7 virtual design conferences (that aren't Figma Config) you can attend in your sweatpants
Great design talks you can stream in your PJs - and over 20 IRL events for those willing to wear pants.
Apr 22, 2025
AI generated image of a person in sweatpants with laptop and headphones sit on a couch under a spotlight in a dimly lit theatre audience.
I’ve never been a conference person—until now. While putting this list together, I realised how much design meetups have evolved. They’re no longer just swag-laced networking events; they’re spaces to future-proof your work, learn from people who’ve done the hard parts, and get re-energised when you’re running on low. Unsurprisingly, AI is the headliner this year—with workshops and talks everywhere on how to adapt, adopt, and not get left behind.
To make this list easier to navigate, I’ve split it into “Online too” and “In person” categories, which are further grouped by region, and ordered chronologically from earliest to last. For each event, you’ll find the dates, audience, ticket info, and what kind of sessions to expect. Some of these are still open for speakers—so if you’ve got a spicy take or a smart case study, now’s the time to pitch it.
Online too: all regions
FITC
When? April 28-29, 2025
Where? Toronto, Canada & Online
What is it? “FITC Toronto is a professional celebration of the best the world has to offer in design, digital development, media, and innovation in creative technologies. It unites and transforms the industry over two days. This year, FITC Toronto explores the shared frequency that bridges the space between people, ideas, and moments, when artistic expression illuminates universal bonds between creator and audience.”
Who is it for? For digital creators of all kinds—UX/UI designers, graphic designers, design managers.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Designing For Generative AI Experiences, Veronica Peitong Chen, Adobe
How To Shape A Viable Career In Challenging Times
Designing For Forty Million People, One Person At A Time, Liam Oscar Thurston
How much?
beyond tellerrand
When? May 5-6, 2025
Where? Düsseldorf, German & Online
What is it? “beyond tellerrand is an affordable single-track event where creativity and technology meet. It takes place in Düsseldorf and Berlin with 500+ attendees each, in a renowned, familiar, and friendly atmosphere. The event focuses on sharing ideas and exchanging with like-minded people about creativity, technology, and anything Web.”
Who is it for? For designers of all types—product designers, graphic designers, design managers.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
The Art & Business of Lettering Design
Inclusive Design Patterns: From Gen-Z To to Aging Audiences
In person: €349
Online: €99
Figma Config, Global
When? May 6-8, 2025
Where? San Francisco, USA & Online
What is it? “Figma Config is Figma's conference for people who build products. Attendees will hear from the world’s leading product builders on the future of design and product development. They will be the first to dive into Figma’s newest products and features. Whether you are a designer, developer, or product builder, there is opportunity to make new friends, share creative ideas, and chat with design and development leaders shaping the future of product building with Figma.”
Who is it for? For anyone and everyone who builds products—designers, product managers, design managers, UX researchers and more.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Power of collective intelligence
Context is everything
And...cut! The design process behind animation tools
How much?
In person: Sold out!
Online: Free
UXDX, USA
When? May 12-14, 2025
Where? New York, USA & Online
What is it? “With editions in the US and Germany, UXDX breaks down the barriers between Product, UX, Design, and Dev so teams can build better products faster, together. The conference covers the latest approaches in product, UX, and engineering. It features real-world case studies from practitioners, offers hands-on workshops, and has networking opportunities.”
Who is it for? For designers and developers and the people who manage them.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
UX of AI: Designing for AI-Powered Experiences
Evolving from Design Systems to Interaction Systems in the World of AI Features
Bridging the Gap: How Product, UX, and Dev Can Build AI-Native Products Together
In person: Starts at US$1,149
Online: $409
Figma Config, London
When? May 14, 2025
Where? London, UK & Online
What is it? “Figma Config comes to London in 2025. At Config, you’ll hear about the future of design and product building. Be the first to dive into Figma’s new products and features, and learn how these updates can keep elevating your craft. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, actionable takeaways, and connections to fuel your next big idea.”
Who is it for? For anyone and everyone who builds products—designers, product managers, design managers, UX researchers and more.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Building color palettes for the modern web
Where design meets story
Designing for both iOS and Android—the Right Way
In person: Sold out
Online: Free
UXDX, EMEA
When? May 19-21, 2025
Where? Berlin, Germany & Online
What is it? “With editions in the US and Germany, UXDX breaks down the barriers between Product, UX, Design, and Dev so teams can build better products faster, together. The conference covers the latest approaches in product, UX, and engineering. It features real-world case studies from practitioners, offers hands-on workshops, and has networking opportunities.”
Who is it for? For designers and developers and the people who manage them.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Is Design Really That Important? Rethinking Leadership in Challenging Times Ahead
Building Customer Intuition Across the Product Lifecycle
How AI is Changing Design
In person: Starts at €949
Online: €409
Women in Tech Conference
When? May 20-22, 2025
Where? In-person TBD & Online
What is it? “The virtual-first conference will bring women in tech, minorities and allies from all over the world together through an interactive platform featuring live educational & training content, keynotes, engaging panels, breakout rooms, technical workshops, and networking with virtual and in-person sessions. Whether you're a Software Engineer, Product Manager, Designer, Data Scientist, or Business Manager in the tech industry, WTGC offers the perfect platform to stay updated on the latest technology trends, grow your expertise, and bring enhanced value to your organization.”
Who is it for? For women in tech, whether you’re a designer, developer or product manager.
Why should I attend?
Conference lineup is TBD
Would you like to speak at the event? Call for proposals are open.
In person: US$99
Online: US$35
Design Matters
When? June 16-17, 2025
Where? Copenhagen, Denmark & Online
What is it? “Design Matters 25 will tackle today’s most pressing conversations in digital design through four powerful themes, carefully curated by the global design community and explored by a line-up of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing, future-shaping, and rule-bending industry innovators.”
Who is it for? For product and service designers, researchers, and the people who manage them.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Design Beyond Pixels: Transforming Banking Through Design
Embracing Uncertainty: Designing for AI
From Order-Taker to Change-Maker
In person: US$99
Online: US$35
UX360 Research Summit, Indo-Pacific
When? July 9-10, 2025
Where? Online
What is it? “With editions in Europe and Asia, the UX360 Research Summit (Indo-Pacific edition) provides a platform for UX specialists to address the growing importance of UX research. It caters to industries dealing with saturated markets and user churn, offering insights into successful UX strategies for ROI.”
Who is it for? Focused mainly on user researchers, but research enthusiasts and managers could also find it useful.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Bridging the Gap: Harmonizing Agile Development and User Experience Design
Rewriting the Rules of the Ux Research Process
Mitigating Ai Overreliance in Ux Research: a Framework for Bias-aware Design Practices
Online only: Starts at US$99, early bird tickets
SmashingConf, Frieburg
When? September 8-11, 2025
Where? Freiburg, Germany & Online
What is it? “SmashingConf Freiburg is a small, inclusive event focused on real-world web problems and solutions. It's a four-day event with a pre-day, two conference days, and one workshop day, featuring a single track of 12 speakers and around 300 attendees. The event is focused on everything Web, and covers quite a range of topics from modern CSS to interface design.”
Who is it for? For junior UX'ers to senior front-end developers.
Why should I attend? Conference lineup is TBD. Notable speakers include:
Brad Frost, author of Atomic Design
Vitaly Friedman, Creative Lead and Co-Founder of Smashing Magazine
In person: Starts at €749
Online: €200
Hatch Conference
When? September 10-12, 2025
Where? Berlin, Germany & Online
What is it? “Hatch is a three-day event in Europe for UX & Design Professionals. A unique event for seniors that brings the top design experts from Europe and the world together to learn and connect. It includes meetups, workshops and a hybrid conference. The first two days feature hands-on workshops, and the third day is the Conference Day with keynotes and interactive sessions.”
Who is it for? For experienced UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend? Conference lineup is TBD. Notable speakers include:
Emmet Connoly, VP of Design, Intercom
Jenny Wen, Lead Designer, Claude
Christina Nguyen White, VP of Design, Atlassian Loom
In person: Starts at €330
Online: €50
SmashingConf, New York
When? October 6-9, 2025
Where? New York, USA & Online
What is it? “SmashingConf New York is a friendly event focused on real-world front-end and UX problems. The four-day event includes two workshop days and two conference days, featuring a single track of speakers and attendees. The conference will be focused on Front-end and UX, and covers quite a range of topics from accessibility to interface design.”
Who is it for? For junior UX'ers to senior front-end developers.
Why should I attend? Conference lineup is TBD. Notable speakers include:
Sarah Drasner, Senior Director of Engineering at Google
Nate Baldwin, Senior Staff Designer at Adobe
In person: Starts at US$799
Online: US$200
In person only: Europe
AIxDESIGN Festival: On Slow AI
When? May 1-3, 2025
Where? Amsterdam, Netherlands
What is it? “The AIxDESIGN Festival: On Slow AI is a playful, three-day event that invites everyone—artists, designers, researchers, the people of Amsterdam and those passing by—to explore alternative ways of thinking about AI. Through vibrant exhibits, hands-on workshops, and insightful talks, the festival will push beyond mainstream tech-driven views, ensuring AI is by and for everyone—not just the experts.”
Who is it for? For UX designers, UX researchers, design managers and AI-in-design enthusiasts.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Make your own small AI
Design for data and human rights
In person only: Starts at €50
OFFF
When? May 8-10, 2025
Where? Barcelona, Spain
What is it? “OFFF is the largest gathering of contemporary creativity, where the best talents from around the world come together to share their creative processes and explore the future of the global creative industry. Completing 25 years in 2025, the festival offers a program of talks, workshops, masterclasses, installations, exhibitions, a design market, and creative sessions.”
Who is it for? For creatives, designers, thinkers, sound designers, graphic designers, students, theorists, developers, and professionals.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
AI as a Creative Tool
How to Find Calm in Creative Storms
Masterclass by Adobe: Illustrator’s Next Level: Unlocking Advanced Creativity
In person only: Starts at €154 for a day pass
DDX, Munich
When? May 10, 2025
Where? Munich, Germany
What is it? “The DDX Conference in 2025 is a series of events focused on digital innovation and user experience, with locations in Munich, San Diego, and Dubai. These conferences aim to empower digital innovators, connect designers and strategists, and explore the future of digital experiences. The events feature insightful discussions, panels, and networking opportunities.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Driving Responsible AI
Ethics and Inclusion in Tech - Talk & Workshop: The Changing Role of UX/UI Designer in View of AI & AI x Design
Scaling & Managing UX/UI Teams
In person only: Starts at €199
UX360 Research Summit, Germany
When? May 14-15, 2025
Where? Berlin, Germany
What is it? “With editions in Europe and Asia, UX360 showcases the latest UX and design research - from planning and conducting, to analysis and the implementation of UX insights. This conference includes presentations from global thought leaders and international brands, interactive panel discussions and 1-2-1 meetings.”
Who is it for? Focused mainly on user researchers, but research enthusiasts and managers could also find it useful.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Traceability in UX: When the “why” gets lost
Unlocking the power of UX research in large scale organisations
Decoding user behaviour: Bridging data and user experience
In person only: Starts at €1,095
All Flows
When? May 14-16 2025
Where? Milton Keynes, UK
What is it? “All Flows is an annual event in Milton Keynes (UK) that brings together global talent to spark ideas, foster conversations, and inspire fresh perspectives. From the arts to technology, culture to advertising, All Flows explores the intersections that drive bold thinking and shape the future. With thought-provoking talks, engaging discussions, and inspiring moments, the festival offers something for anyone passionate about creativity and innovation.”
Who is it for? For creatives, designers, artists, developers and students.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
How to start and grow a life-changing creative business
An Acceptable Level of Miscommunication, with David Pearson
In person only: Starts at £250
User Experience Lisbon
When? May 20-22, 2025
Where? Lisbon, Portugal
What is it? “Europe's largest UX training conference, spend 4 inspiring days to learn and grow your skills with the absolute best in the field. The conference focuses on a variety of UX topics through workshops and talks, with a goal of fostering a global UX community.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Human Centered AI Product Sprint
Power of Storyboarding
Themeable Design Systems with Design Tokens
In person only: Starts at €445
SKSW, London
When? June 2-7, 2025
Where? London, UK
What is it? “SXSW London is the unmissable business conference showcasing & discovering the world's best innovators in tech and creativity. Expect trailblazing talks, legendary live performances, fearless film screenings and immersive art and fashion across the conference, music and screen festivals.”
Who is it for? For designers, agencies, consultants and creative businesses as well founders.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Crafting Magic: The Art of Branded Product Experiences
AI & the Road Ahead: The Future of Human-AI Collaboration in Mobility
In a world of rapid innovation, what does it take to back the next generation of transformative companies?
In person only: Starts at £595
UX London
When? June 10-12, 2025
Where? London, UK
What is it? “UX London 2025 is a three-day conference focused on user experience, taking place in London from June 10th to 12th. It's an event organized by Clearleft, a UK-based design consultancy, and aims to bring together UX professionals for a mix of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference covers various aspects of UX, including discovery, design, and delivery.”
Who is it for? Product enthusiasts from product designer, researcher, content writer, design engineer, to project manager.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Designing through the hype
Accessibility is a design problem
Convincing stakeholders to ship awesome UX
In person only: Starts at £645
UX Scotland
When? June 11-12, 2025
Where? Edinburgh, Scotland
What is it? “UX Scotland is a conference for designers, researchers, and other user-centred professionals to come together to learn, share, and connect. The curated event experience includes a mixture of inspiring keynotes, engaging sessions, and interactive workshops.”
Who is it for? For product and service designers, researchers, and the people who manage them.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
The power of heuristics: Improving UX through practical evaluation
Leading design in challenging times
Everything changes but you – design in the AI-era
In person only: Starts from £324
UXPA International Conference
When? June 16-19, 2025
Where? Amsterdam, Netherlands
What is it? “User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) International supports people who research, design, and evaluate the user experience (UX) of products and services. It's a gathering for UX professionals and the wider UX community to learn, collaborate, and connect through interactive sessions, keynotes, panels, and workshops. The conference aims to promote UX concepts and techniques, and provide opportunities for professional development and networking.”
Who is it for? UX professionals of all shapes and sizes.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Data Mindfulness – Designing With Data in Mind
Leveraging AI and LLMs to Enhance Every Stage of the Design Process
Practical Strategy for Designers – Crafting the Deep Foundations of Successful Products
In person only: Starts at €650
Pixel Pioneers Bristol
When? June 20, 2025
Where? Bristol, UK
What is it? “Pixel Pioneers is a carefully curated series of events for front-end developers and UX/UI designers who want to build better websites and apps. An affordable one-day conference of practical and inspiring front-end and UX/UI design talks, featuring eight world-class speakers.”
Who is it for? For designers, front-end developers, design agencies and freelancers.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Debugging Web Performance, Jack Franklin
Death of the Browser, Rachel-Lee Nabors
In person only: Starts at £199
Web Summer Camp
When? July 3-5, 2025
Where? Opatija, Croatia
What is it? “Web Summer Camp provides an intensive program with interactive workshops, networking, and small group discussions led by world-class experts. It enables participants to connect, collaborate, and gain fresh perspectives alongside designers, developers, and digital enthusiasts.”
Who is it for? For web developers, UI/UX designers, agency leadership, product owners, and digital teams.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Trust Is Killing Customer Experience
Scaling Leadership: Building a Management Layer That Works
Boost your design skills with accessibility
Tell It Like a Story! - Master the most underrated skill in business
In person only: Starts at €575
Future Product Days
When? September 24-25, 2025
Where? Copenhagen, Denmark
What is it? “Future Product Days is Europe's leading-edge conference for product design, UX, artificial intelligence and digital trends. Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, boost and showcase your brand, find new solutions or simply connect with like-minded individuals – the Future Product Days is for everyone who is involved in creating digital products.
This year, the UX Nordic will move to Copenhagen and integrate into the Future Product Days.”
Who is it for? For UX professionals, product managers, executives, startup founders, investors, and everyone passionate about digital products.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
How to Lead a UX & Product Design Team into the Future
AI-Driven Insights: Making the Most of Customer Feedback
Psychology in Product Design
Sustainability in the cart
In person only: Starts at €350
UXCON
When? October 6-8, 2025
Where? Vienna, Austria
What is it? “Europe’s friendliest conference for UX Research & Design, UXCON draws over 600 professionals from all over the world. The event features around 50 international speakers, along with hands-on workshops and indepth talks covering important topics like UX writing, accessibility, ethics, and the latest trends in our field.”
Who is it for? UX enthusiasts of all levels, including professionals and those just starting out in UX design and research.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Designing beyond the happy path
Designing dynamic customer experiences powered by generative AI – Learnings from Zalando Assistant
How AI will drive a resurgence in UX
In person only: Starts at €650
World Usability Conference
When? October 14-16, 2025
Where? Graz, Austria
What is it? “The World Usability Congress is the global leading UX strategy & management conference. The conference invites over 70 speakers from different industries to share their real-world UX challenges and collaborate with our attendees in multi-disciplinary workshops.”
Who is it for? For design professionals of all shapes and sizes.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
The Future of Usability Testing: Insights from 150,000+ Unmoderated Studies
Aligning Business Goals with User Experience: Crafting a Data-Driven UX Strategy
The World After AI: Imagining Human Experience in an AI-Integrated Future
In person only: Starts at €440
PushUX
When? October 23-24, 2025
Where? Munich, Germany
What is it? “PUSH UX is a lovingly crafted platform for hands-on design professionals, product-minded innovators and creative technologists. Experience world-class speakers in a relaxed atmosphere that feels like being with family. The program at PUSH is curated to be relevant for every UX professional, no matter their role or industry. This gives you a great mix of people with similar and different backgrounds alike.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend?
Conference lineup is TBD
Would you like to speak at the event? Call for proposals are open.
In person only: Starts at €499
In person only: Americas
DDX, New York
When? June 6, 2025
Where? New York, USA
What is it? “The DDX Conference in 2025 is a series of events focused on digital innovation and user experience, with locations in Munich, San Diego, and Dubai. These conferences aim to empower digital innovators, connect designers and strategists, and explore the future of digital experiences. The events feature insightful discussions, panels, and networking opportunities.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
Learnings from leading global design and innovation teams, by Richard Dalton, Head of Design, Verizon
A/B Testing in Innovation & Product Design
Entrepreneurship meets Design - Learnings in Scaling Ventures
In person only: Starts at US$199
DEX
When? August 29-30, 2025
Where? Sao Paulo, Brazil
What is it? “The 6th edition of the largest meeting of the Brazilian UX community will address the theme “Immersive Experiences”. DEXCONF 2025 aims to explore what isbeyond conventional interactions, investigating how the user experience can be transformed into an environment that transcends screens and clicks, leading people toricher and more sensorial experiences.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend?
Conference lineup is TBD
Would you like to speak at the event? Call for proposals are open.
In person: Starts at R$699
Online: The event will be broadcast live on Mergo's YouTube channel
DDX, San Diego
When? September 18, 2025
Where? San Diego, USA
What is it? “The DDX Conference in 2025 is a series of events focused on digital innovation and user experience, with locations in Munich, San Diego, and Dubai. These conferences aim to empower digital innovators, connect designers and strategists, and explore the future of digital experiences. The events feature insightful discussions, panels, and networking opportunities.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend? Conference lineup is TBD.
In person only: Starts at US$400
CANUX
When? October 1-4, 2025
Where? Ottawa, Canada
What is it? “CanUX (pronounced “canucks”) is a gathering for UX professionals and the wider UX community to learn, collaborate, and connect through interactive sessions, keynotes, panels, and workshops. The conference aims to promote UX concepts and techniques, and provide opportunities for professional development and networking.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals.
Why should I attend? Highlight of speakers, talks and/or workshops includes:
How the Estonian Defence Forces Took a Shot at Design Thinking
From Modeling to Managing: A Data-driven Approach to Enhance Customer Journeys
Designing for the Worst Day of Your Customer’s Life
In person only: Starts at CA$689
AIGA Design Conference
When? October 9-11, 2025
Where? Los Angeles, USA
What is it? “Happening in Los Angeles—a city of resilience, creativity, and innovation—AIGA design conference will be an unforgettable experience of inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and meaningful connections. This year’s theme, Design + Performance, explores how storytelling, movement, and innovation shape culture and drive change.”
Who is it for? For design professionals, educators, and students interested in the various fields of communication design, including graphic design, typography, interaction design, user experience, and branding.
Why should I attend?
Conference lineup is TBD
Would you like to speak at the event? Call for proposals are open.
In person only: Starts at US$999
In person only: Asia
DesignUp
When? November 3-5, 2025
Where? Bengaluru, India
What is it? “DesignUp is at the overlap of Design, Tech and Business. The 2025 theme, The Design Currency, emphasises the transformational power of Design and its role as a way to humanise and contextualise tools, technologies in a rapidly changing, anxious new world. Its also a place for you to meet other Designers from varied industries, meet mentors and seniors in the fraternity. And expand your network.”
Who is it for? For all levels of UX & design professionals. Also non-Designers (including Lawyers, CTOs, Founders, Doctors, Product Managers, Researchers, L&D specialists, HR folks, and CMOs) are the fastest growing cohort of attendees.
Why should I attend?
Conference lineup is TBD
Would you like to speak at the event? Call for proposals are open.
How much?
Passes coming soon…
Whether you’re attending from your couch or booking a flight across continents, 2025’s design conferences have something for every kind of creative brain—especially if you’re exploring how AI is shaping our workflows. I’d love to hear what’s on your calendar: which of these are you attending? And if there’s a great event I’ve missed, drop it in the comments—I’ll keep this list updated.