Kick off MLC Connect 2026 at our enticing opening-night mixer, designed for relaxed, low-pressure networking, and good music. Grab a cold drink and connect naturally with fellow attendees and creative leaders without the usual professional stiffness. The evening unfolds in a beautiful outdoor setting, where a cascading waterfall feature and warm patio lightingcreate the perfect backdrop for easy conversation.

The check-in process will take 5 mins but if you want to make it quicker, click to download and sign our mandatory Release and bring it with you. Once you turn it in and verify your identity - you will be given a swag bag with your credential and then you are good to go! You can also fill out and sign our copies in-person when you arrive.

A conversation about transforming brands into storytellers through timeless identity design, illustration and craft—without chasing trends or fads.

Where is AI helping creative teams, where is it creating problems and which skills will matter most over the next five years?

A practical exchange about intake, approvals, workflow, resourcing and the systems that help overloaded creative teams work smarter.

How creative teams can move quickly from brainstorm to testable concept, making innovation tangible and actionable.

A straight-talking conversation about protecting the joy of making, building a career on your own terms and creating work with lasting value.

Sport is defined by movement, improvisation, and participation, yet much of sports design remains rooted in static visual traditions. Through projects spanning the NBA, Nike, Hoopbus, and community courts across the U.S., Ben Loiz explores how movement can become a design principle—shaping identities, places, and ultimately the communities that experience them.

Sport is defined by movement, improvisation, and participation, yet much of sports design remains rooted in static visual traditions. Through projects spanning the NBA, Nike, Hoopbus, and community courts across the U.S., Ben Loiz explores how movement can become a design principle—shaping identities, places, and ultimately the communities that experience them.

Sport is defined by movement, improvisation, and participation, yet much of sports design remains rooted in static visual traditions. Through projects spanning the NBA, Nike, Hoopbus, and community courts across the U.S., Ben Loiz explores how movement can become a design principle—shaping identities, places, and ultimately the communities that experience them.

Get face-to-face strategy time with MLC Connect speakers during three 25-minute mentor rotations starting at 2:30 PM. Because seats are strictly limited, we are running a draft-style lottery to assign spots fairly. Maximize your chances by emailing your 1st and 2nd choice speakers; winners will be notified the day before the conference. Time slots overlap main stage sessions: 2:30pm | 3:00pm | 3:30pm → chris@mlcconnect.com

How the Ravens’ creative team is structured and collaborates. Translating the team’s identity and culture into a cohesive creative system. Your process for campaigns, game-day content, and season-long storytelling. Balancing speed, quality, and consistency during the NFL season. Lessons learned and advice for the next generation of sports creatives.

Making creative decisions under tight deadlines. Managing and mentoring creative talent. Giving feedback that improves the work. Balancing leadership, stakeholder expectations, and team morale. Building creative culture throughout a season. AI, workflows, and how the role of creative managers is evolving.

The check-in process will take 5 mins but if you want to make it quicker, click to download and sign our mandatory Release and bring it with you. Once you turn it in and verify your identity - you will be given a swag bag with your credential and then you are good to go! You can also fill out and sign our copies in-person when you arrive.

Lessons from leading product design at global technology companies—building scalable systems, guiding teams through complexity and protecting strong craft as organizations grow.

A practical exchange about intake, approvals, workflow, resourcing and the systems that help overloaded creative teams work smarter.

Where is AI helping creative teams, where is it creating problems and which skills will matter most over the next five years?

How spatial design, live environments, personalization and emerging technology can turn passive audiences into active participants.

How original illustration, irreverent storytelling and an independent point of view grew into an art-driven apparel brand built without outside investors.

Communication, negotiation, influence and leadership—the non-design skills that often make the biggest difference in a creative career.

A valuable exchange of the software, AI tools, plugins, hardware, shortcuts and workflow hacks creative professionals actually use. Ever wonder what they use to make that or track that? No you don't. Discover the software and gain direct links to those product specialist who service our major franchises.

A forward-looking discussion about adaptable teams, new capabilities, responsible experimentation and building innovation into the culture.

Get face-to-face strategy time with MLC Connect speakers during three 25-minute mentor rotations starting at 2:30 PM. Because seats are strictly limited, we are running a draft-style lottery to assign spots fairly. Maximize your chances by emailing your 1st and 2nd choice speakers; winners will be notified the day before the conference. Time slots overlap main stage sessions: 2:30pm | 3:00pm | 3:30pm → chris@mlcconnect.com

Ditch the boring corporate headshot. We are bringing true LA studio energy and elite, high-key lighting to MLC Connect to elevate your personal brand. Step in, refresh your social profiles, and lock in your next look with our professional photography team. No stiff poses allowed—just premium, disruptive content for your visual identity.

Three creative leaders compare how they guide teams, evolve iconic identities and build emotionally resonant work across distinct hockey markets and fan cultures.