The future of service design is being defined right now. As organisations accelerate digital transformation and rethink how they offer value, the need for strong, embedded service design capability has never been greater.

That is why the Service Design Conference Europe 2026 is set to be one of the most important events in the Service Design calendar.

Taking place in London from 8 to 12 June 2026, and delivered in partnership with AssistKD, this conference brings together leaders, practitioners, and decision-makers to explore how to design services that truly work for users and organisations alike.  

Why Service Design Is Now a Strategic Priority

Service design is no longer a niche discipline. It sits at the heart of business transformation, customer experience, and organisational change.

From government departments to global enterprises, organisations are recognising that disconnected processes and siloed thinking lead to poor outcomes. Service design provides the structure, tools, and mindset to align user needs with business goals and technology delivery.

This shift is exactly what the 2026 conference will address. The focus is clear: moving from understanding user needs to delivering seamless, end-to-end services that make every interaction count.

A Unique Multi-Conference Experience

The Service Design Conference Europe is part of a larger, integrated event that also includes:

• Enterprise & Business Architecture Conference Europe
• Business Change & Transformation Conference Europe

Together, these co-located conferences reflect a critical reality. Service design does not operate in isolation. It intersects with architecture, change management, and strategy.

Attendees will gain a connected view of how these disciplines work together to deliver meaningful transformation in a complex digital landscape.

With over 70 expert speakers, 8 keynote sessions, 11 workshops, and extensive networking opportunities, the event combines strategic insight with practical application.

AssistKD at the Heart of the Conversation

As a leading training provider in Service Design, Business Architecture and Business Analysis, AssistKD is proud to play a central role in this year’s conference. At the conference, you will experience thought leadership first hand from our industry experts.

Dr Debra Paul of AssistKD will co-host the conference. As co-author of the forthcoming textbook Service Design: A Practical Guide to Creating Customer Centric Services she brings deep expertise and practical insight into how organisations can embed service design successfully.

Jonathan Hunsley – co-founder for the Service Design Forum and co-author of Service Design: A Practical Guide to Creating Customer Centric Services and Business Architecture: A Comprehensive Guide will deliver an interactive workshop with Victoria Banner focussed on enhancing role clarity and maturity across the change ecosystem.  

Dr Carlos Pullen-Ferreira, Principal Consultant at AssistKD, will also be presenting a highly relevant session on Managing Resistance to Change: The Role of Gossip and Informal Networks.

This session explores a reality many organisations overlook. Change does not happen only through formal structures. Informal conversations, relationships, and cultural dynamics play a powerful role in shaping outcomes.

For those interested in building stronger change capabilities, you can also explore our related insights on Essential Soft Skills for Service Designers and organisational dynamics here.

What You Will Gain from Attending The Service Design Conference Europe 2026

This is not just another conference. It is an opportunity to develop the skills and perspectives needed to lead service design in your organisation.

Attendees will:

• Understand how to design end-to-end services that offer real value  
• Learn how service design integrates with architecture and transformation  
• Explore practical frameworks and case studies from leading organisations  
• Build connections with professionals across multiple disciplines  
• Gain insight into managing change, complexity, and stakeholder engagement  

Whether you are a service designer, business architect, business analyst, transformation leader, or executive, the conference offers actionable knowledge you can apply immediately.

Join the Future of Service Design

The Service Design Conference Europe 2026 is more than an event. It is a meeting point for the ideas, people, and practices shaping the future of service delivery and design in the UK and beyond.

If you are serious about creating customer-centric services, leading transformation, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape, this is where you need to be.

Secure your place and learn more here: 
👉 https://irmuk.co.uk/sd-conference-2026/

And when you are ready to take your capability to the next level, AssistKD is here to support you every step of the way.

Extend Your Service Design Learning with AssistKD

Attending the conference is a powerful step. Embedding service design capability requires deeper, structured learning and ongoing development.

At AssistKD, we provide industry-leading training designed to help professionals and organisations build real, lasting capability in service design and beyond.

Our courses are practical, expert-led, and grounded in real-world experience. They are designed to help you move from theory to application with confidence. We have, after all, written the definitive textbook on Service Design.

Explore our dedicated Service Design training courses here: 
👉 https://www.assistkd.com/courses/service-design-courses