Staying on top of the latest trends and innovations in the ever-evolving design landscape is crucial.
As creators of custom t-shirts, we're really big on good design. It can be a make-or-break when it comes to representing your brand.
As such, we get really hyped about design conferences. Design conferences are an excellent way for designers, product people, content managers, and the generally design-obsessed to get out of the office (or the home office)— while also sharpening a skillset.
These conferences also present great opportunities to meet like-minded professionals — and while many of this year’s conferences are virtual or hybrid, there are still countless design gems for attendees (virtual or otherwise) to glean.
So, whether you’re flying out or logging on, here are some of this year’s best design conferences.
Design Matters ‘24
When: Jan 31- Feb 1, 2024
Where: Mexico City
Key Takeaways: The talks will show how heritage and ancestral knowledge influence fast-developing design and tech. And they will share why that particularly matters in the Latin American context.
Speakers: TBA
Cost of Attendance: $179-$349
Women in Product
When: May 14-15, 2024
Where: Virtual
Key Takeaways: As the name may suggest, Women In Product was started by a group of women in product leadership to connect with other women looking to grow in the field. The conference serves as an equal parts learning experience and networking event; if previous years are any indication, tickets will sell out fast.
Speakers: Allison H. Mnookin, Ami Vora, Ketaki Rao, Natalia Castillejo, Malaika Paquiot, Phyl Terry, and Rashmi Ramesh
Cost of Attendance: TBA
Config: Figma’s Annual Conference
When: June 26-27, 2024
Where: San Francisco and Virtual
Key Takeaways: Config is Figma’s annual conference that brings together designers and developers from all parts of the UX/UI, website, products, marketing, publications, and university worlds.
Speakers: TBA
Cost of Attendance: $0-$699
UXPA International
When: June 24-27, 2024
Where: Austin, TX
Key Takeaways: Gathering UX professionals from countless industries, UXPA caters to designers, strategists, researchers, and consumers. Talks and presentations tend to highlight the human element of design but don’t refrain from getting into the nitty-gritty on occasion.
Speakers: 100+ speakers from companies like IBM, Google, and Exxon Mobil, to Universities.
Cost of Attendance: Check the website for details.
UXDX USA 2023
When: May 15-17, 2024
Where: New York City and Virtual
Key Takeaways: A gathering of professionals in the latest products, UX, Design, and Dev practices. Learn the latest practices from leading companies through case studies that detail both the obstacles and the successes.
Speakers: Search through all the speakers here.
Cost of Attendance: $239-$3,459
HOW Design Live Nashville
When: TBA
Where: Nashville, TN
Key Takeaways: This conference is where inspiration, community, and creativity converge. Over the three days, there will be breakout sessions, keynotes, and workshops where you will develop community.
Speakers: Search through all the speakers here.
Cost of Attendance: $295-$1,695
AIGA Design Conference
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Key Takeaways: Billed as “the biggest event of the year for creative thinkers,” the AIGA Design Conference challenges designers to think differently and design with the future in mind. Like the Portfolio Festival, collaboration and feedback are central to the conference, but the event also doesn’t shy away from having deeper cultural conversations.
Speakers: TBA
Cost of Attendance: TBA
Adobe Summit 2024
When: October 10-12, 2023
Where: Los Angeles, CA and Virtual
Key Takeaways: Adobe MAX is an incredible celebration of creativity and inspiration—and the team goes all out every year. We've had the honor of printing their event shirts for the past few years, and it's been so cool to participate in bringing the work of some truly amazing designers to life.
Speakers: Mary T. Barra, Shantanu Narayen, Anil Chakravarthy, Ann Handley, Ukonwa Ojo, Nina Schick, Jim Clark, Ed Bastian
Cost: $0-$2,095
Where will you find your inspiration?
Wherever your creative journey takes you, these design conferences are poised to inspire you.
Whether virtually participating, heading west, or planning a design conference grand tour, share your experiences with us @realthread on X.
For custom gear that speaks to your design passion, we're here to help. From one set of design enthusiasts to another, let's create something extraordinary!
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