The Ultimate Guide to Service Design, UX and Design Conferences in 2026

Whether you're a UX researcher looking to deepen your methodologies, a product designer wanting to explore the latest tools and trends, a service designer seeking to expand your strategic thinking, or a design leader building stronger teams, this comprehensive guide covers 72+ conferences happening throughout 2026.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 conference landscape reflects the evolution of our field:

AI and UX converge: Events like prompt:UX in Berlin are exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping user experience design, while conferences across the board are integrating AI discussions into their programming.

Global accessibility: From Amsterdam to Edinburgh, Melbourne to Copenhagen, conferences are happening worldwide, making it easier than ever to find an event in your region—or plan an inspiring trip abroad.

Specialized tracks: Whether you're focused on UX research, product design, service design, graphic design, or design leadership, there are conferences tailored to your specific discipline and career stage.

Hybrid options: Many conferences continue to offer virtual attendance options, ensuring accessibility for those who can't travel.

Planning Your Year

Early 2026 kicks off with prompt:UX in Berlin (January 21-22) and the UX360 Research Summit (February 4-5, virtual), setting the tone for a year of learning.

Spring brings a surge of activity: April is particularly packed with CHI Conference in Barcelona, SmashingConf Amsterdam, UX Nordic in Aarhus, and the Information Architecture Conference in Philadelphia—all within the same few weeks.

Summer highlights include the beloved UX Scotland (June 10-11), UX London (June 2-4), Figma Config in San Francisco (June 23-25), and the intensive CreativePro Week in Nashville (June 29-July 3).

Autumn opportunities: Future Product Days in Copenhagen (September 22-24) and the Service Design Global Conference round out the year with strategic conversations about the future of design.

Finding the Right Fit

Not all conferences are created equal, and the "best" conference for you depends on your goals:

• For hands-on learning: Look for events like UXLx in Lisbon or CreativePro Week that emphasize workshops and practical skills
• For networking: Larger conferences like SXSW Design Track, CHI, or Figma Config bring together hundreds or thousands of practitioners
• For intimate connections: Smaller gatherings like UX Scotland (organized by Software Acumen), Tokyo Design Forum, or Leadership Ateliers offer deeper conversations
• For research focus: UX360 Research Summit, UXinsight Festival, and Advancing Research center on research methodologies
• For leadership development: Leading Design and Leaders of Design conferences specifically address the challenges of design leadership

Making the Most of Your Conference Experience

Whichever events you choose, remember that the real value often comes from:

• The conversations in the hallway between sessions
• The connections you make over coffee or dinner
• The questions you ask speakers
• The ideas you bring back to your team
• The inspiration that shifts your perspective

We've compiled all 72 conferences into a comprehensive spreadsheet you can download, filter, and sort by date, location, or design specialty. Whether you're planning to attend one conference or mapping out a full year of professional development, this guide will help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and resources.

Download the full 2026 Design Conferences Spreadsheet

Have we missed an event? Planning something exciting for 2026? Feel free to email us to let us know, and we'll add it to our guide.

Here's to a year of learning, connecting, and pushing the boundaries of human-centered design together.

‍