Barbican Centre

London 2025

Leading Design is a two day gathering of design leaders from around the globe. It is lovingly curated and hosted by design transformation consultancy Clearleft.
Brought to you by

Since 2016, Leading Design has been convening leaders from around the globe to learn, share and grow. This world-class conference is designed specifically for people leading design teams, or over-seeing design direction.

Leaders from some of the world's most pioneering organisations join us at London's iconic Barbican Centre to take some time away from the day job, and connect with peers, in an atmosphere where long lasting relationships are formed.

Three reasons to join us at Leading Design London

Learn from industry leaders

Our industry leading speakers share their years of experience in finding talent, building culture, structuring and developing their teams, managing upwards, coping with stress, and maintaining personal wellbeing.

Connect with your peers

Design leadership can be hard; especially if you're recently promoted. The best way to meet this challenge is through the support of peers, so we create plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded design leaders, swap stories, and build relationships we believe will last the rest of your careers.

Explore topics curated just for you

Most conferences are focussed on practitioners. At Leading Design we bring you a unique programme of content designed to help design leaders like you to hone your skills. We know that by the end of the conference we will have helped you tackle some of your most pressing challenges, enabling you to become the most effective leader possible.

Tired but happy, reflecting on yet another expertly curated event from Clearleft at Leading Design. I am lapping up another dozen book and blog recommendations, some brilliant new connections I can learn from, and a packed notebook of takeaways. I can't pick a favourite, there was so much gold in every talk, and a slew of tips on how to tell better stories about the value of design.

Samantha Fanning - Director of Digital Experience at University College London

Past events

In addition to our conferences Leading Design hosts retreats and coaching programmes to help guide you through every stage of your leadership journey. Take a look at our past events.

The Venue

Barbican Centre

Based in the heart of the city, the Barbican has a truly enviable design status. A Grade II listed building, it is Europe’s largest multi-arts and conference venue and one of London’s best examples of Brutalist architecture.

Stay up-to-date on new events and opportunities