Design Leaders Conference 2018 is one day conference taking place on 8th November, bringing together thought leaders and subject matter experts to lead business-focused conversations and learning on the challenges of managing creative environments, building a winning culture and running a modern creative practice profitably.

The Conference takes a deep dive into topics that pose the greatest challenges for designers and creative business owners, directors, partners and managers who lead design teams and run successful studios. It’s been described by attendees as an unmissable opportunity to build your network, share ideas and learn up to date industry trends and best practice.

‘The day after last year’s conference, I put one piece of advice into practice and immediately cut down project negotiations with an existing client from a couple of weeks to less than a day. They’ve since increased their work with us and gone on to sell us internally in their organisation to other teams, saying that what makes us different is how easy we are to deal with. That one piece of advice made a difference to our bottom line, client relationships and the work itself. The advice was nothing ground breaking, really. But taken in the context of the day, listening to new perspectives and hanging out with colleagues and competitors, we were motivated and excited enough to try a new approach. For anyone working in management in creative industries, this conference is important.’
Brian Herron, Principal Designer, UX & Strategy, Each & Other

Design Leaders Conference is focused on the business of design, running a studio or agency, and leading a design team. Keynote sessions feature executive speakers from the US, Canada and Europe discussing everything from the challenges and opportunities of defining and honing leadership style, to aligning talent and culture in dynamic design and creative environments with a profitable business strategy.

Aimed at both creative directors and design agency owners and managers, the format and content of the day means you will come away re-invigorated and inspired, with actionable insights to bring back to your agency or studio.

‘Design Leaders Conference is an outstanding event, an open platform where we can network, share ideas and listen to the opinions of other leaders nationally and internationally. It is great that we get such a valuable opportunity on this scale and level to talk to our industry peers about the challenges we face and opportunities we meet. We look forward to the next event.’
Jane O’Reilly – Deputy MD, Image Now

Do you take your career and your business seriously enough to spend one working day of the year thinking and talking about how you can be better at your job?

If the answer is yes, grab one of the last few tickets

The Design Leaders Conference is an initiative of Design Enterprise Skillnet and promoted by the Institute of Designers of Ireland & ICAD