Leadership Ateliers 2025: The Event Every Aspiring Design Leader Needs

Are you ready to elevate your design leadership skills and take your career to the next level? Leadership Ateliers, the premier hands-on training event for design leaders, is back for 2025—and it’s better than ever.

With events in Lisbon (April 23-24), Barcelona (May 5-6), and Berlin (May 21-22), Leadership Ateliers offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers, learn from world-class coaches, and gain the tools you need to excel as a leader.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Ateliers and why it’s a must-attend event for design professionals stepping into leadership roles.

What is Leadership Ateliers?

Leadership Ateliers is a hands-on event designed for senior designers and early-stage design leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of leadership. Unlike traditional conferences, Ateliers focuses on small-group workshops and interactive coaching sessions, providing a practical, personalized learning experience.

Attendees walk away with actionable strategies for leading teams, driving design impact, and navigating the complexities of leadership—all while building lasting connections with like-minded professionals.

What’s New for 2025?

This year’s Ateliers includes several exciting updates to make the event even more valuable:

1. Kickoff Sessions with Star Coaches
   Each event will start with a group coaching session led by a renowned facilitator, including:

   • Andy Polaine (Lisbon): Navigating the isolation that leaders often face.

   • Julia Whitney (Barcelona): Mastering the art of team management and inspiration.

   • Andy Budd (Berlin): Building influence and visibility as a design leader.

2. Inspiring Venues
   From a magical castle in Lisbon to a UNESCO World Heritage site in Barcelona and a serene lakeside venue in Berlin, this year’s locations are as inspiring as the content.

3. Lower Early Bird Pricing
   Early Bird tickets are now €1,170, with additional discounts for teams and pre-registered participants.

4. Priority Workshop Selection
   Early Bird ticket holders will have first access to choose their sessions when selection opens on January 14th, ensuring they secure a spot in their preferred workshops.

What Will You Learn?

Leadership Ateliers is designed to address the unique challenges of design leadership. Topics covered in workshops include:

• Gaining influence and advocating for design.

• Managing and coaching teams effectively.

• Communicating the value of design to stakeholders.

• Building resilience and navigating conflict as a leader.

Who Should Attend?

Leadership Ateliers is perfect for:

• Senior Designers transitioning into leadership roles.

• Early-Stage Design Leaders with less than two years of experience.

• Experienced Creatives looking to strengthen their management and business skills.

Event Details and How to Join

• Lisbon (April 23-24): Hosted in a magical castle, featuring Andy Polaine.

• Barcelona (May 5-6): Held in a stunning Art Nouveau UNESCO venue, with Julia Whitney.

• Berlin (May 21-22): Located near Weißer See lake, led by Andy Budd.

Tickets go on sale December 3rd, and sessions are expected to fill quickly. If you’ve pre-registered, you can use your voucher to save €120 on your ticket.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Past participants rave about the impact Leadership Ateliers has had on their careers:

"The event gave me practical tools, deep insights, and a supportive community of peers. I left inspired and ready to lead." – Matt, 2024 Participant

Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative experience and step confidently into your role as a design leader.

Find Out More and Secure Your Spot