EVENTS CALENDAR Information current as of January 29, 2026.
DLN EVENTS DESIGN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION WORKSHOP: MISSISSIPPI January 22 – 23, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Your chance to support the next generation of design talent and shape the future of the field by offering practical advice and mentorship to students through mock interviews, resume reviews, panel discussions, and more.
COMMUNITY GATHERING: TEXAS Week of March 9, Houston, Dallas, Austin, TX
An intimate exploration of a design scene led by local members and partners, open to the entire community.
DESIGN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION WORKSHOP: LOS ANGELES April 1, Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA
May 7 – 8, New York City
CORE
ENT EV
THE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Formerly the Business Forum, our 12th-annual annual deep dive into the business of design features talks by leading industry voices, intimate breakout discussions with peers, and behind-the-scenes tours that provide rare insight into how today’s top creatives work. May 31 – June 2, Ojai, CA
CORE
ENT EV
DESIGN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
An intensive educational program for creative business leaders, featuring a central leadership theme; condensed, time-efficient program; and intimate scale, facilitated by business experts and fueled by peer-to-peer connection.
COMMUNITY GATHERING: CHICAGO July 21 – 22, Chicago
2026
Week of November 2, Los Angeles
CORE
ENT EV
THE DESIGN SUMMIT
Our 21st annual global conference, where education, inspiration, and connection collide in a peak experience designed especially for design principals. Expect programming from thought leaders alongside access to private spaces, stimulating conversations with creative peers, and enough inspiration to creatively charge your practice through the coming year.
COMMUNITY GATHERING: PHILADELPHIA Dates TBA, Philadelphia
DESIGN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION WORKSHOP: ATLANTA Dates TBA, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta
Interested in hosting a gathering in your community? Want to add an industry event to the calendar? Write to us at events@designleadershipnetwork.org.