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Circles Design

CONNECT WITH THE VISIONARIES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DESIGN AND BUILD LASTING CONNECTIONS WITH LIKE-MINDED CREATIVES.

Sep 30-Oct 2, 2026

Circles Design is for anyone passionate about the future of visual storytelling through design. Dive into three days of inspiration and innovation, where top designers and creative directors share their knowledge on crafting impactful visuals, print and digital graphics, and effective advertising. Whether you’re building memorable brands or driving marketing campaigns, Circles Design empowers creatives working in agencies, corporate settings, studios, in-house teams, or as independent freelancers to elevate their craft and bring bold ideas to life.

What to Expect

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Speakers

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Workshops

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Parties

Speakers and schedule subject to change. Workshops require a separate purchase and will be available starting April 1. Limited capacity—register early to secure your spot.

Speakers

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The List

Circles Design showcases top designers, creative directors, and industry leaders. They’ll offer insights on impactful visuals, brand building, and pushing creative boundaries. Gain inspiration and practical takeaways to refine your design process. Learn from the brightest minds shaping the future of design.

Call for Speakers Open

SPEAKER
WORKSHOP LEADER
EMCEE

Agency

Dora
Drimalas

Executive Creative Director & Co-Founder at Hybrid Design

Speaker


Dora Drimalas is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Dora
Drimalas

Executive Creative Director & Co-Founder at Hybrid Design

Speaker

Church

Josh
Wood

Design Team Manager at Passion City Church

Speaker


Josh Wood is speaking at Circles Conference

Church

Josh
Wood

Design Team Manager at Passion City Church

Speaker

Corporate

Lance
Hart

VP, Marketing Director at Southside Bank

Speaker


Lance Hart is speaking at Circles Conference

Corporate

Lance
Hart

VP, Marketing Director at Southside Bank

Speaker

Marketing

Jayde
Powell

Social Strategist & Content Creator

Workshop Leader


Jayde Powell is speaking at Circles Conference

Marketing

Jayde
Powell

Social Strategist & Content Creator

Workshop Leader

Agency

Joshua
Lee

Brand Director at Big Red Jelly

Speaker


Joshua Lee is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Joshua
Lee

Brand Director at Big Red Jelly

Speaker

Studio

Katie
Johnson

Hand Lettering Artist + Co-Owner at Goodtype

Speaker


Katie Johnson is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Katie
Johnson

Hand Lettering Artist + Co-Owner at Goodtype

Speaker

Studio

Ilana
Griffo

Designer + Illustrator + Co-Owner at Goodtype

Speaker


Ilana Griffo is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Ilana
Griffo

Designer + Illustrator + Co-Owner at Goodtype

Speaker

Studio

Rocky
Roark

Founder & Design Director at Blue Cyclops

Speaker


Rocky Roark is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Rocky
Roark

Founder & Design Director at Blue Cyclops

Speaker

Agency

Crystal
Schaefer

GP + COO at Paradox Holdings/Paravel Insights

Speaker


Crystal Schaefer is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Crystal
Schaefer

GP + COO at Paradox Holdings/Paravel Insights

Speaker

Type

Jess
Goldsmith

Founder at Women of Type

Speaker + Workshop Leader



Jess Goldsmith is speaking at Circles Conference

Type

Jess
Goldsmith

Founder at Women of Type

Speaker / Workshop Leader

Agency

Hannah
Smith

Partner / Lead of Brand + Design at Trust Design Shop

Speaker


Hannah Smith is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Hannah
Smith

Partner / Lead of Brand + Design at Trust Design Shop

Speaker

Agency

Jesse
MacKenzie

Partner / Lead of Strategy + Web at Trust Design Shop

Speaker


Jesse MacKenzie is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Jesse
MacKenzie

Partner / Lead of Strategy + Web at Trust Design Shop

Speaker

Studio

Brad
Bishop

Co-Founder + Creative Director at Torch Creative

Speaker


Brad Bishop is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Brad
Bishop

Co-Founder + Creative Director at Torch Creative

Speaker

Studio

Mike
Thurman

Co-Founder + Creative Director at Torch Creative

Speaker


Mike Thurman is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Mike
Thurman

Co-Founder + Creative Director at Torch Creative

Speaker

Graphics

Dustin
Cooper

Founder at Dustin Cooper Graphics

Workshop Leader


Dustin Cooper is speaking at Circles Conference

Graphics

Dustin
Cooper

Founder at Dustin Cooper Graphics

Workshop Leader

Agency

Sara
Beukema

Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State

Speaker


Sara Beukema is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Sara
Beukema

Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State

Speaker

Agency

Megan
Hopkins

Partner & Principal Copywriter at Merit & State

Speaker


Megan Hopkins is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Megan
Hopkins

Partner & Principal Copywriter at Merit & State

Speaker

Designer

Cole
Friedman

Graphic Designer at ColeFDesign

Workshop Leader


Cole Friedman is speaking at Circles Conference

Designer

Cole
Friedman

Graphic Designer at ColeFDesign

Workshop Leader

Studio

Dave
Korinek

Founder & Chief Brand Officer at Magnetic Creative

Speaker


Dave Korinek is speaking at Circles Conference

Studio

Dave
Korinek

Founder & Chief Brand Officer at Magnetic Creative

Speaker

Agency

Febe
Prado

Senior Graphic Designer at PMD Group

Workshop Leader


Febe Prado is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Febe
Prado

Senior Graphic Designer at PMD Group

Workshop Leader

Agency

Shawna
White

Vice President of Digital and Design at PMD Group

Workshop Leader


Shawna White is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Shawna
White

Vice President of Digital and Design at PMD Group

Workshop Leader

Brand Strategy

Paul
Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Workshop Leader


Paul Sirmon is speaking at Circles Conference

Brand Strategy

Paul
Sirmon

Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.

Workshop Leader

Education

Broc
Baird

Director of Marketing and Communications at Food Bank Of West Central Texas

Workshop Leader


Broc Baird is speaking at Circles Conference

Education

Broc
Baird

Director of Marketing and Communications at Food Bank Of West Central Texas

Workshop Leader

Agency

Charlie
Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

Workshop Leader


Charlie Howlett is speaking at Circles Conference

Agency

Charlie
Howlett

VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.

Workshop Leader

Circles Emcee

Andrew
Hochradel

Creative Director at HOCH.CO


Andrew Hochradel is speaking at Circles Conference

Circles Emcee

Andrew
Hochradel

Creative Director at HOCH.CO

*Speakers subject to change.

Panelists

Circles Design brings together a diverse group of panelists who are leaders in their fields. These experts will engage in dynamic discussions, sharing their experiences, insights, and unique perspectives on the creative industry. Prepare for thought-provoking conversations that will spark new ideas and inspire your work.

Day 1

Sep 29, 2026

Panelist Coming Soon

Panelist Coming Soon

Panelist Coming Soon

Panelist Coming Soon

Day 2

Sep 30, 2026

Panelist Coming Soon

Panelist Coming Soon

Panelist Coming Soon

Panelist Coming Soon

B e I n s p i r e d 2 0 2 5

Topics

Ever wonder what our speakers will cover at Circles? This section breaks it down. Each speaker will share their expertise on key areas that drive the creative industry, offering you actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect.

Design Process

Learn how industry leaders approach their work, from brainstorming and prototyping to final execution, to streamline your own creative journey.

Illustration

Hear from top illustrators on how they craft compelling visuals that tell stories and enhance brand messaging.

Creative Direction

Discover the strategies behind guiding teams and projects to bring bold, cohesive ideas to life.

Branding

Uncover the secrets of building impactful brands that connect emotionally and leave a lasting impression.

Leadership

Gain insights into leading creative teams, fostering innovation, and navigating challenges with confidence.

UX Design

Explore how thoughtful user experience design improves usability, accessibility, and emotional connection, helping brands create meaningful and intuitive digital interactions.

Register

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Circles Design. Secure your spot today and join a community of creators ready to elevate their craft. Whether you’re attending for Design, Film, or the full experience, this is your opportunity to grow.

Standard Pass

$597

Sep 30-Oct 2

Register Today

Workshops

$97

Sep 30

View Workshops

Activites

Schedule

Sep 30-Oct 2, 2026

Join us for the Circles Conference Design edition. We have an exciting lineup of speakers and workshops planned. Check out the schedule below for more details.

Night before Design Workshops

Workshops Sold Separately. View Workshop Details →

7:00 pm

Circles Mixer

Party

Design Workshops & Opening Mixer

Workshops Sold Separately. View Workshop Details →

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

8:30 am

Workshop 01

Workshop Classes

Paul Sirmon

Paul Sirmon

Be Better on Monday

Jayde Powell

Jayde Powell

Building a Personal Brand That Pays: LinkedIn for Creatives Who Hate LinkedIn

10:30 am

Workshop 02

Workshop Classes

Cole Friedman

Cole Friedman

Don't Make Boring Logos

Charlie Howlett

Charlie Howlett

AI in Practice: Leading Through Fear and Hype

12:00 pm

Lunch

Pizza and drinks will be provided.

1:30 pm

Workshop 03

Workshop Classes

Jess Goldsmith

Jess Goldsmith

Dynamic Text Effects in Adobe Illustrator

Shawna White

Shawna White & Febe Prado

The 6 Things Quietly Killing Great Design

3:30 pm

Workshop 04

Workshop Classes

Dustin Cooper

Dustin Cooper

Beyond the Graphic: Turning Sermons Into Visual Stories

Broc Baird

Broc Baird

Tell It On Purpose: Designing Stories People Actually Feel

7:00 pm

Circles Opening Mixer

Party

3 Barrels Beer Garden
1200 William D Tate Ave
Grapevine, TX 76051
Directions →

Design Day 1

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

9:00 am

Kickoff Design Day 1

9:15 am

Session 01

Keynote

Joshua Lee

Joshua Lee

The Brand Shift: Finding the Story That Makes Your Brand Stand Alone

Every era has a scarce resource. Land. Machines. Data. We’ve entered a new one — and what’s scarce now is meaning.

AI has shifted everything. When any business can produce polished content at speed, execution is no longer the edge. The leaders who win from here will be the ones who can do something no tool can — find the one story that only their brand can tell.

That’s the brand shift. And most aren’t ready for it.

This session will show a new view about strategy, creativity, and your role in an AI-driven world.

10:15 am

Session 02

Keynote

Jess Goldsmith

Jess Goldsmith

10:55 am

30 Minute Break

11:25 am

Session 03

Keynote

Josh Wood

Josh Wood

12:05 pm

Lunch (2 hrs)

2:15 pm

Session 04

Keynote

Katie JohnsonIlana Griffo

Katie Johnson + Ilana Griffo

Follow Your Art: Finding Your Creative Voice

“How do I find my style” is the question we get most often, and it’s the wrong one. This session will help you get out of your own way and quiet the outside noise so you can turn up your own creative volume. We’ll talk about showing up fully, screwing perfectionism and building a practice that’s truly your own.

3:15 pm

Session 05

Keynote

Dave Korinek

Dave Korinek

3:55 pm

30 Minute Break

4:25 pm

Session 06

Keynote

Dora Drimalas

Dora Drimalas

6:00 pm

Design After Party

Party

Crush It
401 W State Hwy 114
Grapevine, TX 76051
Directions →

Design Day 2

6:00 am

CirclesFit 5K

Meet in front of the Palace Arts Center

8:00 am

Registration & Coffee

9:00 am

Kickoff Design Day 2

9:15 am

Session 01

Keynote

Hannah SmithJesse MacKenzie

Hannah Smith + Jesse MacKenzie

Divide and Conquer: How We Leverage Our Wildly Different Skillsets

A deep dive into our unique work 2-person workflow. How we learned to accept our weaknesses, leaned into our strengths, and found the power of working together instead of just next to each other.

10:15 am

Session 02

Keynote

Lance Hart

Lance Hart

An Inside Job: How I Snuck in and Rebranded a Bank

When Lance first stepped into a newly rebranded bank, there was no appetite for another overhaul – only expectations to make it work. Over the next five years, he quietly reshaped perception, behavior, and strategy from within. In this talk, he’ll unpack how real change happens when you don’t have control, perfect conditions, or permission to start over. From influencing executives to surviving creative gridlock, this session is about learning to operate inside constraints and still move a brand forward. If you’ve ever had to build something meaningful without stopping the machine, this is for you.

10:55 am

30 Minute Break

11:25 am

Session 03

Keynote

Rocky Roark

Rocky Roark

12:05 pm

Lunch & Yoga (2 hrs)

For Yoga, meet at the Gazebo across from Palace Arts Center

1:35 pm

Session 04

Keynote

Crystal Schaefer

Crystal Schaefer

2:35 pm

Session 05

Keynote

Sara BeukemaMegan Hopkins

Sara Beukema + Megan Hopkins

Position Yourself Without the Ick

We’ve all been there. Someone asks what you do, and you immediately start listing services. “I design logos” or “I build websites.” But that doesn’t capture the real magic you bring. If you’re ready to start communicating your value more clearly, this session is for you.

You’ll learn how to position yourself around the problems you solve, so you can talk about your work with clarity, confidence, and zero “salesy” energy. Whether you’re working toward a promotion or want to attract more aligned clients, discover how to communicate your impact, stand out in a crowded market, and make it easier for the right people to say yes to you.

Led by Sara Beukema and Megan Hopkins of Merit & State, this high-energy session will help you stop playing small and start showing up as the industry expert you actually are.

3:35 pm

Session 06

Keynote

Brad BishopMike Thurman

Brad Bishop + Mike Thurman

Built on Passion

Built on Passion is a conversation about the passion behind great sports identities. From the designer’s sketchbook to the fans who proudly wear the mark, we’ll explore how thoughtful design becomes something people truly connect with.

5:00 pm

Circles Mixer

Party

Harvest Hall
815 S Main St
Grapevine, TX 76051
Directions →

Sponsors

Gain valuable exposure for your brand and help us ensure the success of our 12th annual conference by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor!

Sponsored by Circles Co
Sponsored by Adobe
Sponsored by CoreGroup
Sponsored by Printed Threads
Sponsored by Scout Books
Sponsored by TCU Design
Sponsored by Women of Type
Sponsored by FWC
Sponsored by Lindenmeyr Munroe
Sponsored by Banners Overnight
Sponsored by Could Be You

FAQs

We’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions to help you get ready for Circles Conference. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or need more info, just email us at circles@circlesco.com. We’re happy to help and can’t wait to see you there!

What is the focus of Circles this year?

This year, Circles is centered entirely on creative design. The conference brings together designers and creative leaders for thoughtful sessions, practical insights, and meaningful conversations focused on craft, growth, and collaboration.

What are the conference dates and schedule?

Circles takes place from September 30 to October 2.
Wednesday, September 30: Workshops
Thursday and Friday, October 1–2: Conference sessions

What happened to the film track?

Due to venue conflicts, the film track has been postponed for this year. Rather than compromising the experience, we made the decision to pause film programming and focus fully on delivering a strong design focused conference. The film track is planned to return in 2027 with renewed clarity and intention.

Is lunch provided during the conference?

Lunch is not provided, but we do offer snacks, light breakfast, and refreshments like soda, water, and coffee throughout the day. Some of the parties also include dinner and finger foods. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, we recommend planning ahead and bringing your own meals or snacks to ensure your needs are met.

What if I only want to attend one day of the conference?

We currently do not offer single-day passes. However, you can select a Design Pass, Film Pass, or Full Experience Pass depending on your interests.

Are workshops included in my pass?

No, workshops are a separate purchase. They offer hands-on, in-depth learning and will be available starting April 1st. Spots are limited, so register early.

Can I volunteer at the conference?

Yes! Volunteering is a great way to experience the conference and connect with other creatives.
Become a volunteer →

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are available for cancellations made before May 1, 2026, minus a $125 fee. Cancellations from May 2 to August 1, 2026, will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after August 1. Passes can be transferred to another person until September 19, 2026. For full details, visit our Refund Policy page.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes! We offer group discounts for teams or organizations. Contact us at circles@circlesco.com for more information on bulk pricing.

Register