The Best Graphic Design Conferences 2025 in Europe

For graphic designers, staying inspired and connected is key to pushing creative boundaries. Across Europe, design conferences bring together top creatives, industry leaders, and emerging talent to share insights, showcase innovations, and spark new ideas.

Whether you're looking to refine your skills, network with like-minded professionals, or simply immerse yourself in the latest design trends, these conferences offer the perfect opportunity.

From Berlin to Barcelona, here’s a look at the must-attend graphic design conferences that should be on your radar this year.

OFFF Barcelona

Where:
Barcelona, Spain
When:
May 8–10

OFFF Barcelona is a haven for creatives and innovators. It brings together graphic designers, motion artists, and digital thinkers from around the globe. The conference is known for its cutting-edge presentations, hands-on workshops, and a vibrant community that celebrates design in all its forms.

NOW25 Conference

Where:
Paris, France
When:
May 31

NOW25 is a conference hosted by TypeParis focusing on graphic design, web design, motion design, publishing, visual identity, communication, and type design. It's an opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers and engage with a diverse range of topics relevant to contemporary design practices.

Pictoplasma

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
April 1-4

Pictoplasma is the world’s premier festival for contemporary character design, bringing together artists, illustrators, animators, and designers from around the globe. Held in Berlin, the event features inspiring talks, exhibitions, screenings, and workshops, all celebrating the power of visual storytelling through unique characters. Whether you're into digital art, illustration, or animation, Pictoplasma is a must-attend for creative minds looking to explore the future of character-driven design.

Forward Festival Berlin

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
August 28-29

This two-day event at HKW Berlin will feature over 40 international speakers across three stages, offering talks, hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and exclusive side events. Forward Festival Berlin is an unparalleled opportunity for creatives to connect, gain inspiration, and explore the forefront of design and communication.

POV Budapest

Where:
Budapest, Hungary
When:
September 11-12

POV Budapest focuses on the latest trends in visual storytelling, animation, and graphic design. It’s an inspiring platform for creatives seeking to explore the intersection of technology and design.

Birmingham Design Festival

Where:
Birmingham, UK
When:
June 12-13

This Birmingham Design Festival celebrates all things design, offering talks, workshops, and exhibitions. From typography to branding, it covers a broad spectrum of design disciplines and is perfect for creatives of all levels.

Us By Night

Where:
Antwerp, Belgium
When:
September 25–27

Us By Night is a unique nocturnal experience that blends a design conference with a vibrant night market. Attendees can expect inspiring talks from world-class creatives in graphic design, illustration, motion graphics, and beyond.

With a festival-like atmosphere, it’s not just about learning but also about connecting and immersing yourself in the creative culture. Workshops, installations, and live art performances make this a standout event for any graphic designer looking for both inspiration and entertainment.

Forward Festival Vienna

Where:
Vienna, Austria
When:
October 2-3

Forward Festival Vienna features over 20 international speakers, including renowned creatives such as SNASK, Public Possession and Kelly Anna. Attendees can look forward to inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and exclusive side events, providing ample opportunities to connect with fellow creatives and gain fresh insights into the world of design and communication.

Hatch Conference

Where:
Berlin, Germany
When:
Sep 10-12

An invite-only event purely for senior professionals, and while Hatch Conference is more UX oriented, each year it features very prominent graphic design personalities like Erik Spiekerman, David Carson and more.

UX Nordic

Where:
Copenhagen, Denmark
When:
September 24-25

This conference focuses on user experience and how it intersects with graphic design. With a strong lineup of international speakers and practical workshops, UX Nordic is perfect for those interested in UI/UX and interaction design.

Design Matters

Where:
Copenhagen, Denmark
When:
June 16-17

Focused on digital design, Design Matters explores the latest in UX, UI, and interaction design. It’s a hub for designers looking to stay at the forefront of the digital landscape.

SXSW London

Where:
London, United Kingdom
When:
June 2-7

SXSW London is the first European edition of the renowned South by Southwest festival. This event features a convergence of technology, film, music, and culture, offering keynotes, music showcases, tech exhibitions, and immersive experiences.

All Flows

Where:
Milton Keynes, UK
When:
May 14-16

All Flows is an annual creative, design, and digital festival held in Milton Keynes, UK. Established in 2023, it aims to amplify Milton Keynes' reputation as a 'Design City' and support the growth of the local creative industries sector. The festival features influential speakers from across the creative industries, covering subjects such as prototyping radical futures, technology, brand creation, generative media platforms, and the magic of everyday life.

munich creative business week

Where:
Munich, Germany
When:
May 10-18

Munich creative business week is Germany’s largest design platform, bringing together creatives, businesses, and design enthusiasts. Organized by bayern design, it fosters innovation, interdisciplinary exchange, and explores design’s impact on society, business, and the future.

Mouvo

Where:
Prague, Czech Republic
When:
March 13-14

Mouvo, held annually in Prague, Czech Republic, is a festival that celebrates motion design and its intersection with technology and storytelling. Through captivating presentations and workshops, it brings together industry leaders and emerging talent to share ideas and innovations.

World Design Congress

Where:
London, UK
When:
September 9–10

Known as the "Olympics of design," the World Design Congress returns to London for the first time since 1969. Supported by the Design Council and the Mayor of London, the event will gather experts from various design fields to focus on the theme "Design for Planet," emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in design. The Congress aims to be a catalyst for change, showcasing innovative and sustainable design practices.

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