AIGA DEC Throughlines 2026
Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH | July 27-28, 2026
Call for Proposals
A throughline refers to the connections through and between segments of a design learning journey from early exposure to design, becoming a design student, working with and supporting students, transitioning to professional practice, mentoring designers, opportunities in leadership and creating intentional throughlines for others coming into the field. Across the lifespan of a designer, there are many aspects of influence through culture, beliefs and values that are integral in one’s development as a designer and lifelong learner.
Hosted for the first time at a community college, the 2026 AIGA Design Educators Conference, Throughlines, invites proposals that recognize the educators, staff, students, schools and organizations supporting early childhood to high school to college to adult learning who impact design learning journeys. We are pleased to announce that this gathering will be hosted in partnership with Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.
We invite original, thought-provoking submissions for presentations (panels, papers, workshops, and posters) that explore and interpret throughlines. Proposals are encouraged to engage with at least one of the following focus areas:
- Curriculum and methods that invite students to bring in their throughlines
- Research supporting human growth and development in design across the lifespan
- Case studies of student work both formal and informal that amplifies throughlines
- Programs and organizations working to support throughlines with intention with/in the community
- Ways that design learning spaces can better integrate the throughlines of a student between PreK-12, higher education and beyond
- Presentation that forefront student outcomes and/or alumni’s trajectory post-education
Submissions open: Jan 20, 2026
Submissions close: Feb 27, 2026
Acceptances announced: Approximately March 10
Peer Review Criteria
The criteria for the double-blind peer review will include the following:
1] Collaboration: Incorporation of partners in the teaching and/or support of designers
2] Innovation: Original, thought-provoking strategies and ideas
3] Student-Centered: Focus on work by and with students
4] Connected: Linked with relevant research with rigor and integrity
5] Offer Takeaways: Provide clear takeaways and useful value for educators, designers, and community practitioners.
Location & Travel Info
Our Host Site: Sinclair Community College
Selected as the host site for AIGA DEC Throughlines 2026, Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio reflects a student-centered approach to design education grounded in access, care, and continuity. Founded in 1887, Sinclair is one of the nation’s oldest and largest community colleges and is widely recognized for innovation in teaching and community partnership. Guided by the college’s mission to find the need and endeavor to meet it, the NASAD-accredited Design Department supports learners across their design learning journey, from early exposure through professional practice. Hosting Throughlines marks the first time a community college has served as a conference site for AIGA DEC, underscoring Sinclair’s role in advancing accessible, practice-centered design education.
Your Trip to Dayton, Ohio
For attendees traveling from across the United States, Dayton is easy to reach, with direct flights into Dayton International Airport and simple highway access via I-75 and I-70. The city’s manageable scale, walkable downtown, and affordable cost make it an accessible and welcoming place to gather, reflect, and connect as a national community of design educators.
Conference Hotel Options
We’ve secured room blocks at several downtown hotels within walking distance of Sinclair and conference venues.
Rates are comparable across hotels and vary by date and room type.
Parking is not included in room rates and is paid separately.
Dayton Vitality Hotel
A primary conference hotel option with the largest room block available.
Located near the Levitt Pavilion and downtown green space.
Offers the widest range of room types, providing flexibility for shared rooms,
accessibility needs, and different travel preferences.
→ View availability & rates
Book before: June 26, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn
Located within the historic Dayton Arcade, with cafés, local food vendors,
and public gathering spaces on site.
→ View availability & rates
Book before: June 29, 2026
Hotel Ardent
A restored historic hotel offering a more intimate, boutique stay in downtown Dayton.
→ View availability & rates
Book before: June 30, 2026
Planning Team
Dr. Kristina Lamour Sansone, Conference Co-Chair
Lisa Maione, Conference Co-Chair
Zack Tucker, DEC Co-Chair, Conference Site coordinator
Katie Krcmarik, DEC Co-Chair, Peer-review coordinator
Questions and inquiries, please contact: info@designeducators.aiga.org
