2026 Meeting
CIRRUS Network Meeting 7.-9.10.2026, Lahti, Finland
LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts warmly invites the Cirrus network to Lahti to come together around this year’s theme: reformers.
Across three days, we invite you to slow down, reconnect, and explore what reforming design and arts education and research means today and what could and should be different.
At the heart of the programme are two discussions:
- Collective keynote: Future reformer capabilities
- Panel discussion: How do AI reform the creative field?
Together, they set the stage for conversations on planetary boundaries, regenerative design, and the evolving role of AI in creative practice and learning.
The programme is built around dialogue and participation. Through sessions and discussions, we explore questions that matter now.
You will take part in:
- Tour de Schools – sharing insights, challenges, and questions across institutions
- Sessions on topics such as AI, futures thinking, and student experience
- Open space discussions for initiating new collaborations and ideas
The gathering is designed to strengthen the Cirrus network. Informal moments, from sauna in the campus to shared dinner in the historic Lahti City Hall, create space to connect, exchange, and build lasting relationships.
Lahti, known for its strong design culture and sustainability leadership, offers a meaningful setting for these conversations. This is a space to meet, reflect, and imagine together.
You are warmly invited to join us in Lahti and be part of expanding the community of reformers!
Event Details
Location: LAB Institute of Design, Mukkulankatu 19, Lahti, Finland
Dates: 7.-9.10.2026
Early Bird Deadline: 17.8.2026
Registration Deadline: 14.9.2026
Who should attend?
The meeting is designed for the entire Cirrus network:
- Coordinators & Administrators
- Heads of Programs
- Leadership
- Research, RDI & Doctoral Students
- Teaching staff
- Technical & Workshop staff
Programme
Tickets
Early Bird: 220 €
Regular Fee: 290 €
The participation fee includes the main programme and shared social events.
Please note: The Wednesday evening programme has limited capacity (max. 60 participants).
Registration
Register via the registration link
Payment details are provided in the registration form.
Funding:
If you wish to use ERASMUS+ training funding, please send your mobility agreements to: Sari Horn, sari.horn@lab.fi
One participant per CIRRUS institution is eligible for .
Any questions regarding the event: reformers@lab.fi
NOTE: Response to questions may be slow until early August.
PRACTICALITIES
Hotel quotas
We have reserved a certain number of rooms with a special price from local hotels.
All participants are asked to make their own reservations. All hotels are 3-4 km from the conference venue.
The code for the special priced rooms is Cirrus26
Solo Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone
Train connections from Helsinki Airport to Lahti
The fastest connections from Helsinki Airport to Lahti take less than an hour with a change in Tikkurila. Both long-distance and commuter trains stop in Lahti.
Please note that arrival/departure times may fall within peak hours, so it is recommended to book train tickets in advance.
Local public transport in Lahti (LSL)
For visitors and tourists, the easiest way to use LSL buses is by paying with a contactless bank card, purchasing a mobile ticket via the LSL app, or buying day tickets for unlimited travel.
Taxi services in Lahti
Taxi services are readily available in Lahti. Lahden alue Taksi operates in the region and can be booked in advance or taken from taxi stands at the Travel Centre and around the city.
City bikes
Lahti offers a convenient city bike system called Mankeli bikes, available during the cycling season. These bikes are an easy and sustainable way to get around the city, with multiple docking stations near key locations and at campus.