The dmi:Design Management Conference 2026 is an international event organized by the Design Management Institute (DMI), focusing on leading design and innovation in the age of artificial intelligence. Scheduled for April 14-15, 2026, with a pre-conference workshop on April 13, the conference will be held at Philips Amsterdam HQ in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The conference will cover a range of topics, including the integration of AI into design processes, the evolving role of design and innovation managers, and strategies for leading with empathy in the context of AI. Sessions will explore themes such as designing hybrid human–AI workflows, protecting creative works in the age of AI, and building high-performing design teams.
Attendees will have opportunities to engage in networking sessions, participate in interactive workshops, and hear from notable speakers like Peter Skillman, Global Head of Design at Royal Philips, and Alison Lentz, Director of Strategy & Experience at Google Research. The event will also feature an opening reception at IKEA/Ingka, providing a platform for informal interactions among participants.
This conference is ideal for design and innovation managers, business leaders, and professionals interested in the intersection of design and AI. It offers valuable insights into harnessing transformative technologies while maintaining human-centered design principles, making it a must-attend for those aiming to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Speakers(22)
Alison Lentz
Director, Strategy & Experience at Google Research
Alison Lentz is the Director of Strategy & Experience at Google Research, focusing on integrating strategic design principles into research initiatives.
Bas Raijmakers, PhD
Creative Director at Stby
Dr. Bas Raijmakers is the Creative Director at Stby, specializing in integrating design research into strategic innovation processes.
Birgitta Borghoff, MA
Project Leader, CreAgile Literacy; Researcher & Lecturer at Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Birgitta Borghoff is the Project Leader of CreAgile Literacy and a Researcher & Lecturer at Zurich University of Applied Sciences, specializing in organizational transformation.
Carole Bilson
President at Design Management Institute
Carole Bilson is the President of the Design Management Institute, advocating for the strategic value of design in business and society.
Chad P. Hall
Senior Design Director at Artefact; Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Design, University of Washington
Chad P. Hall is a Senior Design Director at Artefact and Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, focusing on transforming abstract ideas into tangible insights.
Doris Wells-Papanek, M.Ed.
Founder & Director at Design Learning Network (DLN)
Doris Wells-Papanek is the Founder & Director of the Design Learning Network, collaborating with diverse teams to co-construct shared visions and tackle complex challenges.
Eleni Soerjo
Product Experience Design Lead at Philips Avent
Eleni Soerjo is the Product Experience Design Lead at Philips Avent, focusing on user-centric design in Mother & Child Care products.
Ernesto Quinteros
Chief Experience Officer at Korrus
Ernesto Quinteros is the Chief Experience Officer at Korrus, leading the development of transformative user experiences.
Esther Beckers
Design Director, Engagement & Awards Lead at Philips Experience Design
Esther Beckers is the Design Director and Engagement & Awards Lead at Philips Experience Design, focusing on fostering design excellence and recognition.
Giulia Calabretta, PhD
Associate Professor, Strategic Value of Design at TU Delft
Dr. Giulia Calabretta is an Associate Professor at TU Delft, focusing on the strategic value of design in business and innovation.
Huub Waterval, MBA
Founder and CEO at Nextview Consulting
Huub Waterval is the Founder and CEO of Nextview Consulting, focusing on leveraging AI to improve experiences and outcomes in the digital era.
Julianna Miller
Design Director at Smart Design
Julianna Miller is a Design Director at Smart Design, specializing in creating practical and impactful user experiences.
Melanie Meyfroyt, PhD
Senior Design Manager & Team Lead in Data & AI at Philips
Dr. Melanie Meyfroyt is a Senior Design Manager at Philips, leading a multidisciplinary team using data and AI to drive healthcare innovation.
Peer Günther
Head of Production & Distribution Applications at DERTOUR Suisse AG
Peer Günther is the Head of Production & Distribution Applications at DERTOUR Suisse AG, leading digital transformation initiatives in the travel industry.
Peter Skillman
Global Head of Design at Royal Philips, Philips Experience Design
Peter Skillman is the Global Head of Design at Royal Philips, leading the Philips Experience Design team to create meaningful and trusted user experiences.
Qin Han, PhD
Senior Design Researcher at Stby / Quicksand
Dr. Qin Han is a Senior Design Researcher at Stby and Quicksand, focusing on integrating human-centered design principles into AI and technology research.
Robert Bau
Innovation Leader at PA Consulting
Robert Bau is an Innovation Leader at PA Consulting, specializing in service innovation and design strategy across various industries.
Shannon E. Thomas
Design Director, Service Experience at Philips
Shannon E. Thomas is a Creative Leader and author of 'The Practical Guide to Experience Design'. She leads global teams aligning Design, Business, and Technology to deliver customer-centric services at scale.
Simon Koch
Executive Director at Teams Design, a Kearney Company
Simon Koch is Executive Director at TEAMS Design in Hamburg, leading global digital design teams and driving the development of AI-enabled design services.
Thomas Hertl, Esq.
Attorney & Partner at Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein
Thomas Hertl is an Attorney and Partner at Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, specializing in intellectual property law and its implications in the age of AI.
Ton Borsboom
Chief Design Officer at Signify Design
Ton Borsboom is the Chief Design Officer at Signify Design, leading design strategies for innovative lighting solutions.
Yvonne Janet Weisbarth
Design Excellence Manager at BSH Household Appliances
Yvonne Janet Weisbarth is the Design Excellence Manager at BSH Household Appliances, focusing on integrating design excellence into product development.
Event Details
- Date
- April 14-15, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Philips Amsterdam HQ
- Pricing
- $1,000 - $1,200
- Audience
- Design and innovation managers, business leaders, professionals interested in design and AI