Circles Conference

There’s something special about being in a room full of people who see the world differently. Different ideas, different perspectives, different stories, all brought together by the desire to create something meaningful.

That’s always been one of my favorite things about Circles. It’s not just what happens on the stage. It’s the conversations, friendships, ideas, and little sparks of inspiration that happen when creative people simply get to be together.

Charlie Howlett 2023

Circles Conference is officially 15 days away!

Join us September 30 through October 2 in Grapevine, Texas for three days of creativity, inspiration, connection, and an incredible community of creatives. Come learn from some amazing speakers, meet new people, grow your network, and make connections that can last long after Circles is over.

If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time. Save 15% with code CC15 at circlesconference.com.

DESIGN ON TAP IS HERE.

Circles × We Are Alexander are putting your creativity to the test. Design the can for Alexander Ale for a chance to win $1,100 in cash prizes and passes to Circles 2027.

Five finalists will take the stage at Circles on October 1 to present their designs live to the Alexander panel, where the winner will be announced.

Free to enter. Open to everyone. Entries close September 28.

Our sponsor We Are Alexander didn’t bring a booth. They brought a brief.

Get the brief and enter at circlesconference.com/design-contest

Speaker Spotlight: Torch Creative

Meet Brad Bishop and Michael Thurman, the creative duo behind Torch Creative, a Dallas-based sports branding studio with more than 20 years of experience creating identities for professional teams, universities, and major organizations. Their work includes the NHL, NBA, Kansas City Chiefs, LSU, Michigan State, Disney, the Cotton Bowl, and more.

At Circles, Brad and Mike will present “Built on Passion,” sharing the creativity, craft, and collaboration behind sports identities that become more than logos. They become something teams and fans proudly connect with.

We’re excited to have Torch Creative joining us in Grapevine this year.

Register today at circlesconference.com

Want to attend Circles Conference for FREE?

Join our volunteer team and experience Circles from the inside while helping us create an incredible experience for hundreds of creatives.

Volunteers receive free access to Circles Conference, access to live recordings, lunch, opportunities to network with creative professionals, plus a Circles T-shirt and swag.

Circles Conference
September 30–October 2, 2026
Grapevine, Texas

Interested in volunteering? Email Jenna Friedrich at [email protected] to join the team.

Speaker Spotlight

Crystal Schaefer is the GP + COO at Paradox Holdings and Paravel Insights, where she works at the intersection of strategy, marketing, creative, and organizational leadership. She helps visionary organizations find clarity, strengthen their brands, and turn big ideas into strategies that create real momentum.

We’re excited to have Crystal bring her experience and perspective to the Circles stage this year.

Register today at circlesconference.com

Speaker Spotlight: Trust Design Shop

Meet Hannah Smith and Jesse MacKenzie, the creative duo behind Trust Design Shop. Their independent studio is built on strategy, thoughtful design, and the belief that great work happens when different perspectives come together.

At Circles, they’ll present “Divide and Conquer: How We Leverage Our Wildly Different Skillsets,” sharing how they’ve embraced their strengths, worked through their weaknesses, and built a collaborative process that allows two people to create work that punches well above its weight.

If you’re looking to build stronger brands, become a better collaborator, and rethink the way creative teams work together, you won’t want to miss this session.

Register today at circlesconference.com

What makes a great creative conference?

It’s the ideas that challenge you. The conversations that spark something new. The people who understand the work you do. And the inspiration you carry home long after the event ends.

That’s what Circles Conference is all about.

Join hundreds of designers, marketers, creative leaders, and storytellers for three days of world-class speakers, hands-on workshops, and meaningful connections designed to help you grow personally and professionally.

Register today at circlesconference.com

Workshop Spotlight: Charlie Howlett

AI is changing the creative industry, but knowing how to use it well is what sets great creatives apart.

Join Charlie Howlett, VP and Creative Director at Schaefer Advertising Co. , for AI in Practice: Leading Through Fear and Hype. Drawing from real experiences leading creative teams, Charlie will share practical frameworks for using AI to strengthen your thinking, improve your work, and build a culture of curiosity without losing the human creativity behind great ideas.

This workshop is filling up quickly, so now is the perfect time to reserve your seat. Plus, for a limited time, save 10% on your Circles Conference pass with code CIRCLES10.

Register today at circlesconference.com.

Speaker Spotlight

Joshua Lee is the Brand Director at , where he leads the agency’s design and brand strategy team. With a background in marketing, sales, and graphic design, Joshua helps businesses uncover what makes their brand truly unique. His experience blending strategy with creative ex*****on has helped organizations build brands that connect, grow, and stand the test of time.

At Circles Conference, Joshua will present his keynote, The Brand Shift: Finding the Story That Makes Your Brand Stand Alone. In a world where AI can generate endless content, Joshua will explore why meaning has become the most valuable asset a brand can own and how creatives can uncover the one story that sets their work apart.

Register today at circlesconference.com