DFGN annual events and programs
The DFGN team sits in Aalto University’s Design Factory, in Finland. Yes, that cold country in the European Nordics. Despite the cold and the distance, we hosted multiple events and programs throughout the year to keep driving change and to spread the passion around the globe. Below, you'll find the major events we organize each year. These are the big four that we encourage you to mark on your calendars.
The DFGN team sits in Aalto University’s Design Factory, in Finland. Yes, that cold country in the European Nordics. Despite the cold and the distance, we hosted multiple events and programs throughout the year to keep driving change and to spread the passion around the globe. Below, you'll find the major events we organize each year. These are the big four that we encourage you to mark on your calendars.
Annually, DFGN members gather in varying global locations to collaborate, share best practices, and engage with the local host. Organized by the DFGN team and the local institution, this members-only event re-energizes our community and fosters planning for future cooperation
05 October - 09 October 2026
Riga Technical University in Riga, Latvia
For teams of 4 people, from institutions with a desire to set up a Design Factory -style platform. DF BootCamp is a week-long intensive training about the Design Factory. The goal is to understand the Design Factory concept and the reasons behind the decisions around space, pedagogical philosophy, processes used and mind- sets fostered. Experts in the different fields within Aalto Design Factory will share their insights and host a series of workshops. At the end of the week you will have a series of experiments you can start acting upon on your return home.
01 February - 31 March 2027
Aalto Design Factory, Finland
Our annual virtual celebration highlights initiatives from Design Factories worldwide. Open to the public, this event invites all to join, although some sessions may be exclusive to members.
12 May - 12 May 2026
Zoom
This non-traditional conference focuses on unboxing themes relevant to DFGN, inviting practitioners, experts, educators, and academics to collaborate. While primarily for members, interested non-members may contact the DFGN team for participation details. This event is very related to the IDFW, hosted in the same week and annual location.
05 October - 06 October 2026
We also train external institutions by providing them with tools to drive change in their organizations and use their potential and skills to the fullest. One event that is part of our portfolio of trainings is our famous Design Factory. Why? (DF.Y? Also known as ex-DF Bootcamp), a 9-day intensive hands-on experience of the DF concept that provides participant tools to (further) develop an experimentation and innovation platform in their institution. Don’t get scared, it is a combination of 3 gatherings where 2 are online, and 1 is in person, held in Aalto Design Factory in Finland. If you are interested in our DF Y? or in a customized training or program, feel free to reach out and our team will contact you back. Our team loves meeting new people and having virtual coffees!
Do you need specific support from DFGN? We’re here to help and eager to hear about your needs. Below, you’ll find examples of customized training we’ve delivered at different institutions.
Innovation platforms and institutions go through cycles, and every time, they are unavoidable. We help in re-boosting or re-defining the strategy of your design factory and enhancing the team dynamics by providing a customized training program.
Starting is not easy, and keeping up is not easy either. We help organizations understand how their culture can enable the creation of an innovation platform like a design factory. We support creating an experimentation plan that will help drive change through culture hacking and development.
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