Come and join us for our Spring Conference 2026
Thursday, 11 June 2026
epda Event Opening
4 pm - 7 pm
UPM Bioforum, Helsinki
We are excited to kick off the event with a special address from Tristan Horx, the renowned futurist and speaker at the Zukunftsinstitut (Future Institute). A thought leader in the realm of societal change, Tristan will explore what lies ahead after Gen X, Y, and Z, and offer his unique insights into the future of our world.
Following his keynote, we will introduce the epda Label Design Challenge, a collaboration with UPM, KURZ, and CCL. You’ll have the chance to see all the incredible entries to this year's challenge before we announce the final winners. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the innovative work of the design teams and recognize their outstanding contributions.
Let’s raise a glass together to honor these brilliant creations, which will soon be available as market-ready products by the end of this year! We look forward to welcoming you and sharing a moment of inspiration and celebration.
Friday, 12 June 2026
epda Conference "Pause to think. Move to Create"
9 am - 6 pm
Stora Enso headquarters, Helsinki
In a world that is changing at an ever-increasing pace, this year’s Spring Conference in Helsinki will delve into how we, as designers and creative minds, can continue to work consciously, meaningfully, and originally amidst the overwhelming pressure of rapid production cycles.
* How can we ensure that our ideas remain the foundation of our work, even as we face the pressure to execute quickly?
* How can we strike the balance between disruption and timelessness, preserving the emotional core of our work while remaining relevant in such chaotic times?
* How can we avoid falling into the trap of trends and overexposure, ensuring that our work stands out as unique and authentic in a world of global creators?
Let’s come together to discuss how deliberate, slow thinking can still fuel creative, meaningful, and culturally responsible work, even in the face of rapid production cycles.
We are thrilled to introduce an incredible lineup of speakers at this year’s conference. Among them is the amazing Pancho Tolchinsky, a cognitive science educator, photographer, and brand design expert.
You’ll also hear from Paula Pozza, Founder and Creative Director of Studio Zak, an award-winning branding and packaging design studio with a footprint in both Brazil and Italy.
Prepare to be inspired by Javier Jaen, a world-renowned designer with a portfolio spanning editorial illustration, book covers, audiovisual projects, advertising, and cultural communication. Javier’s work has earned him international acclaim, and he’s sure to share some captivating stories from his design journey.
And we’re especially excited to have Sanna-Kaisa Niikko, CMO of Marimekko, who will take us behind the scenes of Finland’s beloved "love brand." She’ll share the story of how Marimekko continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
And that's not all, there's more to come! We can't wait to see you there and introduce you to these brilliant minds.
More information will be published soon.
