This one-of-a-kind summit, hosted by the Center for Architecture & Design and KC Global Design, is bringing together the CEOs of the top 7 design organizations to focus on collaborative solutions to design industry challenges. This two-day retreat will fuel these conversations and encourage these organizations to unite with one voice to address these issues.
This retreat will take place August 5-7, 2026, with a CEO panel event on August 6. All seven of these chapters have local organizations in Kansas City.
Why we’re reconvening in 2026
The April 2024 D7 Retreat was the first time these 7 associations’ leaders had ever been in the same room together. That gathering focused on initiating relationships across our design industries, connecting with local chapter members to learn about the member experience in this market, and identifying opportunities for collaboration on topics like sustainability, fostering the next generation of designers, EDI imperatives, and responding to disruptive technologies.
We now have an established cohort, with relationships we can leverage for our members and for the community. We want to use this opportunity to align our expertise and our voice in a tangible way.
We believe our itinerary and expectations will deliver something noteworthy and meaningful for our nearly 190,000 combined members.
D7 Summit Panel
Join us for a panel discussion with the seven CEOs attending the D7 Summit.
Join us for a panel discussion with the seven CEOs attending the D7 Summit.
This historic gathering brings together leaders from seven national design associations for a timely conversation on shared challenges and collective solutions. More than a panel, it’s an open dialogue focused on building relationships and sparking action across the design community.
Attendees will gain rare, firsthand insights from these influential voices. The conversation will be moderated by Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Director and CEO Julian Zugazagoitia, who will guide a dynamic and engaging discussion focused on building a stronger, more unified design community.
August 6, 2026
5:30-7:30 pm
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64111
Registration Coming Soon
D7 Organizations
D7 Representatives
Take a look at our latest press release about D7KC
D7 Retreat Collaborators
Launched in 2014, Kansas City’s Center for Architecture and Design (CfAD) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization that plans programs and experiences that spotlight creativity and engage a wide community audience in discussions about architecture and design. CfAD’s seven individual professional design organizations unite to teach design thinking to all ages, celebrate the achievements of good design, and help Kansas City reach its full potential. CfAD’s signature annual program is KC Design Week.
KC Global Design is a collective of design community firms and leaders based in the Kansas City region. With more than 1,000 architecture, engineering, and construction firms, KC is home to some of the building industry’s largest and most impactful firms. Focusing on Innovation, Awareness, and Talent, KC Global Design elevates Kansas City’s collective status as a top design city. KC Global Design is a strategic initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council.
D7 Sponsors
Collaborator Sponsor
Local Organizations
