TypeCon2013 Conference Theme

What’s in a name?When developing the annual theme for TypeCon, we explore taglines or phrases that tie together various aspects of local culture, typography, and the fundamentals of what the conference stands for. This year’s theme is Portl& — and it certainly ties things together, literally and conceptually.The ampersand replaces a portion of the host city’s name, reinforcing the importance of type and typography in this vibrant, creative community. Intended to be used as part of an extensible and flexible typographic system, the ampersand plays the dual role as glyphic rebus and traditional conjunction. The ampersand is inclusive by definition, naturally connecting ideas, cultures, and communities together — words & pictures, ink & paper, education & application, global & local — and by natural extension, TypeCon & Portland.Let us know what you think.