Design Engagement Summit 2026
September 29 - October 2nd 2026 | St John’s NL, Canada
DES is back in 2026! Join like-minded engineering leaders ready to break down barriers and push innovation forward in their organizations. If you feel like you’re just scratching the surface of what's possible in engineering, DES 2026 is for you.
Calling all engineering leaders ready for an innovation revolution
You became an engineer to bring life-changing products to market. So why does it feel like you and your team are just scratching the surface of what’s possible in hardware engineering?
Apply to be a speakerDES is back in 2026—with the same format you’ve come to love: one part user conference + one part engineering leadership summit, where you can meet likeminded people driving real change (in your industry and outside it).
We’re excited to invite you back (or for the first time!) to our hometown in St. John's, Newfoundland: one of the most rugged, beautiful places on the planet. And you can expect an even heavier dose of AI this time:
In between peer-led demos and roadmap previews, you’ll learn from AI and engineering experts with practical experience in product development and digital transformation.
This is where forward-thinking engineers come to share what’s working, challenge the old ways, and shape the future of how engineering gets done.
Talks that will help you drive innovation in your organization
We know you want to hear about the projects and initiatives driving real business results. That’s why the people we’ve invited to speak are practitioners, who can share stories of what’s working and how they’re driving change in the biggest, most complex product orgs in the world.
We’ll also cover technology trends – like how AI is transforming engineering and how collaboration tools are powering global and remote teams. But we’ll make sure it’s all in the context of what you’re focused on day to day.
More than the user conference you’ve come to know
Peer led demos
Find out exactly how other engineering teams are using CoLab by watching your peers demo their use cases live. Maximize your investment in CoLab with ideas on how to unlock new features or kickstart new use cases.
Breakout sessions
Join smaller, expert-led deep dives that cut into how AI, design reviews, and VA/VE strategies are helping teams move faster, make better decisions, and keep production on track.
New features and roadmap previews
Be the first to try new and unreleased functionality in CoLab, make your voice heard through product feedback sessions, and get a sneak preview of our roadmap.
Networking
Meet the people behind the ideas. Network with fellow engineers and industry experts in relaxed settings that make it easy to share insights and spark new connections. Between sessions, take time to explore St. John’s — from its colorful harborfront to its local pubs and coastal views.
What people are saying about DES
“I think the interactions and engagement between both all of us customers as well as Colab employees. I think also that NL is the place as it adds to Colabs identity. “
- Joakim Finn, Enabler of Product & Machine Lifecycle at Volvo Construction
You don’t really want to go to Orlando or Scottsdale again, do you?
It’s hard to argue with sunshine and swimming pools. But that’s the thing with the status quo, right? It’s hard to argue with.
Can we interest you in a little adventure, instead?
CoLab was proudly founded in – and still operates out of – Newfoundland and Labrador. We invite you to join us here in St. John’s – the Easternmost point in North America. In between learning and networking, you’ll get to explore rugged coastline, eat great seafood, and maybe even become an honorary Newfoundlander.
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Apply to be a speaker!
The first 10 approved speakers will receive a free conference pass, plus flights and hotel rooms on us!