MLC Connect is almost here!
JULY 28-30

To help you prepare, we've gathered everything you need in one place. Take a few minutes to review the information below so you can arrive ready to make the most of your MLC Connect experience.

We can't wait to see you next week!

This year's conference will be hosted at The LAB, our home base for the week. From inspiring sessions and hands-on workshops to networking and everything in between, this is where the MLC Connect community comes together. Get comfortable, explore the space, and make yourself at home.

Rep your team! We encourage everyone to wear their favorite hats, jerseys, jackets, and team gear throughout the conference. Let's fill The LAB with team pride.

The LAB

15916 Crenshaw Blvd Gardena, CA 90249
Lots of free parking in the front of the venue

We’re so excited for you to join us for a packed two days of creative inspiration!

View the full two-day schedule breakdown

Mentor Sessions

Get face-to-face strategy time with MLC Connect speakers during three 25-minute mentor rotations starting. Time slots overlap main stage sessions: 2:30pm | 3:00pm | 3:30pm.

Welcome Mixer - Connect at the LAB

Tuesday 6:30–9:30 PM - Patio at The LAB
📍15916 Crenshaw Blvd Gardena, CA 90249

The best part of MLC Connect? The people. Kick off the week by grabbing a drink, meeting fellow creatives, catching up with old friends, and making new connections before the conference officially gets underway. Come hang out at our welcome mixer, we'll save you a spot.

Creative Athlete Experience
+ Drink & Draw

Wednesday 6:30–9:30 PM - The LAB
Featuring 3-on-3 basketball tournament and
Logo vs. Logo design challenge!

🏀 CALLING ALL HOOPERS: 3-ON-3 TOURNAMENT:
Lace up and show out. Build your squad, recruit your peers, or sign up as a free agent for this high-energy, co-ed hoops tournament.

🎨 LOGO VS. LOGO: THE ULTIMATE DESIGN BATTLE:
One prompt. High energy, friendly competition. Step up to this fast-paced, head-to-head design bracket where you win and advance through the rounds.

Bar Crawl

Thursday 6:30–10:30 PM
Hermosa Beach → Manhattan Beach

After the action packed two days of speakers and networking wraps, the fun doesn’t stop there! Close out MLC CONNECT 2026 with a legendary trek down the Los Angeles shoreline on an epic coastal bar crawl!

Stay tuned on social media for our bar crawl route.

Our star-studded speaker lineup is headlined by Aaron Draplin. The founder of Draplin Design Co, co-founder of Field Notes, author, and entrepreneur is makes his way from Portland to Los Angeles.

View the rest of the SPEAKER LINEUP

Still making travel plans?
Check out the VENUE and HOTELS at mlcconnect.com

Explore the city and map out your lunch locations at mlcconnect.com