing technology to expand cultural participation and entrepreneurial opportunity. By highlighting intersections of technology, design, and global culture, the discussion reflected the transformative spirit of the 40×40 International Exhibition.
The evening concluded with a resounding message: that the future of creativity will be defined not by machines alone, but by the collaboration between human imagination and technological possibility.
About Utopia
Utopia Collaboration Inc. is a global art and design platform based in New York City, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue through exhibitions, panels, and immersive experiences. The organization connects innovators worldwide and inspires audiences to explore new paradigms in creativity, technology, and cultural impact.
About A’ Design Award
The A’ Design Award & Competition is one of the world’s leading design accolades, recognizing excellence across multiple design disciplines.
About The Blanc
The Blanc Gallery is a creative hub supporting diverse artistic practices and emerging talent. Through exhibitions, performances, and interdisciplinary programs, it empowers artists to grow, experiment, and engage with New York’s dynamic cultural scene.
Media Contact
Company Name: Utopia Collaboration Inc.
Contact Person: Utopia. Team
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.utopiaevent.org