Annual Event

9th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event *

9th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event *

Get Ready for the 9th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

A new chapter is unfolding — and you’re invited to step into it with expectation. This year, we unveil the transformative theme “The Blueprint: Live in Expectation.” Prepare your heart and spirit for a day designed to awaken clarity, ignite purpose, and elevate your vision for what’s possible.

Join our founder, along with a dynamic lineup of speakers and our inspiring emcee, for an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired, empowered, and uplifted. Together, we’ll explore the blueprint for living boldly, intentionally, and in full expectation of what’s ahead.

We will also celebrate our 2026 DWAP Award Honorees throughout the event and a special time to present their awards.

This is more than an event — it’s a movement, a gathering of purpose‑driven souls ready to rise.

Your blueprint awaits. Step into it.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

Time: 11am - 5pm

Location: Durham Arts Council

120 Morris St | Durham, NC 27701

Dress: Cocktail Chic


Early Bird Ticket Pricing Starts March 27, 2026 and Ends October 10, 2026.

General Admission Ticket Pricing Starts October 11, 2026 and Ends October 23, 2026.

At the Door (Day Of) Ticket Pricing will be on Event Day, October 24, 2026.


Need hotel accomodations? Keep scrolling below for hotels near the venue.


Our Vendor Spaces are SOLD OUT!

Please keep scrolling to see our 2026 vendor line-up below!


You are invited to collaborate with us for the 9th Annual Designed With A Purpose Event, where we ignite vision, elevate voices, and move communities forward. Your sponsorship doesn’t just support our event; it fuels transformation. Align your brand with impact, inspiration, and the power of purpose in motion. Join us and help shape an experience that empowers every person who walks through the door. Click to learn more about our 2026 sponsorship package. Click here to make a donation.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

MEET OUR EMCEE

2026 Vendor Spotlight

(click arrows to see all vendors)

Our 2026 Collaborators & Sponsors

Click the link below to learn more about our 2026 sponsorship options, then select the button below to become a sponsor! Thank you for supporting Designed With A Purpose!

Would you like to make a donation to support our annual event? Click the button below to donate today! When you make a donation, you become a collaborator with Designed With A Purpose! Thank you for your support!


2026 Collaborators

Lotus Bar

Lotus Coffee Bar is a mobile coffee experience serving handcrafted drinks, good vibes, and a whole lot of community. We bring café-quality beverages right to your neighborhood, job site, or special event. Our mission is simple: serve great coffee, make meaningful connections, and brighten your day—one cup at a time.

Owner, Jamie Stewart


2026 Sponsors

Ms. Positivi-T

DesignKind Studio

Local Hotels Near Event Venue

If you require hotel accommodations, please review the local hotel options listed below near the event venue. Guests are responsible for contacting and booking their hotel stay directly with the hotel of their choice. You may also click here to explore additional hotel options in the surrounding area. Please note that Designed With A Purpose does not endorse or guarantee any hotel accommodations, and all booking arrangements and responsibilities remain solely with the guest.

Durham Marriott City Center

(420ft away - across from venue)

Downtown Durham, NC Skyline

The Durham Hotel

(0.2 mi away)

Make it a weekend get away! Click the button below to explore Durham and the surronding area!

Designed With A Purpose Annual Event

Each year since 2018 we host a women’s empowerment event in October. The goal of the event is to celebrate and encourage women from all walks of life. We bring a different topic each year with speakers and/or a panel, as well as games, prizes and vendors. We hope to see you at our next event!

If you are interested in sponsoring, being a speaker, panel member or vendor at our next event, please contact us below.

P: 919.307.9473
E: contact@dwapcfs.org

Designed With A Purpose: Past Annual Events

Celebrating Impactful Gatherings

Discover the highlights of past Designed With A Purpose annual events, where creativity and community come together for meaningful experiences. Each year, our events have featured inspiring speakers, engaging topics, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, all dedicated to making a positive difference. Explore our legacy of purposeful gatherings and see how each event has contributed to our ongoing mission.


First Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“Celebrate Women and Our Execellence”

The inaugural Designed With A Purpose annual event centered on the theme “Celebrate Women and Our Excellence.” This gathering honored the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women from all walks of life. Attendees participated in an empowering panel discussion and activities that highlighted women’s struggles in society, fostering a spirit of unity, inspiration, and progress.


Second Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“It Takes Both the Sun and the Rain for a Flower to Grow”

The second Designed With A Purpose annual event embraced the theme “It Takes Both the Sun and the Rain for a Flower to Grow.” This gathering celebrated the importance of overcoming challenges and recognizing the role that both joyful and difficult moments play in personal growth and community development. Attendees enjoyed a keynote speaker, interactive activities, with a panel discussion and heartfelt conversations that explored resilience, hope, and the beauty of transformation through adversity. The event fostered a supportive environment where participants shared stories, built connections, and left inspired to nurture growth in themselves and others.


Third Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“Press the Reset Button - A Mental Health Discussion”

The third Designed With A Purpose annual event took place virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, centering on the theme “Press the Rest Button – A Mental Health Discussion.” This gathering acknowledged the unique challenges and stresses experienced during a time of global uncertainty, offering a safe space for meaningful conversations about mental wellness and self-care. Attendees participated in interactive networking, expert-led talks, and group activities designed to foster understanding, resilience, and support, empowering everyone to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Click to watch our virtual third annual event.


Fourth Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“Collaboration Over Competition”

The fourth Designed With A Purpose annual event focused on the theme “Collaboration Over Competition.” This inspiring gathering encouraged participants to embrace the power of working together, highlighting how collective efforts lead to greater achievements and stronger communities. Attendees engaged in collaborative activities, a dynamic panel discussion, and networking opportunities designed to break down barriers and foster meaningful partnerships. The event underscored the value of supporting one another’s growth, emphasizing that when we join forces, we create lasting impact and shared success. This event also birthed the DWAP livestream series, “Collaboration Over Competition – The Conversation Continues”.


Fifth Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“The Power of Your Crown”

The fifth Designed With A Purpose annual event was themed “The Power of Your Crown.” This empowering gathering featured two dynamic speakers who encouraged attendees to embrace their unique strengths, self-worth, and authenticity. Through inspiring talks and engaging discussions, participants explored how recognizing and honoring their inner value could lead to greater confidence and positive impact in their communities. The event fostered a sense of pride and unity, leaving everyone uplifted and motivated to shine their brightest.


Sixth Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“Silent Strength”

The sixth Designed With A Purpose annual event centered around the theme “Silent Strength.” This impactful gathering featured a thoughtful panel discussion that explored the power of quiet resilience and the often-unseen ways individuals support themselves and others through challenges. Attendees reflected on stories of perseverance, learned practical strategies for nurturing inner strength, and connected over shared experiences, leaving with renewed appreciation for the quiet courage that shapes communities.


Seventh Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“Unpack Your Baggage & Shift to Greater”

The seventh Designed With A Purpose annual event explored the transformative theme “Unpack Your Baggage & Shift to Greater.” Unlike previous gatherings, this event marked a significant shift in atmosphere and approach, guiding participants through a deeper, more introspective journey. Attendees were invited to candidly examine the emotional and mental burdens they carried, with powerful speakers and conversations focused on letting go and embracing personal growth. The experience fostered a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, creating an environment where vulnerability led to breakthrough moments and a collective movement toward greater fulfillment. That year the event was distinctly different, as it emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit, setting a new tone for the Designed With A Purpose legacy.


Eighth Annual Designed With A Purpose Event

“Flip the Script”

The eighth Designed With A Purpose annual event embraced the bold theme “Flip the Script.” This remarkable gathering shined with elegance and power, creating an atmosphere where vulnerability was welcomed and celebrated alongside the accomplishments of women. Attendees were immersed in a thoughtfully curated program that blended inspiring stories with moments of genuine connection, encouraging everyone to redefine their narratives and step into new possibilities. A powerful panel discussion took center stage, where distinguished speakers shared their journeys of transformation and resilience, sparking meaningful conversations about rewriting personal and collective stories. The event stood out as both a celebration of triumphs and a supportive space for growth, leaving participants uplifted, empowered, and ready to embrace the next chapter of their journeys.


Stay tuned for details of our next annual Designed With A Purpose event! Building on the legacy of transformative themes and vibrant community, our upcoming gathering promises fresh inspiration, powerful connections, and new opportunities for personal growth. Be ready to embark on a journey that will uplift, challenge, and unite—more details will be revealed soon!