On 10th–12th June 2026, Birmingham Design Festival returns for its eighth year, bringing together creatives, thinkers, and innovators from across the UK and beyond! With over 100 events spanning 20+ venues across Birmingham, the festival continues to cement its reputation as one of the UK’s most accessible and inclusive celebrations of design. 

This year’s theme – Change – couldn’t be more relevant. From shifting consumer expectations to rapid advancements in technology, change is the one constant across every industry.  

For us, as a hospitality marketing agency rooted in human-first strategy, it’s also an opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to be a sponsor of Birmingham Design Festival 2026, supporting a platform that champions creativity, collaboration, and fresh perspectives. 

What is Birmingham Design Festival?

Since its inception, Birmingham Design Festival has been about breaking down barriers within the design industry. Unlike traditional conferences, BDF is known for its open, welcoming atmosphere, with many talks free to attend and events designed to encourage participation from people at all stages of their creative careers. 

Taking place across iconic and independent venues throughout Birmingham, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the city while immersing yourself in design-led thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned creative professional, a student, or simply curious, BDF makes design accessible, engaging, and relevant. 

Find out more: Birmingham Design Festival 2025 

Theme for 2026: Change

Each year, Birmingham Design Festival is built around a central theme, and in 2026, that theme is Change. It’s a word that carries weight – especially in industries like hospitality and marketing, where evolving customer behaviours, digital transformation, and economic pressures demand constant adaptation. 

At its core, Change at BDF is about more than reacting – it’s about shaping what comes next. Expect conversations that challenge the status quo, inspire new ways of thinking, and offer practical insights into navigating uncertainty. 

Over 40 hours of talks

One of the standout features of BDF is its extensive programme of talks, with more than 40 hours scheduled across the three days. 

These sessions bring together a diverse mix of voices – from emerging designers to established industry leaders. The breadth of perspectives ensures that every attendee can find something relevant, whether you’re interested in branding, digital design, sustainability, or creative leadership. 

Importantly, many of these talks are free to attend, reinforcing BDF’s commitment to accessibility. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from people shaping the future of design without the barriers often associated with industry events. 

Dozens of workshops: Learn by doing

Beyond the talks, Birmingham Design Festival offers dozens of hands-on workshops designed to help attendees develop practical skills. 

These sessions embody the festival’s ethos of “play, learn, and create.” Whether it’s experimenting with new tools, exploring different creative processes, or tackling real-world challenges, workshops provide a more interactive way to engage with design. 

Exhibitions, screenings, and tours

In addition to talks and workshops, Birmingham Design Festival 2026 will feature a rich programme of exhibitions, screenings, and tours across Birmingham. 

These experiences allow attendees to engage with design in different formats – from visual installations to curated film screenings and guided explorations of the city’s creative spaces.  

It’s a reminder that design isn’t confined to a screen or a stage; it’s something that shapes the environments we move through every day. 

Brew’s role: Sponsoring Birmingham Design Festival 2026

Brew’s involvement in BDF reflects our commitment to staying at the forefront of design-led marketing in the hospitality sector. 

“At Brew, we see change as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Being part of Birmingham Design Festival 2026 allows us to connect with some of the most exciting creative minds in the UK and beyond.  

It’s a chance to share ideas, learn from others, and continue pushing the boundaries of what hospitality marketing can be.” – Scott Barker, Brew’s lead designer. 

By engaging with topics such as brand evolution, digital transformation, and customer experience, we aim to position ourselves – and our clients – at the cutting edge of hospitality marketing. 

Embrace change with Brew

Change is inevitable – but how you respond to it is what defines your brand. 

From bold creative thinking to data-driven strategies, we bring a human touch to everything we do – ensuring your brand connects and changes in meaningful, memorable ways. 

Want to embrace change in your digital marketing strategy? We’re here to help you navigate what’s next – with creativity, clarity, and impact. Let’s chat. 

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