Goodquestions
Dates, tickets, the room, and what happens if plans change.
Still stuck? Email support@designx.community. We answer as the same people who run the summit.
Tickets
What does a pass cost?
The current summit pass is US$699 + 13% HST · invoiced in USD. Checkout shows the complete total before payment.
Why is the price in USD if DLS is in Toronto?
DesignX prices and invoices everything — jobs, salary tools, and the summit — in USD, the same way across the whole site; it isn't specific to this event. The 13% HST still applies, because that tax is set by where the summit happens, not by the currency it's billed in. Your card issuer converts the USD total to your local currency automatically at checkout, and checkout shows the exact amount before you pay.
Do you offer group tickets?
Yes. Groups of 6 or more registering together save 15% with code TEAMPASS. You can also email hello@designx.community for a team invoice.
What is the refund policy?
We understand that plans can change!
You can request a 100% refund if you cancel at least one month before the summit.
If you inform us at least two weeks before the summit, we can offer a credit toward next year's Design Leadership Summit instead.
Passes are also transferable to a colleague if your plans change.
For refund requests, ticket transfers, or credits, please email us at support@designx.community, and our team will be happy to assist you.
Programme
What edition is this?
DLS 2026 is the seventh edition of the Design Leadership Summit. The series has run since 2018. Last year (2025) — the sixth edition — was two days at TIFF Bell Lightbox. This year is three.
Can I apply to speak at DLS?
Not for this edition — speaker submissions are closed while we finish the seventh-edition programme. The call-for-speakers page has the formats and what we look for when the next call opens.
Who usually attends?
Senior design professionals — staff designers, design managers, directors, VPs, and heads of design. The room is built for people who already lead the work, not a generalist conference audience.
Are virtual or hybrid options available?
No. DLS is in-person only. Mainstage talks are recorded for post-event viewing, with speaker control. Roundtables and socials stay off the record under the Chatham House Rule.
Are sessions recorded?
Theatre talks and panels are recorded, with speaker control. Roundtables, workshops, and socials are not — those rooms only work if people can speak freely.
Logistics
When and where is DLS?
DLS 2026 — the seventh edition — runs Nov 17–19, 2026 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West, Toronto. It is in-person only.
Do you have hotel discounts?
Yes. Le Germain Hotel Mercer is the official DLS 2026 hotel partner, a one-minute walk from TIFF Bell Lightbox, with an exclusive discounted rate for attendees. The travel page also lists nearby hotels. Those are recommendations, not partner rates.
Access
Can you provide a visa or invitation letter?
Yes. After you register, email support@designx.community and we will send an invitation letter to support a visa application.
Ready when you are.
The pass is on sale. Travel notes and the team rate live one click away.