Designing Tomorrow Summit

What happens when designers, educators, artists, architects, innovators and creative thinkers come together to imagine what's next?

Designing Tomorrow is the opening two-day programme of the Festival of Design Aotearoa, bringing together leading voices from Aotearoa and around the world to explore how design shapes our cities, communities, cultures, learning environments and everyday lives.

Across inspiring keynote presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities, the programme explores topics including Indigenous design, architecture, placemaking, education, typography, creativity, artificial intelligence, public leadership, material culture and the future of design.

Featuring Professor Tom Eslinger, Ellen Young, Bonnie Fahoome, Dr Johnson Witehira, Kris Sowersby, Mikael Sorknæs, Georgina Clarke, HotHaus, winners of the 2026 DINZ Best Awards (Hamish Steptoe, Motion Sickness; Amanda Gaskin and Tim Donaldson, Seachange; Katrina Bell, The Wonder Group), and other leading designers, educators and creative practitioners from across Aotearoa and around the world.

Created for design professionals, architects, artists, educators, students, business leaders, public sector organisations and anyone passionate about creativity and innovation, Designing Tomorrow is an opportunity to discover new ideas, build meaningful connections and be inspired by the people shaping the future through design.

Your two-day pass includes access to the complete programme, catered morning tea, lunch and afternoon refreshments on both days, plus networking drinks at the conclusion of each day.

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Designing Tomorrow Summit Programme

Whanganui War Memorial Centre
Friday 16 + Saturday 17 October 2026

Two days of talks, keynotes, panels, performance and conversation exploring design, creativity, technology, culture and the possibilities ahead.

Friday 16 October | Day 1

8am | Mihi Whakatau & Welcome to Day 1 – Opening of Exhibitions
Mihi whakatau followed by Summit registration from 8.30am.

9.30am | Anthonie Tonnon – Opening Performance: Cinematographer
Anthonie Tonnon opens the Summit with a preview of his show Cinematographer, blending live electronic music, storytelling and visual design.

10.30am–12.30pm | Ellen Young & Bonnie Fahoome – Talk + Q&A
Ellen Young and Bonnie Fahoome share perspectives on designing for resilient communities.

12.30pm–1.30pm | Lunch
Lunch break and informal networking.

1.30pm–2.30pm | Tom Eslinger – Keynote + Q&A
Tom Eslinger delivers a keynote drawing on advertising, technology, creative direction and contemporary design practice.

2.45pm–3.45pm | Georgina Clarke – Keynote + Q&A
Creative Director Georgina Clarke shares perspectives on thoughtful creative leadership and contemporary design practice.

4pm–5pm | Mikael Sorknæs – Keynote + Q&A
Kolding Chief Design Officer Mikael Sorknæs explores public-sector design leadership and city-scale design capability.

5pm–6pm | Networking & Drinks
Networking drinks bring speakers, designers and attendees together to continue conversations and build connections after Day 1.

Saturday 17 October | Day 2

8am | Venue Open

9am | Welcome
Welcome and orientation for the second day of Designing Tomorrow.

9.30am–11.30am | Best of the Best Panel – DINZ Best Design Awards
Designers Speak®️ – DINZ Best Design Award Winners share leading work, ideas and lessons from practice: Hamish Steptoe, Motion Sickness; Amanda Gaskin and Tim Donaldson, Seachange; Katrina Bell, The Wonder Group.

11.30am–1.30pm | Dr Johnson Witehira & Kris Sowersby – Keynote + Q&A
Dr Johnson Witehira and Kris Sowersby bring Māori creative technologies and type design perspectives into a keynote session.

1.30pm–2.30pm | Lunch
Lunch break and informal networking.

2.30pm–3.30pm | AI & the Balance Between Culture and Creative Mortality – Panel + Q&A
Dr Arash Tayebi, Dr Johnson Witehira and Victoria Campbell examine AI’s impact on culture, creativity and creative mortality. Chaired by Tom Eslinger.

4pm–5pm | Amanda Dziedzic & Laurel Kohut, Hothaus – Keynote + Q&A
Hothaus founders Amanda Dziedzic and Laurel Kohut discuss contemporary glass practice, studio culture and creative entrepreneurship.

5pm–6pm | Closing – Networking & Drinks
Closing remarks, networking and drinks bring the two-day Summit to a relaxed conclusion.