Inspiring Today, Transforming Tomorrow

The Design Leaders Conference
Will be back...

About the Design Leaders Conference

Design Leaders Conference is where creative professionals across all design disciplines come together to connect, share and celebrate the power of design.

The Conference brings together design leaders and experts who together are shaping the future.

Whether you're in brand, graphic, product, digital, interior, motion, medical or service design, the DLC is an unmissable opportunity to gain practical insights, talk shop, explore challenges, spark new ideas, spend quality time with your peers - and meet some design legends along the way! Make meaningful industry connections, get inspired, stay ahead of emerging trends, gain industry-focused insights and engage in the conversations defining design leadership.

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DLC 2026 - What a day that was!

It's a wrap! The Design Leaders Conference 2026 is now complete.

This year, we were delighted to feature Evan McGuinness of Bielke&Yang, Norway; Jane McDaid of THINKHOUSE; Danielle O’Connell of Good as Gold, together with 4 amazing students from IADT; Cat Drew of Design Council UK; Emily Penny and Joel Stein of Becolourful/Common Miracles, Connor Upton of Accenture The Dock and Gill Wildman of Stby - plus, designer extraordinaire Neville Brody OBE, RDI who was in conversation with emerging design star Farouk Alao, moderated by Irish agency owner Mary Doherty of Red Dog. See more info on our Speakers Page.

Our speakers discussed the theme of MEGATRENDS and shared their unique perspective on the Future Leaders, Future Designers, Future Skills, Future Business and Future Ireland. Check out the highlighs of the day on the Pictures Page.

Join us at Design Leaders Conference

Learn From Industry Leaders

Hear thought leaders deliver inspiring industry-focused talks ranging from overcoming key challenges of managing design, defining and honing your leadership style, to the future of our work, instilling new strategic thinking in your business or unlocking opportunities for you, your team and clients.

Future Focus Lens

Accelerated disruptions are a catalyst for change. New issues demand fresh perspectives and present new opportunities. Armed with the latest real-world insights from our subject-matter experts, we will discuss topics that transcend creative sectors and matter most today and, crucially, tomorrow and explore how to make a difference.

Design Leadership

Embrace the requirement and responsibility for design to lead and initiate meaningful change, capture the thinking and know-how to navigate crucial turning points for design and business as we strive to create a sustainable future, while still delivering innovation and value for clients.

Heighten Your Capabilities

Take a deep dive into the topics that pose the greatest challenges for design and creative business owners, directors, partners and managers who lead design teams and run successful creative studios. Speakers will ensure you embrace the future with new tools, renewed confidence, excitement about new possibilities and ready to innovate.

“A day to get out of the weeds and see the sky... always worthwhile. A great investment in our team who leave inspired, renewed, and full of ideas.”
— Mary Doherty, Red Dog

“The best conference for meeting fellow designers and connecting with peers”
— Bobby Comerford, Catapult

“An opportunity to benchmark my thinking on design as a profession”
— Stephen McGilloway, Bigsmall Design