Creative Leaders Summit 2026 in Barcelona

The Creative Leaders Summit 2026 will take place in Barcelona from November 19 to 20, 2026, as part of ADCE Creative Week. The two-day event will bring together some of the most influential creative leaders from Europe and beyond for open discussions, new perspectives, and practical insights into the future of creative leadership. According to the announcement, the number of participants has been deliberately limited to facilitate an exclusive exchange in small groups.

Topic: Relationships as the Foundation of Creative Excellence

Under this year’s theme, «Relationships,» the summit aims to explore what truly makes outstanding work possible. The focus is on trust between clients and agencies, the chemistry within teams, and the conversations that challenge one’s own thinking. Added to this is the shared ambition that transforms ideas into impactful results. The goal is to foster meaningful exchanges, in-depth conversations, and new connections among leading minds from various disciplines, industries, and cultures.

The Speaker Lineup for the Creative Leaders Summit 2026

The program brings together leaders from agencies, brands, and design studios. Speakers on stage include: Laura Amarelle, Creative Director and Co-Founder of The Business of Creativity (UK); Chair and Global CCO of R/GA (US); Managing Partner of Playmakers (Georgia); an independent creative leader, formerly at Forsman & Bodenfors (Sweden); the Chief Brand Officer at Deutsche Telekom (Germany); CD and Partner at Studio Dumbar/Dept (Netherlands); the Head of Marketing & PR / CMO at Deutsche Bahn (Germany); a Founding Partner at Smlxl (Spain/U.S.); the Global Head of Product Design at Breitling (Switzerland); the EMEA Creative Services Lead at HP (Spain); the Global Executive Creative Director at Amazon Ads (U.S.); a former Global CCO at Cheil Worldwide (U.K.); the Executive Creative Director at Droga5 (UK); a co-founder of Smlxl (Spain/US); the Global Head of Brand Communications at Breitling (Switzerland); and the EMEA Head of Brands Innovation at HP (Spain).

ADCE Creative Week: Four Days of Creativity and Networking

The Creative Leaders Summit is part of ADCE Creative Week, which will take place in Barcelona from November 17 to 20, 2026. The full program includes, among other things, the ADCE Awards judging, an AI Creative Challenge, portfolio reviews, and gala nights. ADCE members will be eligible for a special discount on tickets.

Additional information and tickets are available on the Art Directors Club of Europe website: https://www.adceurope.org

The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) invites you to the second edition of the ADCE Creative Week 2026 From November 17 to 20, more than 500 creative professionals from across Europe will gather in Barcelona—at DHub Barcelona, the city’s Disseny Hub. The four-day festival is aimed at creative leaders, up-and-coming talent, and students, and offers a packed program of talks, networking, competitions, and gala evenings.

«Relationships» as the central theme of ADCE Creative Week 2026

The theme of this year’s edition is «Relationships»—highlighting an often-underestimated truth: Great work doesn’t come from ideas alone, but from trust, from teams that challenge conventional thinking, from clients who believe in a vision, and from communities that nurture creative ideas. ADCE Creative Week 2026 aims to demonstrate how it is precisely these connections that make creativity possible in the first place.

Creative Leaders Summit: New to the Program

One of the most important changes from the first edition is the Creative Leaders Summit – a gathering of experienced creatives and business leaders who will explore the central theme of «Relationships» from various perspectives. Through keynote speeches and open discussions, the event will explore how trust develops between creatives and clients, within teams, and across broader networks, and how it shapes the creative industries. The format deliberately emphasizes dialogue and connection to foster meaningful relationships among participants.

Twelve keynote speakers have been confirmed for the summit. The first names announced are: Mihnea Gheorghiu, Global Chief Creative Officer at Le Pub; Juliana Paracencio, Executive Creative Director at Droga5; Dustin Duke, Head of Brand Innovation at Amazon Lab; and Liza Enebeis, Creative Director and Partner at Studio Dumbar. Additional speakers and program details will be announced in the coming months.

Portfolio Review, AI Creative Challenge, and Creative Express

In addition to the Summit, the program offers other formats tailored to different target audiences. The Portfolio Review is aimed at students, graduates, and those just starting their careers, who can receive direct feedback from experienced creative leaders and recruiters while networking with agencies from across Europe.

The AI Creative Challenge returns with its tried-and-true tournament format: Participants receive unexpected briefs that they must bring to life using AI-powered tools—a format designed to showcase how technology and creativity can come together in surprising ways.

Another new feature this year is an additional edition of Creative Express: Selected young talents from the member countries will work in international teams to respond to a live brief within 24 hours. The format is designed to highlight the importance of cross-cultural collaboration and enable emerging creatives to build lasting professional relationships.

ADCE Awards and Gala Ceremonies

The ADCE Awards jury, the centerpiece of the festival, features leading creative professionals from across Europe. As was the case last year, the final round of jury deliberations is open to the public—visitors can thus attend the discussions that determine the Grand Prix and Special Awards.

To wrap up the week, the winners of the 35th ADCE Awards will be announced at the ADCE Awards Gala. In addition, the ADCE Student Awards Gala will take place, honoring outstanding student work from across Europe.

The ADCE at a Glance

The Art Directors Club of Europe is a nonprofit organization based in Barcelona. It brings together 25 professional associations and organizations from 24 European countries and represents more than 7,000 professionals in advertising and graphic design. Founded in 1990, the ADCE is part of The One Club for Creativity in New York. The new president of the ADCE is Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Chairwoman of Jung von Matt.

Early-bird tickets for the public program will be available shortly at www.adceurope.org.

Submissions for the 35th ADCE Awards Are Now Open

The ADCE Awards are entering their 35th year—and this year’s edition brings some notable changes. The call for entries is now open, along with a revamped submission system and new categories designed to better reflect the broad spectrum of creative work. Those preparing outstanding projects for submission to the ADCE Awards will find more options this year for categorizing their work.

One of the most significant additions is the new discipline «Creativity by Industry Sectors.» It is intended to recognize the specific challenges and opportunities facing different industries and to evaluate creative achievements within their respective economic and cultural contexts. According to the press release, this will enable a broader understanding of creative excellence.

New Categories in Interactive & Mobile

Several new categories have been introduced in the Interactive & Mobile section. Creative Data is aimed at projects that use data as a core creative element—for better storytelling, more precise targeting, and measurable innovation. The Multi-Platform Experience category recognizes interactive work that creates seamless user experiences across various digital touchpoints and devices. Innovative Use of Technology focuses on projects in which technology enhances creativity, user engagement, and impact. The Gaming category recognizes commercial creativity developed in or through gaming environments. Finally, Technological Craft honors outstanding achievements in the areas of UI, UX, AR/VR, programming, and technical implementation.

Brand Development & Experience with a B2B Focus

The Brand Development & Experience category recognizes brand initiatives that achieve tangible results through services, experiences, or partnerships. The B2B and Collaboration category is aimed at work targeting corporate audiences or projects that have emerged from strategic collaborations. Creative Strategy highlights projects in which strategic thinking and insights drive the creative approach.

Local Insight: ADCE Awards Submission with a Regional Focus

Another new addition is the “Local Insight” category, which is open to entries across all disciplines. It highlights works inspired by local cultures, communities, and regional perspectives—and aims to showcase the diversity and strength of European creativity.

Whether they’re revolutionary technology projects, purpose-driven brand initiatives, or campaigns with a strong local focus—the submission deadline for the 35th ADCE Awards is September 25. All details and the submission form can be found on the Art Directors Club of Europe website: https://www.adceurope.org

Michael Conrad Hall of Fame: A Career with Global Impact

Michael Conrad is being inducted into the One Club for Creativity Hall of Fame—one of the most prestigious honors in the international creative industry. The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) describes this award as a tribute to one of the most influential creative leaders Europe has ever produced. As an honorary member of the ADCE, Michael Conrad has, according to the organization, consistently embodied the values the community stands for: creative excellence, leadership, curiosity, and a commitment to fostering future talent.

His career spans more than five decades, during which he has helped shape the global creative industry both as a creative leader and as an educator. Conrad helped build one of Germany’s most prestigious agencies and led Leo Burnett Worldwide as Global Chief Creative Officer. In this role, he is said to have played a key role in raising creative standards in international markets and establishing creativity as a driving force for economic and cultural impact.

Berlin School of Creative Leadership: Education as a Legacy

After his career in advertising, Michael Conrad co-founded the Berlin School of Creative Leadership. According to the ADCE’s press release, the institution is dedicated to developing the next generation of creative leaders. Through his vision, mentoring, and commitment to education, he has influenced countless professionals in the fields of advertising, design, media, technology, and marketing.

For the European creative community, Conrad’s legacy thus extends far beyond awards and agency successes—according to the ADCE in its tribute.

Celebration of Michael Conrad's Induction into the Hall of Fame in New York

The official ceremony will take place on September 16 at the Capitale in New York. There, Michael Conrad and other inductees will be honored for their exceptional careers and their lasting impact on the industry.

The ADCE, based in Barcelona, offers its congratulations: «Congratulations, Michael. The European creative community celebrates this achievement with great pride.»

For more information on membership and the activities of the Art Directors Club of Europe, please visit https://www.adceurope.org.

Dörte Spengler-Ahrens Takes Over as Chair of the ADCE from Alexander Schill

Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Chairwoman of Jung von Matt, has been appointed the new president of the Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE). She will serve in this role for the next three years, succeeding Alexander Schill, Global Chief Creative Officer of the Serviceplan Group, whose tenure, according to the ADCE, had a significant impact on the organization. The combination of her role at Jung von Matt and her involvement with the ADCE is expected to give the association new momentum.

New Awards Structure Aims to Broaden Participation

One of the first measures under the new president is a revised awards structure. Eligibility for the ADCE Awards is being expanded: In the future, all entries that have been submitted to competitions organized by ADCE member clubs or selected European partner organizations will be eligible—regardless of whether they received local awards. According to the announcement, this is intended to better reflect the diversity of the European creative landscape.

«My hope is that the ADCE Award will become the most prestigious, recognized, and relevant award in Europe,» Dörte Spengler-Ahrens is quoted as saying in the press release. «I will do everything in my power to achieve and maintain this status.»

Partnership with The One Club for Creativity to Continue

Under Schill’s leadership, the ADCE completed its merger with The One Club for Creativity. According to the press release, this partnership has opened the door for European creatives to a broader international network, as well as new opportunities for growth, recognition, and collaboration. Dörte Spengler-Ahrens is set to further expand this collaboration.

Among its stated priorities are also increasing the representation of women in creative leadership positions and promoting a more diverse and inclusive industry. The 35th edition of the ADCE Awards is now open for entries; submissions will be accepted through September 25, 2025.

For more information about the ADCE Awards and the submission process, please visit the association's website: https://www.adceurope.org

Dörte Spengler-Ahrens is leading the ADCE into a new chapter

The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) has appointed Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, Chairwoman of Jung von Matt, as its new president. The appointment coincides with the 35th anniversary of the ADCE Awards and, according to the organization, marks the beginning of a new phase for the European creative organization. At the same time, the ADCE is introducing a revamped awards structure designed to broaden participation and better reflect the diversity of Europe’s creative landscape.

Spengler-Ahrens is considered one of Germany’s most award-winning creative executives. By her own account, she brings decades of experience in developing internationally recognized creative work, agencies, and talent to the organization. She began her career at Jung von Matt as an art director before rising to become the agency’s first female creative director after just three years. In 2002, she returned as a partner and co-founded Jung von Matt/Spree, the group’s first Berlin-based agency. In the years that followed, she established several additional units within the network, including Jung von Matt/9, Jung von Matt/Pulse, Jung von Matt/Fleet, Jung von Matt/Elbe, and Jung von Matt/SAGA. In 2024, she was appointed non-executive chairwoman of the Jung von Matt Group.

Revised Eligibility System for the ADCE Awards

With this new direction, the ADCE Awards are opening up to a broader field of participants. Whereas the awards were previously open only to winners and nominees from competitions organized by ADCE member associations, they are now open to all participants in competitions held by the 25 member clubs—as well as selected eligible competitions organized by non-member organizations throughout Europe. According to the organization, this is intended to create greater opportunities for independent creatives, emerging talent, and smaller markets.

The ADCE Awards judging process remains focused on creative excellence: It begins with online judging rounds and culminates in live judging sessions during ADCE Creative Week in the fall. The jury is composed of internationally acclaimed creative leaders from across Europe.

«My hope is that the ADC will become the most prestigious, most recognized, and most relevant award in Europe,» said Spengler-Ahrens. «I will do everything in my power to achieve and maintain that status.»

Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, ADCE: Diversity and Representation as a Guiding Principle

Throughout her career, Spengler-Ahrens has consistently championed diversity, equality, and the empowerment of women in the creative industry. She was the first female president of ADC Germany, where she transformed the organization under the vision «Changing the world through creativity,» placing a stronger emphasis on inclusion and representation. In 2000, she founded MARIA, Germany’s first women-led advertising agency.

«Women in creative leadership positions are still dramatically underrepresented in our industry,» said Spengler-Ahrens. «The ADCE is an exception—it meets a 50-50 quota without exception and had its first female president as early as 2000. I am also a strong supporter of women at ADC Germany and would like to continue this work at the European level.»

Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the title «Germany Agency Person of the Year» at the 2018 Horizont Awards, the «Braveheart» Award at the 2023 Best Agency Awards, and the 2025 LIA Legend Award. Throughout her career, she has worked for international brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Sixt, Nivea, Zalando, and BVG.

Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club, commented on the appointment: «The One Club has a long and successful relationship with Dörte, as she has served on several juries for The One Show, the global ADC Awards, and Next Creative Leaders competitions. We welcome Dörte to this exciting new role at ADCE and are confident that the organization—and the industry—will benefit greatly from her vision, dedication, and innovative thinking.»

The ADCE and Its European Reach

The Art Directors Club of Europe is a nonprofit organization based in Barcelona that brings together 25 professional clubs and associations from 24 European countries. Founded in 1990, the ADCE promotes creative excellence in advertising and graphic design throughout Europe and, according to its own figures, represents more than 7,000 professionals. The ADCE is part of The One Club for Creativity, based in New York.

With the 35th edition of the ADCE Awards and Spengler-Ahrens serving as president, the organization aims to establish itself as the «ADC of ADCs»—Europe’s most prestigious, relevant, and representative creative award.

For more information about the ADCE and the awards: https://adce.eu

The Art Directors Club of Europe has officially opened the submission period for the 2026 ADCE Awards. The 35th edition of the competition brings significant changes: new rules for participation, a new discipline, and additional categories designed to more broadly reflect the spectrum of European creativity.

ADCE Awards 2026 Open to All Contestants for the First Time

Until now, submissions to the ADCE Awards were reserved exclusively for winners of national and regional competitions. Starting with this year’s edition, a new rule applies: All participants in eligible local and national competitions in Europe can submit their work—regardless of whether they received an award. This is intended to make the competition significantly more accessible and to highlight a broader spectrum of European creative work at the European level.

Entries are accepted from participants in competitions organized by the 25 member clubs of the ADCE, as well as from selected eligible competitions organized by non-member organizations in Europe. The complete list of eligible competitions and the submission guidelines will be available on the official ADCE platform. The final submission deadline is September 25, 2026.

New Category: Creativity by Industry Sector

One of the key innovations of the 2026 ADCE Awards is the introduction of the «Creativity by Industry Sectors» category. This new perspective is designed to evaluate creative work through the lens of industry-specific challenges and opportunities. The discipline comprises 40 categories across eight sectors: Consumer Goods, Health Care, Automotive & Mobility, Finance, Insurance & Retail, Technology & Media, Travel, Leisure, HORECA & Education, Entertainment & Culture, and Sports.

According to the ADCE, the new category takes into account the strategic and cultural context behind each submitted project, thereby adding a cross-sectoral dimension to the existing evaluation criteria.

New Categories in Existing Disciplines

In addition to the new discipline, additional categories have been introduced in several existing categories. In the Interactive & Mobile category, these include Creative Data, Multi-Platform Experience, Innovative Use of Technology, Gaming, and Technological Craft. In the Brand Development & Experience category, the categories Projects, B2B and Collaboration, and Creative Strategy have been added.

In addition, a new «Local Insight» category has been introduced across all existing disciplines. It is intended to recognize projects rooted in local culture, community, and regional context—a commitment by ADCE to the diversity of European creativity.

Jury, Gala, and ADCE Creative Week

The jury for the 2026 ADCE Awards, composed of leading creatives and designers from across Europe, will first meet online for two rounds in October. The third and final round will take place in person at the Disseny Hub Barcelona in November—as part of ADCE Creative Week. This final jury session will once again be open to the public: Visitors will be able to watch the presentation of the Special Awards and the Grand Prix live.

The winners of the 2026 ADCE Awards will be announced at the ADCE Awards Gala on November 20, 2026, the closing event of Creative Week. According to ADCE, the Creative Week program also includes talks, exhibitions, networking events, workshops, and the ADCE Student Awards ceremony.

ADCE Awards and The One Club Global Creative Rankings

All winners of the ADCE Awards contribute points to The One Club for Creativity’s Global Creative Rankings—an internationally recognized ranking system for the advertising and design industries. The rankings compile results from major international competitions, including The One Show, the ADC Annual Awards, the ONE Asia Creative Awards, Type Directors Club competitions, and the ADCE Awards. This provides European agencies, brands, and creatives with international visibility.

More information about the 2026 ADCE Awards is available on the official platform: https://adce.eu