The Best Graphic Design Conferences to Attend in 2025

Graphic design conferences in 2025 offer inspiration, networking, and skill-building opportunities for creatives worldwide.

Graphic design is an ever-evolving field, and staying ahead requires continuous learning and networking. Conferences are the perfect venue to meet like-minded professionals, learn from industry leaders, and gain inspiration for your next creative project. Here’s a roundup of the best graphic design conferences to look forward to in 2025.

OFFF Barcelona

Where:
Barcelona, Spain
When:
May 8–10

OFFF Barcelona is a haven for creatives and innovators. It brings together graphic designers, motion artists, and digital thinkers from around the globe. The conference is known for its cutting-edge presentations, hands-on workshops, and a vibrant community that celebrates design in all its forms.

Adobe MAX

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
October 28–30

Adobe MAX is the ultimate creativity conference for graphic designers, illustrators, and digital creators. Expect keynote speeches from industry titans, hands-on workshops, and sneak peeks into Adobe’s upcoming tools and features. This event is also a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and explore the latest design trends.

AIGA Design Conference

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
October 9–11

Organized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, this conference focuses on the future of design and its impact on society. With thought-provoking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, the AIGA Design Conference is ideal for professionals looking to expand their horizons and tackle design challenges in innovative ways.

NOW25 Conference

Where:
Paris, France
When:
May 31

NOW25 is a conference hosted by TypeParis focusing on graphic design, web design, motion design, publishing, visual identity, communication, and type design. It's an opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers and engage with a diverse range of topics relevant to contemporary design practices.

Pictoplasma

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
April 1-4

Pictoplasma is the world’s premier festival for contemporary character design, bringing together artists, illustrators, animators, and designers from around the globe. Held in Berlin, the event features inspiring talks, exhibitions, screenings, and workshops, all celebrating the power of visual storytelling through unique characters. Whether you're into digital art, illustration, or animation, Pictoplasma is a must-attend for creative minds looking to explore the future of character-driven design.

Forward Festival Berlin

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
August 28-29

This two-day event at HKW Berlin will feature over 40 international speakers across three stages, offering talks, hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and exclusive side events. Forward Festival Berlin is an unparalleled opportunity for creatives to connect, gain inspiration, and explore the forefront of design and communication.

DesignThinkers Vancouver

Where:
Vancouver, Canada
When:
May 13-14

DesignThinkers Vancouver, hosted by the RGD, is a leading conference for graphic designers, creatives, and innovators. Featuring inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, the event explores the power of design to challenge conventions and shape new perspectives.

Creative South

Where:
Columbus, GA, USA
When:
April 10-12

Known for its warm and welcoming vibe, Creative South is a community-focused conference where you can learn, collaborate, and get inspired. From workshops to inspirational talks, this event is ideal for designers of all experience levels.

POV Budapest

Where:
Budapest, Hungary
When:
September 11-12

POV Budapest focuses on the latest trends in visual storytelling, animation, and graphic design. It’s an inspiring platform for creatives seeking to explore the intersection of technology and design.

Birmingham Design Festival

Where:
Birmingham, UK
When:
June 12-13

This Birmingham Design Festival celebrates all things design, offering talks, workshops, and exhibitions. From typography to branding, it covers a broad spectrum of design disciplines and is perfect for creatives of all levels.

Creative Pro Week

Where:
Phoenix, AZ, USA
When:
June 2–6

This conference is tailored for professionals working in print and digital publishing. From Adobe InDesign to Photoshop, it offers sessions that help sharpen your skills and streamline your workflow.

The Design Conference

Where:
Brisbane, Australia
When:
June 18-20

The Design Conference is a melting pot of ideas, creativity, and inspiration. It features talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend event for those seeking a fresh perspective on design.

Brand New Conference

Where:
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
When:
October 23–24

This globally recognized two-day event gathers influential practitioners in corporate and brand identity from around the world. It serves as a hub for industry-leading discussions, insights, and experiences, focusing on identity design. Brand New Conference offers a unique platform for professionals to delve into the latest trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the field.

Us By Night

Where:
Antwerp, Belgium
When:
September 25–27

Us By Night is a unique nocturnal experience that blends a design conference with a vibrant night market. Attendees can expect inspiring talks from world-class creatives in graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, and beyond.

With a festival-like atmosphere, it’s not just about learning but also about connecting and immersing yourself in the creative culture. Workshops, installations, and live art performances make this a standout event for any graphic designer looking for both inspiration and entertainment.

TypeCon

Where:
Chicago, IL, USA
When:
August 7-9

TypeCon is a must-attend event for typographers, type designers, and graphic designers passionate about typography. Organized by the Society of Typographic Aficionados (SOTA), this conference features presentations, workshops, and panel discussions led by experts in type design and visual communication. Attendees will have the chance to explore the latest trends in typography, gain insights from industry leaders, and network with fellow type enthusiasts from around the world.

Forward Festival Vienna

Where:
Vienna, Austria
When:
October 2-3

Forward Festival Vienna features over 20 international speakers, including renowned creatives such as SNASK, Public Possession and Kelly Anna. Attendees can look forward to inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and exclusive side events, providing ample opportunities to connect with fellow creatives and gain fresh insights into the world of design and communication.

Hatch Conference

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
Sep 10-12

An invite-only event purely for senior professionals, and while Hatch Conference is more UX oriented, each year it features very prominent graphic design personalities like Erik Spiekerman, David Carson and more.

UX Nordic

Where:
Copenhagen, Denmark
When:
September 24-25

This conference focuses on user experience and how it intersects with graphic design. With a strong lineup of international speakers and practical workshops, UX Nordic is perfect for those interested in UI/UX and interaction design.

Design Matters

Where:
Copenhagen, Denmark
When:
June 16-17

Focused on digital design, Design Matters explores the latest in UX, UI, and interaction design. It’s a hub for designers looking to stay at the forefront of the digital landscape.

The InDesign Conference

Where:
Online
When:
December 9–12

Hosted entirely online, InDesign Conference offers four days of in-depth sessions for every InDesign user. Produced by world-renowned InDesign experts, it brings together leading professionals to share wisdom, tips, and techniques for building documents of every size and format—print, digital, PDF, EPUB, HTML, and more.

SXSW London

Where:
London, United Kingdom
When:
June 2-7

SXSW London is the first European edition of the renowned South by Southwest festival. This event features a convergence of technology, film, music, and culture, offering keynotes, music showcases, tech exhibitions, and immersive experiences.

All Flows

Where:
Milton Keynes, UK
When:
May 14-16

All Flows is an annual creative, design, and digital festival held in Milton Keynes, UK. Established in 2023, it aims to amplify Milton Keynes' reputation as a 'Design City' and support the growth of the local creative industries sector. The festival features influential speakers from across the creative industries, covering subjects such as prototyping radical futures, technology, brand creation, generative media platforms, and the magic of everyday life.

Melbourne Design Week‍

Where:
Melbourne, Australia
When:
May 15-25

Melbourne Design Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of design, offering a rich program of exhibitions, talks, and events. The festival explores themes of sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, showcasing the impact of design across industries and communities.

Leading Design New York

Where:
New York, USA
When:
March 27

Leading Design New York will convene forty design leaders to collaboratively explore the evolving role of design leadership in an AI-driven world. This exclusive one-day event will feature expert insights, roundtable discussions, and opportunities for co-creation, all aimed at shaping a shared vision for the future of design.

International Design Conference

Where:
Detroit, Michigan, USA
When:
TBD

The International Design Conference, hosted in Austin, TX, is a gathering of designers and innovators exploring the future of design. The event features interdisciplinary talks, workshops, and discussions, creating a space to rethink and shape the role of design in society.

Creative Works WEST

Where:
Seattle, WA, USA
When:
May 1-3

Creative Works WEST is a conference dedicated to creativity, craft, and connection, bringing together designers, artists, and creative professionals. The event features inspiring presentations, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

This year's speakers include Amos Kennedy Jr., Barry Ament & Coby Shultz, Lauren Hom, and Andy Pearson.

DesignThinkers Toronto

Where:
Toronto, Canada
When:
Nov 7+8

Organized by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), DesignThinkers Toronto is a leading event for graphic designers and creative professionals. The conference features inspiring presentations, interactive workshops, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders, all aimed at exploring creativity and design thinking.

munich creative business week

Where:
Munich, Germany
When:
May 10-18

Munich creative business week is Germany’s largest design platform, bringing together creatives, businesses, and design enthusiasts. Organized by bayern design, it fosters innovation, interdisciplinary exchange, and explores design’s impact on society, business, and the future.

Mouvo

Where:
Prague, Czech Republic
When:
March 13-14

Mouvo, held annually in Prague, Czech Republic, is a festival that celebrates motion design and its intersection with technology and storytelling. Through captivating presentations and workshops, it brings together industry leaders and emerging talent to share ideas and innovations.

OFFF Tel Aviv

Where:
Tel Aviv, Israel
When:
June 16-17

OFFF Tel Aviv is part of the OFFF global community, offering a space for creatives to learn, inspire, and collaborate. The event includes workshops, lectures, and performances, focusing on the forefront of the design and digital arts industries.

The Design It; Build It (DIBI)

Where:
Edinburgh, UK
When:
March 5-6

The Design It; Build It (DIBI) Conference gathers professionals from the digital design and development sectors to explore the latest trends and innovations in digital products and services. Attendees can look forward to presentations from industry leaders, interactive workshops, and ample networking opportunities.

World Design Congress

Where:
London, UK
When:
September 9–10

Known as the "Olympics of design," the World Design Congress returns to London for the first time since 1969. Supported by the Design Council and the Mayor of London, the event will gather experts from various design fields to focus on the theme "Design for Planet," emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in design. The Congress aims to be a catalyst for change, showcasing innovative and sustainable design practices.

Leading Design London

Where:
London, UK
When:
Nov 12-13

Leading Design London is a two-day conference, bringing together design leaders from around the globe. The event offers opportunities to learn from industry experts, connect with peers, and explore topics tailored for design leadership. Attendees will gain insights into building culture, team development, and personal well-being.

London Design Festival

Where:
London, UK
When:
September 13-21

The London Design Festival celebrates London's status as a global design capital, featuring a diverse array of installations, exhibitions, and events across the city. Participants can explore innovative projects, attend talks, and engage with the latest in design across various disciplines.

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