Introduction

With the new year fast approaching, we know you're excited for the opportunities it will bring. For most, a new year brings new resolutions and a renewed energy to actually accomplish them. However, we also understand there can be uncertainty and unrest as you enter a new year. As an independent creator, you have all the passion and determination to do great things. However, obstacles like a competitive market, time management, and advancements in tech all add up to make everything feel overwhelming. Not to mention our good old friend, self-doubt. You need to know, you are not alone. Many creators are feeling excited but also overwhelmed at the same time, but what can they do about it?

Here at Showit, we believe a few things to be true.

1. Creativity exists in you. It just needs to be cultivated—which means you have it within you to accomplish what you set your sights on.
2. Every business needs a website that represents its unique value and offering. That's your brand. If there's anything you'll need to make those dreams come true, it's a website that works.
3. Community helps spark creativity.

One of the best ways to spend time with that community is to attend creative and design conferences. Now you are no doubt asking, which one should I attend? We know it feels a bit like choosing the perfect book from a vast library. Every title seems interesting, but which one will actually offer the most valuable knowledge? The best conferences shouldn’t just teach you specific skills and provide networking opportunities (although those are important). They should help you learn to think more like the industry leaders they are hosted by. You should learn how to ask the questions they are asking. When you start to think more like an industry leader, that is when your skills, and your business, go from good to great.

We value you and your growth as an independent creator. We always want to ensure you have the tools and resources you need to elevate your creativity to the highest level. Therefore, we've spent time scouring the internet to find 24 design and creative conferences we believe will add value to your creative journey in the new year.

Creative Conferences We’ll be Covering:

Conferences Based in The United States

1. Creative South US
2. Creative Works US
3. SPARK US
4. Craft + Commerce US
5. Creative Pro Week US
6. Adobe MAX US
7. How Design Live US
8. AIGA Design Conference US
9. Brand New Conference US
10. SXSW Conference US
11. Circles US
12. Summit at Sea Leaves from the US

Conferences Based Outside the United States

1. Design Leadership Summit CA
2. Pixel Pioneers UK
3. Design Matters MX + Virtual
4.  Leading Design London UK
5.  ANA Brand Activation & Creativity Conference Virtual
6.  OFFF Festival Spain
7.  D&AD Festival UK

Honorable Mentions 

1. International Design Conference US
2. Seattle Interactive Conference US
3. Creative Mornings Various Locations
4. Creative Leaders Retreat US
5. UCDA Creative Summit Virtual

Conferences Based in the United States

Creative South

Date and Time: April 11, 2024 · 8am – April 13, 2024 · 11:30pm EDT

Location: To be Announced

Creative South unites designers, artists, and creative minds for an amazing celebration of design and community. Through workshops, inspiring talks, and a welcoming atmosphere, it encourages creativity and connection among attendees. Known for its diverse sessions covering graphic design, illustration, branding, and more, Creative South stands out as a space where creativity thrives. This conference offers a platform to learn from industry leaders and fellow creatives. At the same time, it embraces the spirit of collaboration within the design community. If you’d like to know more about this conference, click here.

Creative Works

Date and Time: Apr 25th – 27th, 2024

Location: Seattle, WA

This is a fun one. If you are looking for a gathering that celebrates creativity, design, and entrepreneurship within a diverse community, then Creative Works definitely deserves consideration. It offers a platform for industry experts and creatives to share insights, conduct workshops, and discuss various aspects of design, branding, and marketing. The conference fosters networking opportunities, career development, and inspiration. It also aims to unite creatives, provide valuable knowledge, and encourage collaboration within the creative community. If reading that got you excited, click here to learn more.

SPARK by Showit

Date and Time: Oct 28th – 30th, 2024

Location: Chandler, AZ

Since we are discussing conferences, we would like to invite you to Spark! This is our own conference tailored for brand and web designers eager to elevate their businesses. With 30+ sessions led by industry leaders, you'll level up your skills and absorb cutting-edge trends. You will also discover strategies to generate more income while reclaiming your time, learning to work on your business, not just in it. But it's not just about learning, it's a convergence where creativity ignites community. This is an opportunity to discover your tribe and gather inspiration from other designers who understand your journey. Don't miss this chance to fuel your business growth, craft exceptional brands, and websites at Spark! Head here for more details.

Craft + Commerce 

Date and Time: Jun 5th – 8th, 2024

Location: Boise, Idaho

Hosted by the good folks at ConvertKit, Craft+Commerce is an event empowering creators to transform passions into sustainable ventures. Through inspiring talks, workshops, and networking, this conference equips attendees with actionable strategies to grow their online businesses authentically. One unique aspect of this conference is its emphasis on maintaining creativity while navigating the world of commerce. To explore more about this conference, click here.

Creative Pro Week

Date and Time: Jul 8th – 12th, 2024

Location: Washington, DC and Virtual

Creative Pro Week is tailored for creative professionals specializing in Adobe's design and publishing software. These include things like InDesign and Photoshop. This multi-day event offers intensive training sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all geared toward enhancing attendees' skills and expertise in utilizing Adobe's Creative Cloud suite. One standout element of this conference is its focused learning tracks, catering to various proficiency levels and specific areas of expertise within the Adobe software ecosystem.

Creative Pro Week serves as a premier resource for creative individuals seeking to expand their knowledge, connect with industry experts. It’s also a perfect event for those who want to stay updated on the latest tools and trends within Adobe's software realm. If you would like to know more, click here.

Adobe MAX Conference

Date and Time: TBD for 2024

Location: TBD

The Adobe MAX conference stands as Adobe's annual flagship conference; drawing creatives, designers, and professionals from diverse industries for a multi-day extravaganza. This event is a perfect balance of inspiration and learning, featuring captivating keynote presentations, hands-on labs, and networking opportunities. One notable thing about this conference is its “Sneak Peeks,” which offer you exclusive previews of forthcoming Adobe tools and innovations. MAX aims to empower attendees, providing a platform for skill enhancement, community engagement, and the unveiling of cutting-edge creative technologies. This is a must-attend event for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of the creative world.

HOW Design Live

Date and Time: TBD for 2024

Location: TBD

HOW Design Live is an annual gathering for offline and online designers, motion designers, sound designers, and graphic designers. This conference offers an extensive program featuring workshops, keynote presentations, panels, and labs for participants. HOW Design is set apart by its inclusive nature. It brings together professionals and students from various design backgrounds to encourage learning, networking, and skill enhancement. It's a unique space where diverse creative minds converge to share insights, collaborate, and gain inspiration across the design spectrum. If this sounds like fun, learn more about the 2024 event here

AIGA Design Conference

Date and Time: TBD for 2024

Location: TBD

The AIGA Design Conference, organized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), is a gathering for design professionals, educators, and students. This event curates an inspiring lineup featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions. All of these are led by influential figures and leaders within the design realm. Notably, it offers a unique platform for attendees to celebrate the impact of design, exchange ideas, and explore emerging trends. The conference is renowned for its immersive experience, serving as a catalyst for inspiration, learning, and networking within the design community. Tickets have not gone on sale for 2024 just yet, however you can join the email list to be notified when they do.

Brand New Conference

Date and Time: Oct 10th – 11th, 2024

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

The Brand New Conference is a globally recognized two-day event gathering influential practitioners in corporate and brand identity from around the world. This conference serves as a hub for industry-leading discussions, insights, and experiences. Renowned for its focus on identity design, it offers a unique platform for professionals to delve into the latest trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the field. The main standout aspect of this conference is its assembly of active practitioners. These are folks actively in the field who can provide firsthand knowledge and expertise. This will be an invaluable experience for anyone passionate about brand and corporate identity design. For more details about the Brand New conference in 2024 you can click here.

SXSW Conference

Date and Time: March 8th-16th, 2024

Location: Austin, TX

SXSW gathers a diverse community of innovators, storytellers, and thought leaders across tech, film, and music. It's nine days of collaborative exploration of these disciplines. SXSW offers a mix of conference sessions, Film & TV Festival screenings, Music Festival showcases, Comedy Festival events, Exhibitions, and tech competitions. It's an immersive experience offering networking opportunities, inspiring programming, and unexpected discoveries. This conference celebrates fresh, boundary-pushing work, showcasing emerging talent alongside legendary trailblazers. Click here to learn more.

Circles Conference

Date and Time: Oct 9th – 11th, 2024

Location: Grapevine, TX

The Circles Conference is a gathering of creative minds, celebrating the fusion of design and technology, notably AI, in the artistic realm. This gathering brings together designers, artists, and tech enthusiasts to explore the impact of AI on creative design. Emphasizing the amplification of creativity, this event navigates the realms of design excellence, craftsmanship, and the profound influence of human expression. This event is for both seasoned designers seeking innovation and newcomers eager to delve into the evolving landscape of design. A unique aspect of this conference lies in educating on using AI in the design process while preserving the core essence of creative vision and design ingenuity. Learn more about this conference by heading here.

Summit at Sea

Date and Time: Apr 4th – 7th, 2024

Location: Departs from Miami, FL

Summit at Sea is a four-day immersive adventure. This event gathers thinkers, doers, and dreamers from various corners of the globe. It creates an unmatched symphony of possibilities. It's a dynamic platform fostering collaboration, inspiration, and innovation, where attendees embark on a transformative journey. Attendees will spend time exploring boundless creativity and forging connections that transcend boundaries. To learn more about this event, click here.

Conferences Based Outside the United States

Design Leadership Summit

Date and Time: Jan 29th – 31st, 2024

Location: Toronto, Canada

The Design Leadership Summit  targets design leaders, managers, and executives. If you're eager to delve deeper into how design influences business success, this summit is tailored for you. It acts as a platform where design professionals delve into innovative strategies, leadership methodologies, and the integration of design thinking within organizations. The summit's primary objective is to equip design leaders with the tools and knowledge to propel design-centric initiatives. By empowering these leaders, the summit aids in guiding their organizations towards success through impactful design strategies. For further details, click here to learn more.

Pixel Pioneers

Date and Time: Jun 14th, 2024

Location: Bristol, UK

Pixel Pioneers is the conference for web designers, developers, and digital creatives in a forum dedicated to advancing digital design and front-end development. This event hosts industry leaders and practitioners; sharing insights into the latest trends, tools, and strategies vital for elevating your skills. One special aspect of this conference is its diverse sessions covering topics from responsive design to emerging technologies. The goal for this conference is to foster a community committed to innovation and excellence in digital creation. Attendees benefit from actionable knowledge, networking, and a platform for career advancement. If you are intrigued, click here to learn more.

Design Matters

Date and Time: Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2024

Location: Mexico City and Virtual

This year's themes for Design Matters are ‘From Latin America with Love' and ‘Igniting Our Power to Design Pluriversal Futures'. The goal is to encourage designers across Latin America to explore the intersection of technology and humanity within design. It showcases how indigenous approaches and heritage influence innovative design solutions for local needs. It also strongly emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability. Speakers delve into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles that transcend traditional design norms. This conference stands out because it strives to build a community committed to sustainable and socially responsible design. You can head here for more insights into this year's themes and to explore more about the conference.

Leading Design London

Date and Time: November 6th – 7th, 2024

Location: Barbican Center, London

Leading Design London is an annual gathering of design leaders and executives across industries for a conference centered on enhancing design leadership. This conference serves as a platform where experts share insights and experiences. These insights will greatly improve design management within organizations. The conference distinguishes itself by spotlighting real case studies. Additionally, it offers practical leadership principles, and fosters an environment that encourages networking and collaborative learning among design leaders. One additional unique aspect is its emphasis on actionable takeaways. Attendees will leave with tangible tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of design leadership effectively. If you are or want to lead a creative team, this is the event to check out. Head here for more information.

ANA Brand Activation & Creativity Conference 

Date and Time: Sep 10, 2024 at 10:30am to Sep 11, 2024 at 4:00pm

Location: Virtual

The ANA Brand Activation and Creativity Conference annually brings together marketing professionals, advertisers, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends and innovations in brand development. This virtual conference serves as a hub for insights, workshops, and discussions led by prominent figures in the industry. The main goal is to inspire creativity and innovation within brand activation strategies. Notably, the conference stands out for its emphasis on showcasing real-world case studies. It offers practical lessons and strategies from successful marketing campaigns, providing attendees with actionable insights for their own brand initiatives. If you are on your way to mastering branding, this is that conference for you. Learn more about this virtual event here.

OFFF Festival

Date and Time: April 4th – 6th, 2024

Location: Disseny Hub Barcelona

The OFFF festival is a global gathering of designers, artists, and creative professionals from diverse disciplines like graphic design and digital art. This event hosts conferences, workshops, and exhibitions that spotlight cutting-edge trends and innovations in the creative realm. What sets OFFF apart from similar events is its platform for showcasing experimental artworks, interactive installations, and pushing the boundaries of design and digital artistry. This festival serves as a space for networking, collaboration, and celebrating creativity, offering attendees an immersive experience and a glimpse into the future of design and visual arts. If you’d like to attend or learn more, you can do so here.

D&AD Festival

Date and Time: 21–22 May, 2024

Location: London, UK

The D&AD Festival, curated by the prestigious D&AD organization, stands as a pinnacle event in the creative sphere. It brings together diverse professionals from design, advertising, and digital media. The D&AD Festival is special because of its robust emphasis on showcasing and awarding outstanding creative work. It offers attendees unparalleled access to cutting-edge projects, invaluable insights, and networking opportunities. This gathering will fuel inspiration, champion creativity, and celebrate the very best in design and advertising. If you are interested, you can learn more here.

Honorable Mentions

International Design Conference

Date and Time: 2024 dates TBD

Location: Austin, TX

The International Design Conference is a forum to discuss how design can empower organizations and professionals to adapt, evolve, and respond effectively in an ever changing world.

Seattle Interactive Conference

Date and Time: July 31st – August 1st, 2024

Location: Seattle, WA

The Seattle Interactive Conference is a vibrant celebration of technology, creativity, and digital marketing, showcasing innovation in design and strategy.

CreativeMornings

Date and Time: View Times on Website

Location: View Locations on Website

CreativeMornings is more than just a single conference; it's a global creative community. They strongly believe that everyone possesses creativity. This community conducts face-to-face events across multiple cities throughout the year, aiming to empower individuals on their creative paths

Creative Leaders Retreat

Date and Time: February, 22nd – 24th, 2024

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

The Creative Leaders Retreat is a conversation-focused conference. This event is all about open dialogue and reciprocal learning among creative minds from various sectors.

UCDA Creative Summit

Date and Time: Week of 4/16/2024

Location: Virtual

The UCDA Creative Summit is a virtual gathering offering hands-on sessions with design professionals. It provides an affordable opportunity for networking, education, and inspiration without the need for travel or lodging expenses.

Conclusion:

Wow, that's quite a lineup, right? But hold on, we're not suggesting a globe-trotting spree! Our goal is always to guide you toward the most relevant information to help you bring your creative vision to life. The new year's arrival brings tons of possibilities. But, we know diving into your goals headfirst can feel a bit overwhelming. That's why we've carefully selected these conferences. We strongly believe any one of them will ignite your creativity, giving you the momentum to reach your goals for 2024. Remember, we're your biggest cheerleaders! You've got this, and we're right here rooting for you.