The Best Graphic Design Conferences 2025 in the USA

Graphic design is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means engaging with the latest trends, tools, and ideas. Across the USA, top design conferences bring together industry leaders, creative professionals, and emerging talent to share insights, showcase innovations, and foster connections. Whether you're looking to refine your skills, gain inspiration, or network with fellow designers, these conferences provide the perfect platform.

From New York to San Francisco, here are the must-attend graphic design conferences shaping the industry this year.

Adobe MAX

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
Oct 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.

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.

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.

Brand New Conference

Where:
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
When:
Oct 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.

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.

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.

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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