Design

The Best Creative Conferences to Attend in 2026

Looking for a conference to attend this year or next? We’ve put together a list of some of the top creative conferences to attend in 2026.

February 2, 2026

Jeffrey Bates

Creative Director

16 min read

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The digital universe is evolving with astonishing speed. More and more creative teams are becoming accountable for managing the brand, resources and supporting a multitude of digital channels with visual content. One of the best ways of keeping up with the latest trends, best practices, and solutions is selecting a few conferences to attend, and dedicating a few days to intense learning and networking with peers.

As a Director of Creative Marketing at MediaValet, I know the challenges of balancing brand consistency across multiple siloed departments. That’s why, I showcased how I use a MediaValet DAM to better manage my day-to-day. Interested in watching the full webinar? You can check it out here.

Here, we’ve put together a list of some of the top creative conferences to attend. Let’s get to the list!

North American Creative Conferences

Content Marketing World

October 5 – 27, 2026 // Denver, CO

Content Marketing World runs both workshops and sessions over the course of three full days. Presented by Content Marketing Institute, its the go to conference for marketers, strategists, creators, agencies, and teams from around the world.

Join in the fun and hear from speakers across myriad industries and organizations.

Registration isn’t open yet, but get notified when it does open up here.

Adobe Max

Dates and Location TBA

Being one of the largest creative conferences in North America, Adobe Max hosts 12,000 attendees and offers over 300 sessions, labs, workshops, and more. Whether you attend to perfect your skills, meet your favorite designers, or explore trends in future design, Adobe Max has something for everyone! Join your fellow graphic designers, illustrators, videographers, web and UX designers, photographers, and creative directors by registering to attend the conference!

You can subscribe to the Adobe Max newsletter here to be updated on registration and you can check out their previous Adobe Max sessions on-demand here!

Creative Conference Adobe Max 2025

South by Southwest (SXSW)

March 12 – 18, 2026 // Austin, TX

The Austin-based South by Southwest is not just a conference – it’s an extravaganza! Incorporating media, design, technology, and music, this event draws attendees from all over North America and is known for being one of the most influential events of the year. SXSW allows you to learn, explore, and connect in new ways with design. Between the dynamic talk sessions, screenings, showcases and design exhibitions, be prepared to leave inspired.

Interested in learning more about attending South by Southwest? Check out the attendee guide here.

Creative Conference 2026 South x Southwest

CreativePro Week

June 29 – July 3, 2026 // Nashville, TN and Online

Taking place in Nashville this year, CreativePro Week is known as one of the world’s most effective “How-to” conferences, providing sessions about layout, editing, illustration, design, production, and more! No matter if you’re just starting out or are an expert in your craft, this conference will provide the opportunity to improve or learn about design programs, see what trends are coming down the pipe, and build industry connections. Bonus! Creative Pro Week offers virtual conference passes, where you can receive access to all sessions, handouts of speaker presentations, attendee-only chat forums, and more.

Note: There is early bird pricing until May 4, 2026, and if you’re a CreativePro member you get even more of a discount. Sign up for membership here.

Register for CreativePro Week here.

Creative Conference CreativePro Week 2026

International Design Conference (IDC)

Dates and Location TBA

Organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America, IDC – International Design Conference is a “landmark” event that has been three years in the making. Dates haven’t yet been announced. At IDC, no matter your design background, you will have the ability to connect with fellow designers and spark discussions around common design challenges and themes.

Is your creative team spreading itself thin across the entire organization? In 2025, it doesn’t have to be like that.

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OFFF Barcelona

April 16 – 18, 2026, Barcelona, Spain

Self-stated as a “space for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration, featuring a mix of established icons and emerging voices in art, design, and digital culture”, OFFF Barcelona has been running since 2001.
The conference offers workshops, installations, and creative sessions. They also run a conference in Mexico City, MX, Sevilla, SP, and Montreal CA this year. Check out their website for more information.

Seattle Interactive Conference (SIC)

2026 dates TBA // Seattle, WA

The Seattle Interactive Conference is great for creatives that can’t help but be fascinated by data and technology. SIC explores and celebrates the intersection of technology, creativity, and industry. It puts a spotlight on how data and technology can help creative teams make better, more intentional choices while celebrating the beauty of creative thinking. Each year, about 5000 creatives and 30 keynote speakers join this Seattle-based conference.

Circles Conference

September 30 – October 2, 2026 // Grapevine, TX

This three-day Circles Conference is tailored for designers, techies, and creators as it focuses on design, illustration, creative direction, and UX design. With numerous guest speakers and workshops on art/creative direction, web and digital design, user experience, illustration, and more you’ll leave with a fresh spark of passion for your craft. Covering a variety of topics such as finding your creative identity, logo creation, and choosing change-making clients, there are endless learning opportunities. Not only that, this event is based in Grapevine, (just right outside Dallas), and is a breeze to get to!

Register to attend Circles Conference here.

Creative Conference 2026 Circles Design Conference

Brand New Conference

September 17 – 18, 2026 // Nashville, TN

A deviation from the famous UnderConsideration blog, Brand New Conference focuses on corporate and brand identity. This conference made our list, as you can expect it to be like its blog, which focuses on redesigns and new designs of some of the most influential brands in the world. With guest speakers attending from across the globe, this event will include a variety of sessions offering different perspectives, and experiences from different design environments. Tickets are on sale here.

Note, there is also online access available for a reduced price.

Don’t miss what’s next

The momentum doesn’t stop here! More big ideas, expert insights, and game-changing conversations are just around the corner. Be part of what’s next.

Explore our events

Creative Works

April 30 – May 2, 2026 // Seattle, WA

Creative Works is perfect for creatives who have the desire to make things better. This conference aims to help you break through barriers, and help you become the designer you have always wanted to be. With a handful of guest speakers who are offering their knowledge, stories of success and failure, and practical tips, you’ll leave inspired and ready to improve your craft.

UK and Australia Creative Conferences

Future of Branding Week

July 2026 // London, England

Future of Branding Week is less creative conference, more creative career path coaching. With limited spaces, the course takes place over the course of 9 weeks. Modules take place in London, England, and California and is taught by top CEOs, CFOs, COOs, Investors and Business Leaders from design-led companies.

Interested in learning more? Check out the virtual open day on February 17, 2026 here.

Melbourne Design Week

May 14 – 24, 2026 // Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne Design Week is Australia’s largest annual international design event and entails innovative and engaging projects are presented over an 11-day program. It covers a range of design mediums including graphic design and offers various workshops, tours, talks, exhibitions, and screenings.

Applications to participate in Melbourne Design Week 2026 are now closed.

Make Your Events This Year Count

Planning your own event or conference? Learn how a DAM can enhance your operations.

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Are you doubling down on events this year? A digital asset management system (DAM) can be extremely valuable for keeping your content organized while planning and executing events.

Or, check out this post to see how using a DAM can significantly improve your event planning and boost the overall performance of your events from start to finish. Interested in meeting us in person, see what upcoming events we are attending!


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