Tony Fadell, known as the "Father of the iPod," will join Lincoln design director Max Wolff, Cadillac design chief Clay Dean and Kia chief design officer Peter Schreyer at the 18th Autoweek Design Forum (http://designforum.autoweek.com/) at Detroit's College of Creative Studies on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012. Peter Horbury, senior vice president of design at Geely Group, will serve as keynote speaker.

"We're thrilled Tony Fadell will be joining us at the Design Forum," says Dutch Mandel, Autoweek associate publisher and editorial director. "His participation alongside the artists behind some of the most beautiful cars in the world will add valuable perspective on the important relationship between automotive design and technology."

Fadell, founder and CEO of Nest.com, led the team that created the first 18 generations of the iPod and the first three generations of the iPhone. Before Apple, Fadell built the Mobile Computing Group at Philips Electronics. Fadell graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's in computer engineering, and has collectively authored more than 75 patents. 

The Autoweek Design Forum is a chance for enthusiasts, students and designers to learn about the latest design trends and to network within their field of interest. Held at the College of Creative Studies' A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, the Design Forum begins with continental breakfast at 8 a.m. Individual morning presentations, design exhibits, networking opportunities and a strolling lunch follow. 

Advance registration for the half-day program, including breakfast, lunch and a ticket to the NAIAS, is US$150 for all attendees, with a limited number of discounted student tickets available.  Limited on-site registration will be available during the Design Forum at $200 per ticket for all attendees. If tickets sell out prior to the event, there will be no on-site registration.