Of all the sessions at this year’s HOW conference that you have to attend to appreciate, Ironic Chef is it. The panel of 4 celebrity designers (DJ Stout, Brian Collins, Cheryl Towler Weese, and Armin Vit) are all on stage dressed in chef costumes. They are given a design challenge that they must complete in 20 minutes.

The First Challenge: The United Nations is facing a PR challenge. They need an image makeover. Create a logo, moving announcement, brand identity, and ad campaign.

The Second Challenge: Create a logo, ad campaign, and slogan for Chicago’s bid for the Olympics.

With Steven Heller and Noreen Morioka as commentators, it was an entertaining session. It was also fun to see how the different designers work under pressure. Brian Collins and DJ Stout worked with paint, markers, tape, and scissors while Armin and Cheryl were working on Apple laptops. Technically, it was cool how they switched back and forth from the designers computer screens or light tables. Near the beginning there were slight technical difficulties that caused Steven Heller to proclaim “PowerPoint should be banned” to thunderous applause. Amen.

Congratulations to Armin for winning both challenges to claim the title of Ironic Chef.