Design Leadership 2026

23 April 2026

Redefining design leadership for the future

Presenter Angela Bliss speaking at the podium during Design Leadership 2025 in Melbourne, with a laptop and microphone in front of her.

Can design leaders truly balance creativity, business impact, and team culture in a constantly evolving world? We are exploring strategies that can help leaders navigate complexity and shape the future of design.

This day-long event brought together Australia’s top design leaders to explore new approaches, share insights, and prepare for the next era of the discipline.

Themes we will explore

A long-exposure shot of a train speeding through a dark underground tunnel, creating blurred light streaks in white, yellow, and red. The train tracks curve into the distance, while the tunnel walls and ceiling are visible in the background.

From roadmap to run-loops

Creating operating rhythms that balance speed, safeguards, and growth.

Two people lying on a beach at night under red lighting, creating a warm, intimate ambiance. One person, in a tank top, reclines with a relaxed posture, gazing up, while the other leans closely beside them. The surrounding sand and blankets are also bathed in the deep red glow, adding to the scene’s atmospheric and contemplative mood.

Customer obsession in action

Pruning features, killing distractions, and sharpening metrics.

A serene sunset over the ocean with the sun just dipping below the horizon. The sky is painted with soft orange and pink hues, and wispy clouds are scattered across the upper part of the sky

Product's bright future

Perspectives that can advance the future product leadership in Australia.

Event format

There was a lot to love about this format. It maximised impact through a mix of dynamic presentations and deep, focused conversations that provoked new ideas and left lasting impressions.

Jon speaking at a Design Outlook event, dressed in a light gray suit and a white shirt. He holds a small clicker in his hand and gestures confidently while addressing the audience. The background features abstract purple and blue shapes, creating a vibrant and modern atmosphere.

Inspiring presentations

Attendees dove into transformative presentations that challenged the status quo and ignited powerful discussions. These sessions weren't just about exploring ideas. They catalysed actionable solutions.

A lively moment in a café-like setting with four women chatting around a wooden table near large windows. One stands smiling in a green t-shirt, while another seated in a striped top and blazer laughs warmly. The setting feels modern and friendly, with an urban view outside.

Engaged networking

We built meaningful connections over sustainable meals, drinks, and immersive experiences. The networking sessions fostered collaboration and left people feeling inspired.

A group of people sitting at a table during a conference, with a blonde woman in a denim jacket smiling in the centre

Facilitated roundtables

Attendees engaged in deep, focused discussions with peers. They explored diverse perspectives and generated actionable ideas. These sessions offered a unique opportunity to co-create solutions and challenge the status quo.

Guests networking during drinks after an event, engaging in lively conversations in a stylish indoor venue. The space features warm wooden accents, high-top tables with stools, and a softly lit backdrop, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to conclude the event.

Social wrap-up

The day ended with drinks, canapés, and conversations that extended the day's discussions in a relaxed setting. It created space for continued inspiration and lasting connections.

Location and accessibility

Group of people smiling and chatting around a table during a workshop or roundtable session.

Zinc at Fed Square
Cnr Birrarung Marr Walk & Russell St Ext, 
VIC 3000

It is a 500m walk from Flinders Street Station and the Federation Square/Swanston St tram stop for tram lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72.

Accessible lifts are located at Fed Square car park. From there, you can take the lift to Level 1, turn left to exit the car park, and proceed up ramp to Zinc entrance.

The venue itself accessible bathrooms at both ends of the venue, which is a single-level space. Our team will be at the entrance to guide attendees into the space.

 

Tickets