Programme highlights of the German Design Award 2026
Design in Dialogue: Inspiration, Exchange and the Grand Stage of the German Design Award on 6 February 2026
Dialogue – Personal insights between success, failure and creative drive
Before the afternoon reaches its peak with the award ceremony, leading designers take a deep dive into content. Moderated by Simon Keane-Cowell, Editor in Chief of Architonic, Sanna Wåhlin of Note Design Studio and Patrick Speck Leader of LIXIL Global Design EMENA, talk about the tension between success and failure, as well as their personal motivations and learnings.
- The Confessions Talk takes place from 11:00 to 12:30 on Level 0.
Inspiration – Design as a cultural practice and personal mindset
At the same location, the Insight Talk that follows features none other than Naoto Fukasawa. He explores the responsibility and relevance designers carry today. One of the most influential industrial designers of our time, Fukasawa shares his perspective on design as a cultural practice.
Recognition – The grand stage for outstanding design
From 14:00 to 16:30, the long-awaited Award Show takes place in the Panorama Hall. High-profile speakers build bridges between business and culture, between the World Design Capital and the German Design Award, setting the stage for a ceremony that goes beyond expectations.
- Among the speakers are Ina Hartig, City Councillor of Frankfurt, and Sheila Loewe, President of the Loewe Foundation. Members of the jury, as well as representatives of Messe Frankfurt and the German Design Council, also address the winners and the press.
- Another highlight is the presentation of the Gold Awards, alongside the highly anticipated moment when it is finally revealed which of the nominated Newcomer finalists will be named Newcomer of the Year. Until the Award Show, this decision remains strictly confidential – for the nominees, it is a defining distinction that has launched careers and opened doors to the international design scene.
That afternoon will also see the long-awaited announcement of who has been chosen as Personality of the Year.
- Music act Maidatouch sets the scene with a house-inspired live set and distinctive Amapiano beats, creating the perfect atmosphere for networking.
