Saturday, March 7, 2026 (all day)

BLEND - Business + Design Conference

Community, Career, and Courage

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BLEND 2026 is about moving from what is to a hopeful vision of what could be, and finding the courage to make it happen in our community and our careers. In a world run by algorithms and AI, how might we navigate the future while staying human?

At BLEND, we’ve built a community that’s grown through careers, big changes, and shared experiences. We’ve shared stories, challenges, and triumphs, embracing the unknown with optimism and the courage to ask “What could be?”

You'll hear from designers, leaders, and innovators who have been where you are, understand your challenges, and know what it takes to move forward. They’ll share their stories and strategies for turning work into purpose, influencing change in organizations, and finding meaning in everyday grind.

BLEND brings hands-on workshops with other professionals, designed to give you practical takeaways you can use right away. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, learning how to lead through change, or building strategies for your next career move, you’ll leave with insights you can apply Monday morning. BLEND is built on the connection of people, skills, and careers.

We hope you’ll join us in March 2026.

Call for Workshop Proposals

We are accepting proposals for dynamic, hands-on workshops for BLEND 2026 - Community, Careers, and Courage in beautiful Stratford, Ontario on March 7, 2026. 

BLEND 2026 is about moving from what is to a hopeful vision of what could be, and finding the courage to make it happen in our community and our careers.

That's where you come in! We want to learn from your expertise at the intersection of design, business, and tech. 

Please submit your workshop proposal by the end of the day, January 12, 2026. The organizing team will review the submissions on an ongoing basis. There is a limited number of workshop slots available, so submit your complete package early.

🔑 Workshop details

  • Format: Hands-on, interactive, and participant-driven.
  • Audience Size: About 35 participants per session
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Goal: Equip participants with skills, tools, and knowledge they can immediately apply in their profession

🔍 What We’re Looking For: 

  • Engage: Prioritize interactive, hands-on activities over passive presentations.
  • Inspire Action: Provide practical tools, frameworks, or techniques participants can implement.
  • Challenge Perspectives: Explore bold ideas, new methodologies, or untapped intersections of design, business, and technology.
  • Address Diverse Topics: Included but not limited to design thinking, service design, leadership, technical skills, sustainability, inclusion, and ethical innovation.

🔄What We Offer:

  • Speaking fee (honorarium) 
  • Travel to & from Stratford
  • Exclusive speaker dinner on Friday night
  • Accommodations in Stratford
  • Great speaker swag
Name
Professional Title / Role
Organization / Company (if applicable)
Please provide your LinkedIn profile.

Facilitator Biography
If selected, this biography will be used on the BLEND website. (50-100 words)

Travel
To help us plan travel arrangements, where are you primarily located? Where will you be travelling from in March 2026?
(Catchy and clear, 10 words max)
Tell us about your workshop. If selected this will be used on the event schedule.
What will participants gain or learn from this workshop? (list up to 3 bullet points)
Briefly describe the structure of your workshop. What hands-on activities or interactive elements will you include?

Tell us about past workshops & facilitation

Have you led sessions before? Share the highlights and links to previous talks, workshops, or teaching materials. Anything you think will help us know you're the right fit for BLEND.

Workshop Audience
(0-5 years experience)
(5 - 10 years experience)
(10+ years experience)
Who is your workshop designed for? (check the most relevant results)
Workshop Intro Video

Please link to a short video (1–2 minutes) introducing your workshop. Tell us:

What the workshop is about
Why you’re passionate about it
What makes you the right person to lead it

What attendees will learn or take away from your workshop

(if selected, we may use clips from this to promote BLEND)

Co-facilitator

Will you have a co-facilitator? Max 1
Professional Title / Role
Organization / Company (if applicable)
Please provide a link to your LinkedIn profile

Facilitator Biography
If selected, this biography will be used on the BLEND website. (50-100 words)

Co-facilitator Travel
To help us plan travel arrangements, where are you primarily located? Where will you be travelling from in March 2026?
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Location Information
Location Address: DMS - Stratford Campus
125 St. Patrick Street
Stratford, ON, CA  N5A 0C1
Location coordinates:
Additional Information
Event website: https://www.blendconf.co/ Cost: varies