Top design events in 2025: a global guide for creatives

The design world is evolving rapidly, particularly with AI reshaping how we approach user experience and interface design. As we dive into 2025, there's an impressive lineup of conferences that will help designers stay ahead of these transformative changes. Here's your guide to the most impactful design events of the year.

POV Budapest (Budapest, HU) - September 11-12

A fresh addition to the European design scene, POV Budapest brings a unique perspective on design thinking and innovation. The conference emphasizes the human element in technological advancement, with sessions exploring how to maintain user-centered design in an AI-driven world.

Images by POV Budapest

Pixel Perfect (London, UK) - January 24

A concentrated single-day event focusing on senior product designers. With speakers like Joey Thompson and Alexandra Jugović, this conference offers insightful talks and valuable networking opportunities for experienced designers looking to push their creative boundaries.

Image from Pixel Perfect

DEMO Festival (Amsterdam, NL) - January 30

A unique festival that transforms public spaces into galleries of motion design excellence. The festival extends beyond Amsterdam to multiple cities including Rotterdam, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Utrecht, and international locations like Brussels, Hamburg, Madrid, and Vancouver. It's a celebration of motion design that makes creative work accessible to the public.

Image from It's Nice That

DIBI Conference (Edinburgh, SCT) - March 5-6

Design It. Build It. (DIBI) brings together designers and developers shaping the web's future. The conference explores the intersection of commercial, creative, and technical domains, making it perfect for professionals looking to broaden their perspective on digital product development.

Image from DIBI Conference

Paradiso (Mérida, Mexico) - March 12-16

A transformative five-day celebration featuring an impressive lineup of creative leaders including Beeple, Joshua Davis, and Debbie Millman. This event combines innovation with genuine connections in México's cultural haven.

Image from Stash Media

prompt:UX (Berlin, DE) - April 8-9

A forward-thinking conference dedicated to exploring the relationship between prompts, AI, and user experience. Sessions cover everything from designing prompt interfaces to creating effective feedback loops between users and AI systems.

Image from prompt:UX

Pictoplasma Conference (Berlin, DE) - May 1-4

The world's leading conference on contemporary character design and art, exploring originality and creativity in 2025. This year's edition focuses on how artists can create fresh, exciting work while acknowledging their creative origins.

Image from Pictoplasma Conference

OFFF Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) - May 8-10

A comprehensive design festival at Disseny Hub Barcelona featuring workshops, masterclasses, keynotes, and installations. The event covers everything from sound and graphic design to user experience and photography.

Image from OFFF Barcelona

Forward (Berlin, DE) - August 28- 29, (Vienna, Austria) Oct 2-3

The Forward Festival celebrates creativity, design, and communication, bringing together innovative thinkers and experts from various fields. It offers a unique opportunity to gain insights, be inspired by masters, and engage with cutting-edge trends, fostering an environment to unleash creativity.

Image from Forward

📆 If you're interested in motion design, character creation, or maintaining human-centered approaches in an increasingly automated world, 2025's conference lineup offers something for every design professional. Early bird tickets are available for most events, so book early to secure your spot at these influential gatherings.