Events & Programming
Live Events
2024 Design Leadership Summit
October 16, 2024
The Summit is the DLN’s annual global conference, where education, inspiration, and connection collide in a uniquely engaging environment: the DLN Summit experience. Expect a lineup of world-class creatives and preeminent industry experts helming a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences informed by the Summit’s location and context.
Known for its literary heritage, charming cobblestone streets, and striking architecture in both historic and modernist idioms, Edinburgh is the perfect setting for the 2024 Design Leadership Summit. The city might be famed for its historic castle, but it’s also a hub of modern creativity: Contemporary art galleries, prolific festivals, and a thriving culinary scene make Edinburgh a can’t-miss destination for design industry professionals and intrepid travelers alike.
Celebrating collaboration, heritage, and craft, the 2024 Summit features esteemed speakers and savvy guides from the worlds of British and European architecture, design, hospitality, fashion, and media.
Scroll down to read about some highlights from this year’s summit, or click here to register now.
2024 Business Forum
June 05, 2024
The DLN’s annual Business Forum brings together thought leaders from the design industry and beyond to discuss the business—and future—of design.
2024 Design Leadership Workshop
April 30, 2024
This intimate, two-day retreat is for DLN Members and Partners looking to level up their firms by executing the perfect client experience.
The Design Leadership Workshop was designed with you in mind, and in discussion with many of you, as a smaller-scale experience devoted to strengthening your businesses and our community. This year’s Workshop will be held in Ojai, California, at the Ojai Valley Inn, a destination designed for disconnection from the day-to-day—the perfect setting to build relationships, learn, and grow together as design professionals.
Our facilitator will be Jon Picoult, an authority on employee and client experience who will expertly guide participants through case studies focused on building client loyalty. As we will learn, client loyalty is about more than satisfying clients; it is about inspiring and impressing them in order to forge indelible memories that maintain lifelong clients and referral behavior, the lifeblood of any thriving business.
Through carefully designed exercises, participants will discover new strategies to implement with their terms, creating a work environment that strengthens employee engagement and fosters client-focused behaviors. Beyond time spent with Jon, participants will also engage in small working-group sessions aimed at addressing the struggles faced by firm principals in our often-turbulent design industry.
As you would expect from the DLN, there will be many opportunities to build relationships through community engagement activities with a local flavor.
The Design Leadership Workshop is open to all DLN Members and Partners, including architects, interior designers, landscape specialists, and other professionals. This event is designed to be an intimate experience, so space is limited, and you won’t want to miss it. Register today!
Workshop fee: $3850
2024 Events Calendar
January 01, 2024
We are excited to see the DLN community around the globe in 2024. From our Summit in Edinburgh to our second annual Design Leadership Workshop to myriad design fairs, festivals, and markets, there’s lots in store in the year ahead. Refer to this document as you plan your travel–and keep us posted on where you’ll be.
We can’t wait to see you!
The DLN Summit in Mexico City
October 23, 2023
The Summit is our annual global conference where education, inspiration, and connection collide in a uniquely engaging environment: the DLN Summit experience. Expect a lineup of world-class creatives and preeminent industry experts helming a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences inspired by the Summit’s location and context.
This year, the Summit takes place in one of our favorite design capitals: Mexico City. Celebrating collaboration, heritage, and craft, the 2023 Summit features esteemed speakers and savvy guides from the worlds of Mexican architecture, design, hospitality, fashion, and media.
DLN Members and Partners will enjoy exclusive opportunities to make lifelong connections and access spectacular spaces not open to the public, all while gaining insight into the heart of Mexico City—and the heart of Mexican design, style, and culture. Attendees have the option to cap off the Summit with an excursion to Oaxaca or San Miguel de Allende, where we’ll dive deeper into the craft, design, and history of those regions.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED
Design Leadership Workshop
May 22, 2023
New to the slate of DLN offerings, the inaugural Design Leadership Workshop, May 22 — 24, is open for registration! This two-day retreat was designed for Members and Partners looking to strengthen your leadership game, with a strong focus on what it takes to lead your small- to medium-size firm to lasting success.
2023 Events Calendar
January 31, 2023
We are thrilled to share our 2023 Events Calendar with you. Refer to this document for a complete list of events the DLN plans to convene and attend this year, as well as information about our latest offerings, including DLN Gatherings from Dallas to London and the inaugural DLN Workshop — our brand-new, business-minded event with interactive workshops and breakout sessions designed to help you level up your leadership game. The calendar also features dates for our excursions to San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca following the 2023 Design Leadership Summit in Mexico City. An updated Events Calendar will be distributed quarterly.
We can’t wait to meet up with you!
Rome Summit
November 02, 2022
This year, the Summit takes place in one of our favorite design capitals—Rome. Celebrating the infinitely creative spirit of the Eternal City, the 2022 Summit features esteemed speakers and savvy guides from the worlds of Italian architecture, design, hospitality, fashion, and media.
DLN Members and Partners will enjoy exclusive opportunities to make lifelong connections and access spectacular spaces not open to the public, all while gaining insight into the soul of Rome and the heart of Italian design, style, and culture.
Limited space is available and we’d love to see you there.
2022 Business Forum
June 22, 2022
The 7th-Annual Business Forum was held on June 22 at The Pool in New York City. Through panel discussions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities, DLN Members and Partners engaged in conversations about creative solutions to industry-wide challenges.
A Toast to LEGENDS 2022 Recap
May 05, 2022
Last week, DLN Members and Partners gathered at LEGENDS in Los Angeles to celebrate California: The Golden State of Design.
The Bermuda Summit Recap
March 28, 2022
The DLN Community gathered at the Rosewood Bermuda to reconnect and share business strategies.
The Sedona Summit
November 01, 2021
The Sedona Summit enabled us to fully disconnect from work and forge a deep bond with nature and our own energy. It was far more than an escape to a resort—for three days, 150 DLN members were immersed in thousands of years of history and one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.
Summit 2021
July 20, 2021
At a time of unprecedented growth, along with a continually shifting landscape, it’s important to come together to better understand how we are impacted as individuals, as leaders of our firms, and as people working to make a difference.
Behind The Scenes: Los Angeles, Britely Social Club
June 17, 2021
Los Angeles! We’re coming to town… and we’re going to take you for a behind the scenes look at the newly opened Britely Social Club in West Hollywood…
Behind The Scenes: San Francisco, Yerba Buena Island
June 15, 2021
San Francisco! We’re coming to town… and we’re going to take you for a behind the scenes look a singular development at Yerba Buena Island with Hart Howerton’s Tim Slattery on June 15 at 5PM, followed by cocktails and a chance to take in the breathtaking views…
2021 Business Forum
June 10, 2021
AGENDA
Gatheround with the DLN
So we can’t serve you cocktails but you never know who you’ll bump into in our pre-business forum get together. And remember, “Mystery is at the heart of creativity”. The Gatheround pre-show event is exclusive to DLN members and partners only.
Behind The Scenes: Chicago, Crab Tree Farm & Shoreacres
June 08, 2021
Chicago! We’re coming to town and we’re going to have a behind the scenes look at The Crab Tree Farm, with author, Kim Coventry on June 8th starting at 10 AM. The visit will be followed by an intimate lunch at the Shoreacres Country Club…
Atlanta Community Lunch at The Piedmont Driving Club
May 07, 2021
Please join the Design Leadership Network for an intimate lunch at The Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta…
The Virtual Summit
December 03, 2020
The DLN’s 2020 Virtual Summit will empower leaders of our design community to make a difference. Join us to be inspired, to learn, and to share an experience born out of the unique circumstances of 2020 and look forward to an optimistic future.
2020 Business Forum
September 10, 2020
This virtual experience provided essential access into the critical topics and fluctuating demands of our rapidly changing business climate. Learn insider information from top experts to grasp these changes and come out ahead.
DLN Dinner in Houston
February 12, 2020
The Design Leadership Network will be hosting a regional dinner in Houston to gather the local design community and meet some new friends along the way.
DLN Dinner in Dallas
February 11, 2020
The Design Leadership Network will be hosting a regional dinner in Dallas in the hopes to bring the local design community together and meet some new friends along the way.
2020 Paris Deco-Off
January 16, 2020
The Design Leadership Network travelled to Paris for Deco Off 2020. A number of members were able to attend our Behind the Scenes privately touring thru Boiseries Féau & Cie and Atelier Montex + Studio MT. Click thru for some inspiring images!
The London Summit
November 05, 2019
The London Summit was a truly once in a lifetime experience encompassing exclusive, behind the scenes visits in private homes and studios, extraordinary evening at Kensington Palace, Blenheim Palace, and The Painted Hall…
Fall Intermix Dinner with the NYDC
September 11, 2019
The Design Leadership Network co-hosted our annual Fall Intermix Dinner with the NYDC at the Met Breuer’s iconic Flora Bar to celebrate What’s New, What’s Next 2019 and The London Summit.
Behind the Scenes: Zwirner Gallery
September 11, 2019
The Design Leadership Network hosted an intimate behind the scenes preview of Paul Klee & Anni Albers show, hosted by David Leiber, Partner at David Zwirner’s Gallery.
Masterpiece London Intermix
June 26, 2019
The Design Leadership Network returned to London for the unmissable event at the height of the capital’s summer season, Masterpiece London. We hosted a private dinner with access to the preview day of the fair.
2019 Partner Forum
June 04, 2019
The Design Leadership Network hosted our 4th annual Partner Forum in New York City, exclusive to DLN corporate and media Partners.
2019 Toast to Legends
May 08, 2019
The Design Leadership Network hosted our annual toast to Legends 2019 at the Sunset Tower Hotel on Wednesday, May 8th.
Atlanta Roundtable Dinner
April 30, 2019
The Design Leadership Network will be hosting a regional dinner in Atlanta in the hopes to bring the local design community together.
Toronto Roundtable Dinner
April 16, 2019
The Design Leadership Network will be hosting a regional dinner in Toronto in the hopes to bring the Canadian design community together.
Dinner in Los Angeles
February 13, 2019
The Design Leadership Network will be hosting a regional dinner in Los Angeles, CA in the hopes to bring the LA community together. Invitation and location details coming soon.
2019 Paris Deco-Off
January 17, 2019
The DLN will be in Paris for Deco-Off and Maison/Objet beginning on January 16th through the 22nd. Please join Becky Birdwell, Managing Director of the DLN for various Deco-Off activities.
Dinner in Boston
November 27, 2018
The Design Leadership Network hosted a fall intermix dinner with the Michael Phillips of the Boston Design Center on November 27. We had close to 30 members of the community join us for a lovely evening at Chickadee.
Dinner in Austin
November 14, 2018
The Design Leadership Network hosted a regional dinner in Austin, TX on November 14. Becky Birdwell, Managing Director was joined by 25 members of the local community for drinks, dinner and design.
2018 Design Leadership Summit: Washington, D.C.
October 03, 2018
Hosted in our nation’s capital, the 2018 Design Leadership Summit featured exclusive behind the scenes tours, special events in amazing venues, notable speakers, interactive forums, and of course networking and intimate engagement opportunities.
2018 Masterpiece London Breakfast
June 27, 2018
The Design Leadership Network was in London for the unmissable event at the height of the capital’s summer season, Masterpiece London. We hosted an intimate breakfast with Nina Campbell and other British designers and architects to kick-off our 2019 London planning.
Cocktails in the Hamptons
June 16, 2018
The Design Leadership Network hosted an intimate cocktail party for Members & Partners at the iconic Sag Harbor home of Steven Gambrel.
2018 Partner Forum
June 15, 2018
The Design Leadership Network hosted our 3rd annual Partner Forum in New York City, exclusive to DLN corporate and media Partners. Click here to learn about our 2018 keynote speakers.
DLN Travels: Mexico City
June 04, 2018
The annual DLN Travels trip explored the vibrant world of historical and contemporary art, architecture and design in Mexico City. Our itinerary allowed members to experience exclusive access to the Mexican capital’s esteemed galleries and museums, including Casa Luis Barragán, the Diego Rivera home and studio, Museo Jumex and more.
Behind the Scenes: What’s Happening in Media Today
May 22, 2018
The Design Leadership Network hosted breakfast & a conversation with David Carey, former President of Hearst Magazines, Troy Young, Global President of Hearst Digital Media & Newell Turner, former Editorial Director of The Hearst Design Group.
2018 Legends Intermix
May 09, 2018
The Design Leadership Network hosted our annual toast to Legends 2018 at the Sunset Tower Hotel. Jeff Klein, owner of the Sunset Tower Hotel joined us along with Donald Robertson and Lisa Koch to discuss the new renovations of the iconic hotel.
Dinner in Atlanta
April 23, 2018
Becky Birdwell, Managing Director of the Design Leadership Network hosted a dinner in the spring of 2018, just before Design ADAC, with the hopes to expand our network in Atlanta, GA.
Paris Deco-Off
January 18, 2018
The DLN was in Paris for Deco-Off (January 18-22). Over 30 DLN Members joined us and we celebrated with various Partner events.
DLN Travels: Napa Valley
October 27, 2017
The DLN hosted our annual travels program, immediately following the 2017 Design Leadership Summit with an insider’s view of Napa’s wine and architecture.
Dinner in Boston
October 11, 2017
The DLN co-hosted an intimate dinner at Menton with Michael Phillips of the Boston Design Center during the Boston Design Market.
Behind the Scenes: An Insider’s Tour of RAMSA
September 19, 2017
The Design Leadership Network hosted an event in the new office space of Robert A.M. Stern Architects’. A truly extraordinary and valuable opportunity to hear directly from Bob Stern and Partner, Paul Whalen to learn more about the firm and how their new office supports their business strategy.2017 Partner Forum
June 27, 2017
The 2nd annual DLN Partner Forum was held at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City, exclusive to DLN corporate and media Partners.
Cocktails & Conversation at the Judd Foundation
May 23, 2017
The Design Leadership Network hosted an intimate evening of cocktails & conversation with Rainer Judd and Lee Mindel at the Judd Foundation in SoHo. Rainer and Lee spoke to us about the history of Donald Judd and the legacy he left behind.
2017 Legends Cocktail
May 10, 2017
The Design Leadership Network hosted a toast to Legends 2017 at the Sunset Tower Hotel. LA Natives, Lee Stanton and Joe Lucas joined us to kick off the annual LCDQ festivities.
DLN Travels: Como & Venice, The Majesty of Italian Manufacturing
April 10, 2017
DLN Partner, Rubelli hosted an intimate group of DLN Members on an incredible and inspiring trip through Como, Vicenza, Venice, and Murano.
Dinner in Washington, D.C.
March 23, 2017
Fellow DLN Members, Ankie Barnes and Andrew Law kindly hosted us at The Georgetown Club for an intimate evening of cocktails, dinner and design in Washington, DC.
Dinner in Greenwich
March 02, 2017
The Design Leadership Network hosted an intimate evening of cocktails, dinner, and design in Greenwich, CT at Le Penguin.
2017 Breakfast in Paris
January 20, 2017
The Design Leadership Network hosted breakfast during Paris Deco-Off followed by a conversation discussing the spirit of Jean Lurcat with Pierre Frey and Lizzie Deshayes.
DLN Travels: Havana, Cuba
December 02, 2016
HAVANA: An Insider’s View of Cuba’s Architecture and the Arts hosted in conjunction with Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation.
2016 Design Leadership Summit: Miami, FL
November 28, 2016
The Design Leadership Network hosted their 2016 Summit in Miami, FL. The theme was Art Meets Design and combined elements of professional practice, immersion in the art & design marketplace, exposure to the history and culture of Miami, followed by special access to Design Miami and Art Basel.
90th Anniversary Celebration of 200 Lex
September 22, 2016
The DLN was thrilled to join the forces with the NYDC to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of 200 Lex + What’s New, What’s Next.
Inaugural 2016 Partner Forum
June 21, 2016
The Design Leadership Network hosted their inaugural Partner Forum at the Four Seasons Restaurant just before the New York icon officially closed.
Behind the Scenes: Dinner at Tiffany’s
June 08, 2016
The DLN and Tiffany & Co. hosted a summer dinner in their private salon at the 5th Ave. flagship store. We were joined by Jean-Marc Bellaiche, Senior V.P. of Tiffany & Co. and special guest Paul Whalen, partner at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, who led the redesign of the salon.2016 Maison et Objet Panel
May 12, 2016
Maison&Objet Americas hosted their second Interior Designer & Lifestyle Summit. They welcomed around 1400 visitors, over 4 days and 20 conferences. The DLN produced a panel discussing the crossover between residential and hospitality design with DLN Members, Tamara Kaye Honey and Frank De Biasi, moderated by Becky Birdwell.2016 Legends Cocktail
May 04, 2016
The DLN hosted a toast to the 2016 Legends at the Sunset Tower Hotel.
2015 Design Leadership Summit: Los Angeles, CA
October 27, 2015
The Design Leadership Network celebrated their 10 year anniversary in Los Angeles. The DLN continued to focus on great programing with an evening with mastermind Frank Gehry at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, professionally led entrepreneurial workshops, and a series of LA tours highlighting the iconic architectural influences Los Angeles has set forth.Behind the Scenes: Inside the Studio of Kerry Joyce
September 24, 2015
Leading up to the 2015 Los Angeles Design Leadership Summit, the DLN hosted a festive evening inside the studio of Kerry Joyce.2015 Legends Cocktail
May 07, 2015
The DLN hosted a toast to 2015 Legends in the Terrace Pool Room at the Sunset Tower Hotel. Jeff Klein, founder of JK Hotel Group and the owner and mastermind behind Sunset Tower Hotel, spoke to the group about his experience in conceptualizing and running uber chic boutique hotels.Special Event with Maison & Objet
December 04, 2014
The Design Leadership Network with Maison & Objet hosted DLN members and their guests for a soiree and to enjoy panoramic views of Miami’s Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean from the rooftop garden of the Frank Gehry-designed, New World Center Concert Hall, home of The New World Symphony.2014 Design Leadership Summit: New York, NY
November 04, 2014
The Design Leadership Network hosted their 9th Annual Summit in New York. The group gained a behind-the-scenes perspective of Brooklyn, along with brand new program themes, and an all-new Design Leadership Network experience in Manhattan.Behind the Scenes: Stahl House
May 07, 2014
The Design Leadership Network hosted an exclusive event for Members only at the modernist-styled Stahl House. Designed by architect Pierre Koenig in the Hollywood Hills section of Los Angeles. Members enjoyed a private tour and learned why the house because one of the most celebrated homes in America.Private Tour of the Craig Robins Collection
December 06, 2013
The Design Leadership Network hosted a private tour for Members only of the Craig Robins Collection. Craig Robins, avid collector and supporter of the arts, is Chief Executive Officer and President of Dacra, a real estate development company that is known for its cultivation of creative communities, integration of art and design, and overall value creation. […]2013 Design Leadership Summit: New York, NY
November 05, 2013
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 8th year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]Learning Event: In the Board Room at Hearst
November 07, 2012
Details for this event coming soon.2012 Design Leadership Summit: Marrakech
April 11, 2012
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 7th year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]Blackberry Farm Think Tank 2011
October 06, 2011
An invitation-only retreat for prior members of the Design Leadership Summits. In this intimate forum, we will address and act on the critical issues facing the design industry.2011 Design Leadership Summit: Copenhagen
April 27, 2011
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 6th year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]2010 Design Leadership Summit: Venice
April 11, 2010
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 5th year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]2009 Design Leadership Summit: New Orleans, LA
April 01, 2009
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 4th year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]2008 Design Leadership Summit: Charleston, SC
March 06, 2008
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 3rd year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]2006 Design Leadership Summit: Montecito, CA
October 10, 2006
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States, and is now in its 2nd year. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading […]2005 Design Leadership Summit: Aspen, CO
October 07, 2005
The Design Leadership Summit is an annual conference for the very top design practitioners in the United States. This event is the single most exclusive gathering for American architects, interior decorators and landscape architects; attendance is by personal invitation-only, issued to the founders and named principals of leading firms from across the U.S., all of […]