From Design Talks to Real Connections: A Birmingham Design Festival 2026 Debrief (Bonus)

Is networking really about making connections, or can it sometimes feel transactional? Are design festivals built for extroverts? In this bonus episode, I'm joined once again by graphic designer Bhavini to reflect on our experiences at Birmingham Design Festival 2026. We share honest reflections on attending events as designers, overcoming networking anxiety, finding confidence in creative spaces, the hidden costs of attending festivals, and why it's important to choose events that work for you.ConnectPitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.comPodlink Subscribe & ListenApply to be a guest - Waitlist Instagram YouTube Playlist Buy a Ko-FiGuest InfoEp21 From Almost Quitting to Finding Joy AgainB81 DesignsInstagramMentionsBirmingham Design Festival - https://birminghamdesignfestival.comSisterland Festival - https://sisterlandfestival.comAll Flows Milton Keynes - https://allflows.co.ukCannes Lions - https://www.canneslions.comThe House of Oddities - https://hoodares.com/Ellmer Stefan - https://www.instagram.com/ellmer.stefan/Key TakeawaysNetworking as introverts and creativesBuilding genuine creative communitiesAccessibility, affordability and inclusivity at creative eventsTips for attending design festivals for the first timeWhy it's okay to leave events that don't feel right for youChapters00:00 Exploring the Birmingham Design Festival12:48 Networking Experiences and Insights17:56 Navigating Networking Events22:27 Accessibility and Inclusivity in Design Festivals27:26 Financial Barriers to Participation31:53 Diversity in Speakers and Opportunities35:25 Final Thoughts on Event ParticipationCreatively Eccentric™️