Register

October 9–11, 2024

Grapevine, TX

Creative Design Conference

Creative Design Conference

About Circles

Amplifying Creativity

Join us in 2024 where we gather to explore the expansive world of creative design and the subtle influence of AI. In this year’s event, AI serves as a catalyst, adding a touch of innovation to our discussions, but not overshadowing our primary focus on creative design. Our mission is to ‘Amplify Creativity,’ delving into the art of design, craftsmanship, and the power of human expression. Discover how AI can be seamlessly integrated into your design process, enhancing your creative vision while maintaining the core essence of design excellence. Together, we’ll celebrate the convergence of creativity, where traditional and contemporary approaches unite, leaving you inspired and ready to embark on new design adventures.

Become A Volunteer Register Today

Speakers & Instructors

Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference
Chris David Garcia is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Chris David Garcia

Creative and Owner at Major Level Creative

Panelist & Speaker & Workshop Leader

Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference
Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference
Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference
Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference
Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference
Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference
Bill Kenney is speaking at Circles Conference

Brand Strategy

Bill Kenney

Partner & CEO at Focus Lab

Panelist & Workshop Leader

Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference
Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference
Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference
Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference
Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference
Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference

Brand Strategy

Paul Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Workshop Leader

Heath Jackson is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

Heath Jackson

Design Educator at Western Hills High School

Workshop Leader

Charlie Howlett is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Charlie Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

Panelist & Workshop Leader

Andrew Hochradel is speaking at Circles Conference
Andrew Hochradel is speaking at Circles Conference

Circles Emcee

Andrew Hochradel

Creative Director at HOCH.CO

Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference
Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference
Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference
Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference
Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference
Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference
Lisa Quine is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Lisa Quine

Muralist & Illustrator

Speaker

Natalie Kent is speaking at Circles Conference
Natalie Kent is speaking at Circles Conference
Natalie Kent is speaking at Circles Conference
Natalie Kent is speaking at Circles Conference
Natalie Kent is speaking at Circles Conference
Natalie Kent is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Natalie Kent

Creative Director at Focus Lab

Speaker

Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference
Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference
Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference
Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference
Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference
Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference
Allan Peters is speaking at Circles Conference

Branding

Allan Peters

Partner at Peters Design Co

Speaker & Workshop Leader

Emily Cohen is speaking at Circles Conference
Emily Cohen is speaking at Circles Conference

Business

Emily Cohen

Founder & Partner at Casa Davka

Speaker

Sean Fox is speaking at Circles Conference
Sean Fox is speaking at Circles Conference
Sean Fox is speaking at Circles Conference
Sean Fox is speaking at Circles Conference
Sean Fox is speaking at Circles Conference
Sean Fox is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Sean Fox

Partner, Head of Creative & Strategy at Pioneer

Speaker

Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference
Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference
Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference
Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference
Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference
Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference
Stephanie Alcaino is speaking at Circles Conference

Brand & Film

Stephanie Alcaino

Head of Creative at OX

Speaker

Ash Phillips is speaking at Circles Conference
Ash Phillips is speaking at Circles Conference
Ash Phillips is speaking at Circles Conference
Ash Phillips is speaking at Circles Conference
Ash Phillips is speaking at Circles Conference
Ash Phillips is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Ash Phillips

Co-Owner at Six Cinquième

Speaker & Workshop Leader

Kevin Ely is speaking at Circles Conference

Church

Kevin Ely

Senior Creative Director at Life.Church

Speaker

Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference
Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference
Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference
Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference
Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference
Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference
Jason Craig is speaking at Circles Conference

Freelance

Jason Craig

Independent Graphic Designer / Illustrator

Speaker

Sean Sidders is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Sean Sidders

Founder and CEO at Mallard Agency

Workshop Leader

Mark Warnick is speaking at Circles Conference

Artist

Mark Warnick

Founder & Artist at 3vies

Speaker

Joe Gonzalez is speaking at Circles Conference

Church

Joe Gonzalez

Brand Director at Lakewood Church

Workshop Leader

Miro Laflaga is speaking at Circles Conference
Miro Laflaga is speaking at Circles Conference
Miro Laflaga is speaking at Circles Conference
Miro Laflaga is speaking at Circles Conference
Miro Laflaga is speaking at Circles Conference
Miro Laflaga is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Miro Laflaga

Co-Owner at Six Cinquième

Speaker & Workshop Leader

Matt Dawson is speaking at Circles Conference

Corporate

Matt Dawson

Designer, Illustrator, and Typographer at StayGray Ponyboy

Speaker

Casey & Veronica is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

Casey & Veronica

Department of Art at Texas A&M-Commerce

Workshop Leader

Speaking Request Speaking Topics & Descriptions

*Speakers subject to change.

2023
Recap

The
Experience

Secure your two-day pass today for an exciting experience with inspiring speakers, fantastic networking opportunities, and an exclusive peek into the world of design. Our workshops are also now available and are sold separately.

592 Passes Left – Secure Yours Now!

End of Year Sale: 15% OFF

code: ENDOFYEAR

DESIGN PASS

$497

Sep 22-24

Buy Design Pass

FILM PASS

$497

Sep 24-26

Buy Film Pass

FULL EXPERIENCE

$797

Sep 22-26

Buy Full Experience

The
Classes

Knowing the basics is not enough for you — you’re serious about making your ideas move like lightning and you want to soak in all the knowledge you can get. Perfect! The workshops were created just for you. At the Circles Workshops you’ll be able to get your hands dirty, go a little deeper, and get answers to your questions floating around in your head. You’ll walk away with practical knowledge and action steps in order to use your words to make some big waves in our world.

Workshops launch April 1st.

Circles Crowd
Circles Speaker

In the world of creativity, there are no boundaries, only endless possibilities.

Leave your desk behind and embrace a space filled with lively connections, game-changing insights, and endless inspiration at the tenth Annual Circles conference.

Link Up with new
Creatives, Clients 
and Friends

We host three evening parties for you to mingle with new friends and potential clients, all excited to fuel your creativity.

Learn and stay motivated with 
hands-on workshops

Get ready to enrich your skills and stay inspired through engaging hands-on workshops, where practical learning meets enduring motivation.

Yoga and 5K for a Healthy Start

Join us for a refreshing start to your day with Circles Fit activities! Choose from an invigorating yoga session to revitalize your body and mind or kick things up a notch with our 5K run. Both options offer a healthy break to reenergize and prepare you for a full day of learning and networking.

THE Venue

Palace Arts Center

300 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 | Directions →

Nestled in the heart of Grapevine, Texas, the Palace Arts Center stands as the true gem of Main Street. Steeped in history, this iconic venue offers attendees a one-of-a-kind experience, immersing them in the charming ambiance of downtown’s turn-of-the-century era. The Palace Arts Center holds a special place in the hearts, as it served as the backdrop for our very first conference in 2012. It is here that the spirit and essence of Circles truly reside, making it the perfect setting for our upcoming event.

City Guide Register Today

Join us for an unforgettable night at "The Circles Pickleball Club" After Party, where you can compete for amazing prizes like a Sonos Roam 2 and a Remarkable 2 Tablet!

Schedule

Wednesday (workshops sold separately)

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

8:30 am

Track 1: Workshop 01
Track 2: Workshop 01
Track 3: Workshop 01

Charlie Howlett

Charlie Howlett

Topic: Unlock Your Creative Potential

Allan Peters

Allan Peters

Topic: Logos That Last

Casey & Veronica

Casey & Veronica

Topic: Crafted by Hand: A Letterpress Experience

10:30 am

Track 1: Workshop 02

Chris David Garcia

Chris David Garcia

Topic: Creative Leadership Unleashed: Transforming Your Team to Champions

12:00 pm

Lunch

1:30 pm

Track 1: Workshop 03
Track 2: Workshop 02
Track 3: Workshop 02

Bill Kenney

Bill Kenney

Topic: Understand what truly matters in a branding effort–from the craft to client management.

Paul Sirmon

Paul Sirmon

Topic: Make a Font in 3 Hours

Heath Jackson

Heath Jackson

Topic: Designing Futures: Curriculum Development for Graphic Design Educators

3:30 pm

Track 1: Workshop 04
Track 3: Workshop 03

Sean Sidders

Sean Sidders

Topic: How to Build a Sustainable Creative Agency

Joe Gonzalez

Joe Gonzalez

Topic: Elevating Your Church Brand: Building a Creative Team, Process, and Trust

7:30 pm

Opening Mixer

Mallard Agency
1363 Brumlow Ave Southlake, TX 76092

Drinks & Appetizers provided

Thursday

8:00 am

Coffee & Connect

9:00 am

Day 1 Kickoff

9:15 am

Session 12

Sean Fox

Sean Fox

Topic: A Shift in Design

10:15 am

Session 2

Chris David Garcia

Chris David Garcia

Topic: Creative Leadership Unleashed: Transforming Your Team to Champions

10:55 am

30 Minute Break

11:25 am

Session 3

Emily Cohen

Emily Cohen

Topic: Managing Projects and Clients for High Impact

12:05 pm

Lunch (2 hours)

12:30 pm

Monsters of Type Presents: Hot Type Hot Lunch

Viewing of Linotype The Film.

RSVP HERE

Pizza & Drinks provided

2:15 pm

Session 4

Lisa Quine

Lisa Quine

Topic: The Magical World of Murals

3:15 pm

Session 5

Natalie Kent

Natalie Kent

Topic: Grit and The Art of Creative Endurance

3:55 pm

30 Minute Break

4:25 pm

Session 6

Allan Peters

Allan Peters

Topic: Chasing Dreams, Not Dollars: The Power of Letting Conviction Lead Your Career

7:00 pm

After Party

Chicken N Pickle
4600 Merlot Ave
Grapevine, TX 76051

Food & Drinks provided

Friday

6:00 am

CirclesFit 5K Run

8:00 am

Coffee & Connect

9:00 am

Day 2 Kickoff

9:15 am

Session 1

Stephanie Alcaino

Stephanie Alcaino

Topic: Harnessing The Power of Uncertainty When Creating for a Changing World.

10:15 am

Session 2

Kevin Ely

Kevin Ely

Topic: The Bigger Box - Creative Processes That Serve People

10:55 am

30 Minute Break

11:25 am

Session 3

Matt Dawson

Matt Dawson

Topic: Key Lessons from 15 Years in Design

12:05 pm

Lunch & Yoga (2 hours)

2:15 pm

Session 4

Jason Craig

Jason Craig

Topic: Year of the Dragon: From Passive Observation to Purposeful Creation

3:15 pm

Session 5

Miro Laflaga

Miro Laflaga

Ash Phillips

Ash Phillips

Topic: Branding as a tool to mobilize teams and build community

3:55 pm

30 Minute Break

4:25 pm

Session 6

Mark Warnick

Mark Warnick

Topic: Creating The Life You Love

7:00 pm

Goodbye Hangout

Harvest Hall
815 S Main St
Grapevine, TX 76051

Food & Drinks are NOT provided

PAST
SPEAKERS

Jessica Hische

2023 Speaker

Jessica Hische

Illustrator, Letterer & Author

Topic:

Finding Yourself Over and Over Again

Aaron Draplin

2016 Speaker

Aaron Draplin

Founder at Draplin Design Co

Topic:

Pretty Much Everything: The Whole Story Behind Our Book

Andrea Trew

2019 Speaker

Andrea Trew

Brand Designer at Trew Creative

Topic:

Behind the Scenes

At Circles, your success is our priority. Explore our exclusive programs tailored to empower and support you on your creative path.

Education Program

Our Education Programs allows colleges and universities to offer their students in the creative program access to our conference.

Referral Program

This program offers a fantastic opportunity for you to earn extra income without even attending the conference.

Payment Plan

We understand that budgeting for conferences can be challenging, so we’ve created a solution that allows you to pay in 4 easy payments.

Convince your boss

We have crafted a page with details to convince your boss to allow you to attend our conference.

Be A Volunteer

Join our volunteer team and be a valuable part of the Circles Conference experience while saving your hard-earned money.

Circle Makers

Circle Makers is a gateway to exciting creative projects and job opportunities.

Gain valuable exposure for your brand and help us ensure the success of our 10th Annual Conference by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor!

Want to build valuable connections with creatives from around the world? Become a sponsor for the 10th Annual Conference and join us in 2024.

Sponsored by Circles Co
Sponsored by Flodesk
Sponsored by Underbelly
Sponsored by Scout Books
Sponsored by TCU Design
Sponsored by McMurry University
Sponsored by FWC
Sponsored by Lindenmeyr Munroe
Sponsored by Digital Press
Sponsored by Printed Threads
Sponsored by Banners Overnight
Sponsored by Could Be You

About Circles

Circles Conference is a three-day creative design conference by Circles Co., bringing together designers and makers from around the globe. Learning from transformative thinkers and connecting with like-minded innovators, Circles provides a space where you’ll be challenged to push yourself in the creative process while drawing inspiration from those thriving in the industry.

During this conference, you’ll be empowered with resources and action-driven knowledge to help you pursue excellence in your craft. At the end of the experience, you’ll leave with a fresh spark of passion filled to the brim with revolutionary ideas and a community of Circle Makers ready to take on the world with you.

Become A Volunteer Register Today

The Circles Team

Ismael Burciaga

Ismael
Burciaga

Creative Visionary & Founder

Brooke Burciaga

Brooke
Burciaga

Education Coordinator

Jenna Friedrich

Jenna
Friedrich

Volunteer Director

Anne Dapore

Anne
Dapore

Volunteer Coordinator

Evie Shaffer

Evie
Shaffer

Registration Coordinator

Carly Kerndt

Carly
Kerndt

The Social Specialist & 5K Leader

Paul Sirmon

Paul
Sirmon

The Shit Talker

Chelsey Arnal

Chelsey
Arnal

Event Coordinator

Kristin Bonenberger

Kristin
Bonenberger

Event Coordinator

Luke Asper

Luke
Asper

That Photo Guy

Brett Bowden

Brett
Bowden

Shirt Specialist

Carlos Lopez

Carlos
Lopez

The Hammer

Short
Film

Progression

Register