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.
Here, we’ve put together a list of some of the top creative conferences to attend. Let’s get to the list!
South by Southwest (SXSW)
March 2023 // Austin, TX
The Austin-based South by Southwest made the list, as it’s 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.
Summit at Sea
May 2023 // Port Everglades, FL
Summit at Sea will bring 1,700 creative leaders to the open seas for three days of experiences! This three-day event is organized by six pillars: talks, performances, culinary, art, wellness, and impact - offering over 40 talks and 30 performances, as well as wellness sessions, gourmet food, and more! This conference is designed to provide unique opportunities and experiences, which in turn can inspire new perspectives.
Summit at Sea is an invitation-only event, however, you can submit an application for consideration.
Awwwards Conference
May 2023 // Toronto, Canada
Awwwards hosts a series of conferences across the globe, ranging from Toronto all the way to Amsterdam. Connecting designers and developers alike, its focus is on providing like-minded individuals with inspiring talks from industry leaders and international networking opportunities. Over the 2-day conference, design and technology innovators share their knowledge with thousands of creatives. If you can’t make it to the live show, they also share a vast library of talks on their site.
Creative Pro Week
June 2023 // Phoenix, AZ
Taking place in Phoenix, 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! This year, Creative Pro Week is offering virtual conference passes, where you can receive access to all sessions, handouts of speaker presentations, attendee-only chat forums, and more.
International Design Conference (IDC)
August 2023 // New York City, NY
Organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America, IDC – International Design Conference is a “landmark” event that has been three years in the making. Taking place in New York City, the theme of the event is to highlight the positive impact of design collaboration. This will be achieved by showcasing multi-disciplinary design and hosting an open dialogue between its attendees and guest speakers. 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.
Mindcamp
August 2023 // Port Elgin, Canada
Mindcamp is a top choice for creatives who want to learn! This conference is like a university boot camp as it offers 5 days of courses focused on personal, professional, and organizational creativity. In addition to learning, Mindcamp offers music, dialogue sessions, and fun evening events.
Circles Conference
September 2023 // 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!
Brand New Conference
September 2023 // Austin, TX
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.
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Future of Branding Week
May 2024 // London, England
Future of Branding Week is the perfect choice for creatives, strategists, or anyone who is passionate about branding. Attend and learn about how leading brands in London are disrupting the industry by using new channels and evolving technologies. With mini-workshops, round-table discussions, studio visits, and more, you’ll be sure to get a taste of some of the most influential agencies in the world.
Spark '24
November 2024 // Phoenix, AZ
Spark 2024 is a conference specifically for creative business owners. In this 4-day event, you will learn how to transform your business through speaker sessions and workshops focusing on building your brand, SEO strategy, pricing your work, and much more! Not only will you learn and obtain keys valuable to your success, but you will also connect with industry leaders and like-minded creatives. Early registration is recommended, as this conference fills up fast!
Unannounced Conferences
While these conferences have yet to announce dates for 2023, we still think they’re worth taking a peek at (while we eagerly wait for them to provide more details).
Adobe Max
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!
Seattle Interactive Conference (SIC)
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.
Eyeo Festival
"Converge to inspire" is Eyeo Festival's tagline, and they do not fall short of this. The conference brings together a community that is passionate about art, data, and creative technology. Spanning 4 days, the conference includes amazing talks, unique workshops, and interactions about culture, interactive art, artificial intelligence, experience design, and much more.
Creative Works
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.
Summit Palm Desert
Summit Palm Desert strives to bring creative leaders together to the desert, where they can experience stillness, perspective, and connection. Transforming La Quinta Resort into a “Summit Neighbourhood” this premier gathering is backdropped by a luxury spa, rolling landscapes, and onsite restaurants. Like other Summit conferences, this event is organized by six pillars: talks, performances, culinary, art, wellness, and impact. The conference is designed to provide unique opportunities and experiences, which in turn can inspire new perspectives.
Summit Palm Desert is an invitation-only event, however, you can submit an application for consideration.
World Domination Summit
The World Domination Summit is a top recommendation for creative entrepreneurs. Its core principles focus on community, adventure, and service, all of which aim to provide a positive impact on the world. With a wide range of activities and session topics, you will build dynamic new skills, learn from innovative thinkers and establish relationships with some of the best creatives.
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