The Best Graphic Design Conferences in North America

North America has no shortage of great places for designers to meet, learn, and get inspired. These conferences bring together creatives from across the continent for talks, workshops, and plenty of fresh ideas.

Graphic Design Conferences North America

Looking for creative inspiration? These are the top graphic design conferences in North America, bringing together designers, artists, and visual thinkers from across the region.

Adobe MAX

Where:
Miami, FL, USA
When:
11-12 Oct 2026

Adobe MAX is the ultimate creativity conference for graphic designers, illustrators, and digital creators, featuring keynote talks, hands-on workshops, and previews of upcoming Adobe tools. It’s also a great chance to meet fellow creatives, get inspired, and explore the latest trends shaping the design world.

AIGA Design Conference

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
date 2026 tba

AIGA Design Conference is the flagship gathering of AIGA, bringing together graphic designers, visual communicators, and creative professionals from around the world. It features inspiring talks, workshops, and community events that explore how design shapes culture, drives innovation, and creates real impact.

DesignThinkers Vancouver

Where:
Vancouver, Canada
When:
date 2026 tba

DesignThinkers Vancouver is a conference for designers, creative thinkers, and visual communicators, focusing on branding, strategy, and the evolving landscape of design. The event brings together speakers, workshops, and community sessions that offer insights, inspiration, and chances to connect with other creatives on Canada’s West Coast.

Creative South

Where:
Columbus, GA, USA
When:
9-11 Apr 2026

Creative South is a community-driven design and creativity festival featuring inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, portfolio reviews, and a vibrant vendor scene. Come for the speakers and events, stay for the friendly vibe of creatives connecting and collaborating.

Creative Pro Week

Where:
Phoenix, AZ, USA
When:
29 Jun–3 Jul 2026

CreativePro Week is the essential how-to conference for creative pros, featuring in-depth training on Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Expect 35+ expert speakers and 70+ sessions focused on real-world techniques to boost your workflow and productivity.

Brand New Conference

Where:
Nashville, TN, USA
When:
17-18 Sep 2026

Brand New Conference is a two-day event focused on corporate and brand identity, featuring talks and insights from leading practitioners worldwide.

TypeCon

Where:
Chicago, IL, USA
When:
6-8 Aug 2026

TypeCon is a key conference for typographers, type designers, and graphic designers who are passionate about the craft of typography.

Organized by the Society of Typographic Aficionados (SOTA), it features talks, workshops, and panels that explore new trends, showcase expert insights, and bring together a global community of type enthusiasts.

International Design Conference

Where:
Passadena, CA, USA
When:
date 2026 tba

International Design Conference examines the past, present, and future of industrial design through keynotes, talks, and an Open Design Day. Sessions address technology, AI, ethics, and contemporary challenges in the field.

DesignThinkers Toronto

Where:
Toronto, Canada
When:
date 2026 tba

DesignThinkers Toronto is a major conference for designers, creative thinkers, and visual communicators in Canada and beyond.

It brings together inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and ample opportunity to learn, network, and stay on top of current design trends and practices.

Wanna read more?

Here are some matching articles:

So lovely and energizing to connect with other designers, bonding over shared experiences, loves/qualms about our work, how to avoid creative burnout, what we’re looking forward to, and so on. Looking forward to continuing to make these thoughtful connections and have meaningful conversations.

Monika Lê
Graphic Designer, Toronto

When I joined Creative Lunch Club, I didn’t expect to connect with people who live in the same neighbourhood as me. It’s pretty cool to build a community of creatives in your vicinity, especially because it’s easier to nurture those connections when you live in a big city. I love it.

Chase Hirt
Agency Owner & Creative Director, LA

Thanks for running such a great community! I'm so glad I took a chance and tried this for the first time, and I can't wait for the next month to roll around. Excited to see this network grow!

Ruth Lee 
UX & Visual Designer, Los Angeles