The Best Conferences for Creatives in the USA in 2025

For designers, artists, and creative professionals, conferences are more than just events—they're sources of inspiration, learning, and networking. Across the USA, top conferences bring together visionaries in design, branding, marketing, animation, and more, offering hands-on workshops, insightful talks, and a chance to connect with like-minded creatives.

Whether you're looking to explore emerging trends, refine your craft, or spark new collaborations, these conferences provide the perfect setting. Here’s a look at some of the best creative conferences happening this year in the US.

Adobe MAX

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

Typographics

Where:
New York, NY, USA
When:
June 27 - 28

Typography enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Typographics dives deep into the world of type design, typography, and visual communication. With a mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, and type-centric networking opportunities, this conference is perfect for designers looking to refine their typographic skills.

SXSW Conference

Where:
Austin, TX, USA
When:
March 7–15

Every year South by Southwest (SXSW) brings together music, film, technology, and culture in a globally recognized festival. Featuring keynote speakers, interactive panels, live music showcases, film screenings, and networking events, SXSW is a must-attend event for creatives and industry leaders alike.

With an ever-evolving lineup of artists, filmmakers, and innovators, SXSW continues to shape conversations around the future of entertainment and technology.

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:
October 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.

Flux Festival

Where:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
When:
TBD

The Flux Festival in Los Angeles celebrates the intersection of film, art, and emerging technology. This multi-day event features curated screenings, immersive exhibits, engaging workshops, and live performances, culminating in a showcase at the iconic Audrey Irmas Pavilion. It's a platform for creatives to explore innovative storytelling and artistic expression.

Circles Conference

Where:
Gravepine, TX, USA
When:
Sep 22-26

Circles Conference in Texas, USA, is a dynamic event for creatives to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. Featuring renowned speakers, interactive workshops, and community-building activities, it offers a platform to explore design and creativity in-depth.

Dash Bash

Where:
Raleigh, NC, USA
When:
Jun 11-13

Dash Bash is a motion design festival featuring inspiring talks, creative hangouts, workshops, and parties. It brings together designers, animators, and creatives to celebrate the art of motion.

Config: Figma’s Annual Conference‍

Where:
San Francisco, CA, USA
When:
May 6-8

Config, Figma’s highly anticipated annual conference, gathers UX/UI designers, developers, and digital creators in San Francisco and online. The event is a deep dive into collaborative design, offering product updates, interactive workshops, and insights from global leaders in the design community. Config celebrates creativity and innovation, providing attendees with tools and inspiration to push the boundaries of design.

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.

F5 Empath

Where:
New York, USA
When:
May 15–17

F5 Empath is a creative festival presented by Motionographer, scheduled for May 15–17, 2025, at the iconic Webster Hall in New York City. The event celebrates empathy, art, and innovation, bringing together visionaries, creators, and innovators to push boundaries and set new standards of creativity.

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Photographer + Director, Toronto

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Multidisciplinary creative designer and founder, Portland