In March 2026 we asked “What’s in the DNA of our future changemakers?”
The 2026 Creative Thinking Festival brought educators and industry together to explore the skills, values and mindsets young people need to thrive in a fast-changing world. Through learner stories, real-world challenges and hands-on collaboration, we came together to experience how creativity, purpose and storytelling can meaningfully connect classrooms and industry.
This wasn’t a showcase. It was a working conversation. If you care about the future of talent, learning and opportunity, this was the room to be in - because the future of learning and work won’t shape itself.
What if we get it right?
It’s never been more important for education and industry to be in the same space. We are all involved in the future of the workforce and the next generation. Listen to what Helena Good MBE and Managing Director of Daydream Believers said about this years festival.
Education & Industry
The Creative Thinking Festival isn't just a showcase—it's a working conversation where educators and industry professionals come together to explore the skills, values, and mindsets young people need to thrive in a fast-changing world. If you care about the future of talent, learning, and opportunity, this is the room to be in.
Here is how you can get involved:
What’s in it for education?
Educators can innovate by discovering new methods for diverse learning styles, connect globally to share best practices, and use storytelling to meaningfully link classroom teaching with real-world industry challenges.
What’s in it for industry?
Industry and professionals can help shape the future workforce by bringing creative processes and insights into schools, collaborating with educators to unlock collective innovation, and showcasing ideas that push boundaries.
Stories from
the festival
Imagine if every idea, every perspective, every thought came together to form a vibrant and interconnected whole. We may seem like small cogs in a vast wheel, but when we come together, the possibilities are infinite.
Listen to what others that attended the festival said about it.
Alice Durand
Industry
Social Impact Delivery Lead - OpenCast
“My hope for our work with the festival and Daydream Believers is that we can bring the power of the creative process into schools and education.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Caitlin Freeburn
Education
Student - Glasgow School of Art
“There is hope out there that I can do amazing things with creativity and there is a place that celebrated that.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Rodney Mountain
Industry
Healthcare Designer - NHS
“Looking around the room and seeing people sitting around the table and actually being creative is magic - there is something special happing here.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Euan MacLean
Education
Design Technology Teacher - Dunfermline High School
“Its been scary and also really exciting to try these new things and see all the different possibilites and things we can bring into the class room.”
Feeling inspired? Get involved
Changing education takes time.
Get involved in the 2027 festival.
Discover more about the dedicated team behind the festival
Contact us
Got a question about the Creative Thinking Festival or interested in attending one of our future events? Get in touch.