The
Classes
Workshops will launch April 1st.
Design Workshops: Wed, Sep 30, 2026
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 the questions floating around in your head. You’ll walk away with practical knowledge and action steps that help you use your words to make some big waves in our world.
Prices range from $97 for 1.5-hour sessions to $197 for 3-hour sessions.
Purchase a Workshop Bundle
Design Workshops: Sep 30, 2026
Track 1
Charlie Howlett
VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.
TIME: 10:30 AM
LENGTH: 1.5 HRS
COST: $97
Workshop 01
Give Your Ideas a Chance
Charlie Howlett
VP, Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co.
Creativity isn’t just about having big ideas—it’s about giving those ideas the space, structure, and support they need to grow.
In this engaging and practical workshop, we’ll dive into what often holds great ideas back—not the lack of inspiration, but the systems we use and the ways we communicate. By rethinking how we work and how we present, we can unlock more creative potential and push our ideas further.
You’ll learn how to:
- Build systems and workflows that support, not stifle, your creative process
- Navigate brainstorming, internal reviews, and client presentations with more confidence and clarity
- Ask better questions to uncover deeper insights and align teams
- Present your work in a way that sells the idea—not just shows the output
Through relatable scenarios, real-world examples, and actionable tips you can apply immediately, this session will help you slow down, sharpen your process, and accelerate your creative impact.
Whether you’re a designer, strategist, writer, or creative lead, this workshop is your reminder that with the right mindset and tools, your ideas can go the distance. Let’s make sure they do.
Bill Kenney
Partner & CEO at Focus Lab
TIME: 1:30 PM
LENGTH: 1.5 HRS
COST: $97
Workshop 02
Understand What Truly Matters in a Branding Effort–From Deliverables to Client Management
Bill Kenney
Partner & CEO at Focus Lab
Building off his sold-out workshop last year, Bill Kenney returns with another tactical, insider look at how his company, Focus Lab, approaches branding—from first client call to final deliverables. Bill has worked with everyone from small mom-and-pop shops to some of the most recognized tech names in the industry, including Marketo, Salesloft, and Frame.io.
He’s also the author of Conquer Your Rebrand, an Amazon best-seller—and every attendee will receive a signed copy. Show up early for small talk and first dibs on the book pile.
This workshop will cover:
- How to structure a successful round 1 of design
- How much is too much to show/explore
- How to build a strong narrative to pair with the design
- Where strategy leads and design takes over
- What questions to ask when meeting with the client
- How to correct course when things go sideways
- Iteration versus perfection
- All the other pieces that make up a branding process (as much as we can fit!)
Note: Bill is as transparent and authentic as they come. Be ready to engage, ask questions, and get the full download.
Sara Beukema
Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State
TIME: 3:30 PM
LENGTH: 1.5 HRS
COST: $97
Workshop 03
Beyond the Portfolio: How to Position Yourself for Success
Sara Beukema
Partner & Principal Designer at Merit & State
You build brands for a living—but when it comes to your own, you hope your portfolio does the talking. If the idea of “self-promotion” makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Still, in today’s creative landscape, great work isn’t enough. Whether you’re aiming for a dream in-house role, growing your agency, or launching your own studio, how you position yourself can be the key to attracting the right opportunities.
In this workshop, we’ll go beyond the visuals to explore what makes a personal brand resonate. Through a mix of reflection, strategy, and practical guidance, you’ll learn:
- Why clear positioning matters and how it influences how others see—and seek—you out
- How to define your unique value so you’re not just another talented designer, but the right fit
- How to show up online and in person in ways that feel aligned, confident, and authentic
You’ll walk away with real-world tips, clarity on what sets you apart, and a new perspective on building a personal brand that works as hard as you do.
Track 2 (For Educators)
Heath Jackson
Design Educator at Western Hills High School
TIME: 10:30 AM
LENGTH: 1.5 HRS
COST: $97
Workshop 01
Designing a High School Graphic Design Pathway: Building a Four-Year Program for Student Success
Heath Jackson
Design Educator at Western Hills High School
Learn how to build a 4-year high school graphic design program that supports student growth from beginner to advanced levels. This session will walk educators through creating a clear scope and sequence that scaffolds design skills, concepts, and software knowledge.
Using a successful real-world program as a model, we’ll explore how to structure curriculum, integrate industry tools, and guide students through projects that grow in complexity and relevance. Whether you’re building a new CTE or visual arts pathway or refining an existing one, this session offers practical strategies and inspiration.
Takeaways include:
- A roadmap for building a vertically-aligned graphic design curriculum
- Strategies for integrating software and project work that mirror industry practices
- Tools for preparing students for creative careers and postsecondary success
Broc Baird
Maker Space + Learning Resource Manager at The LIFT at Abilene ISD
TIME: 1:30 PM
LENGTH: 1.5 HRS
COST: $97
Workshop 02
Visual Storytelling: Crafting Meaningful Design Narratives
Broc Baird
Maker Space + Learning Resource Manager at The LIFT at Abilene ISD
Great design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about telling a story that resonates. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how designers can use research and interpretation to uncover deeper narratives and translate them into compelling visuals.
Designed for educators and creative professionals, this session provides actionable strategies to help students and designers move beyond aesthetics and develop work that is intentional, culturally aware, and emotionally engaging. Through interactive exercises, real-world case studies, and practical frameworks, attendees will gain the tools to integrate research-driven storytelling into their design process.
Whether you’re teaching high school students the foundations of visual communication, challenging college-level designers to create work with impact, or leading a team of designers in a professional setting, this workshop will equip you with adaptable methods to elevate storytelling in design education and practice.
Track 3
Paul Sirmon
Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.
TIME: 1:30 PM
LENGTH: 3 HRS
COST: $197
Workshop 01
Brand Designers Never Say Die!
Paul Sirmon
Founder at Sirmon Brand Co.
Big brands have the budget, the spotlight, and every advantage—but we? We work with the Goonies. The small businesses fighting to stay relevant. The scrappy misfits chasing a vision with little more than grit, heart, and a shaky map.
This workshop is about helping those brands survive the journey—navigating the booby traps, outsmarting the competition, and uncovering the value that sets them apart. It’s high stakes. But when we help them find their voice and their story, we help them save their corner of the world.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
- How to help small brands uncover who they really are
- How to position them in a way that gets people to care
- How to build a brand strategy they’ll actually use (and understand)
Whether you’re working with underdogs or building your own brand from scratch, this session will equip you with tools, frameworks, and the rallying cry to keep going. Because brand designers? We never say die.
Film Workshops: Oct 2, 2026
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
No workshops found.Frequently Asked Questions
Are the workshops included in the conference ticket price?
No, workshops are a separate cost from the conference ticket.
Why are workshops sold separately?
The workshops are sold separately because they offer a more intensive and focused learning experience compared to the main conference sessions. They require additional resources, including specialized instructors, materials, and space rental.
Where are the workshops located?
The workshops are located at the Grapevine Convention Center, a few blocks down from the conference venue.
What is the difference between Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3 workshops?
Track 1 and 2 workshops are 1.5 hours long, while Track 3 workshops are 3 hours long.
Will the workshops be livestreamed for remote participants?
No, the workshops will not be livestreamed nor recorded for a later time.
Will there be refreshments and snacks provided at the workshop venue?
Yes, we will have coffee, water, soft drinks, and snacks available.
Is lunch provided during the workshops?
Yes, we provide pizza for attendees who are staying for either the full day of workshops or those attending both before and after lunch.
