Vancouver’s Top Design Events: Where Creativity Meets Innovation

If you’re a designer, you need to keep up with the pulse of the ever-changing industry.

In 2025, our home city Vancouver, Canada will be a key destination for a variety of design events designed to inspire and educate. Whether it’s conferences, exhibitions, events, or educational programs, these events will help you discover new perspectives and strengthen your skills as a designer, especially in a multicultural city like Vancouver, where you can get a glimpse into the global design scene. Most of all, wouldn’t you love to meet designers in your industry and get feedback on your portfolio?

Here’s what Vancouver has in store –

For aspiring interior and architectural designers (and design nerds), this is an awards ceremony and gala event that celebrates excellence in the Western Canadian design industry. 

It’s a showcase of outstanding design work with networking opportunities and a chance to meet a wide range of designers and professionals. Over 400 influencers and designers will be in attendance. There will be a gourmet sit-down dinner and the Grand Villa Casino after the awards ceremony.

This event is perfect for graphic designers, creative professionals, and design students. It is a networking conference event with a packed agenda of design presentations and workshops.

You have the option to attend the event online or in person, depending on your preference. There will be talks from renowned designers such as Eva Cremers, Valentina D’Efilippo, Carlos Segura, and Erin Sarofsky, so it’s great for students to hear from practitioners. It’s also great for students who aren’t sure exactly what they want to do yet, as it covers a wide range of disciplines, including 3D illustration, information design, typography, film tie-in design, and more.  

There are a bunch of videos on the homepage, so check them out and register! 

The biggest tech conference in May is coming to Vancouver! It’s a conference for anyone who works in design and it’s for everyone.

This is the first Web Summit event in North America, replacing the old Collision Conference. More than 15,000 technology and innovation enthusiasts from around the world are expected to descend on Vancouver. Key attendees include international entrepreneurs, investors, journalists, and technology industry leaders. The conference will showcase new technologies and innovative products, and host a startup program. If you’re interested in design and entrepreneurship, this is a great opportunity to participate in panel discussions and networking sessions.

This is essential in a world that increasingly relies on artificial intelligence and innovative technologies. The Board of Trade Canada will connect Canadian technology companies with global corporate buyers and venture capital investors through its “Do Business with Canada” B2B meeting program.

This is a similar event to the first one, so if you’re an interior designer, architect, or just a design enthusiast, it’s a must! It’s also highly recommended if you’re a design lover. It’s held in Toronto and Vancouver, so you can choose the one that suits you best. 

It’s a showcase of the latest trends and products in interior design and architecture, which is the perfect way to get your feet wet after the first event. It’s also environmentally conscious, with artwork that utilizes sustainable materials, which is all the rage (and priority) right now. It offers AIBC and IDCEC certification seminars and introduces you to innovative products, and concepts from North America and abroad. It’s a great way to expand your visual insight and perspective. Also check out the ‘Learning To Be’ installation at the entrance. 

Check the 2025’s and find more details here!

This event is essential for students considering university programs in art and design. While the 2025 schedule has not been announced yet, based on the fact that it was held on November 16, 2024, it is likely to take place around the same time this year.  

Emily Carr University (ECU), located in Vancouver, is one of the world’s leading institutions for art and design education. As the oldest public university in Canada dedicated exclusively to professional art education, it has built a strong reputation in contemporary art and design.  National Portfolio Day offers students the opportunity to present their portfolios to experts and receive valuable feedback. It is also a great chance to meet representatives from various art and design schools, learn about admission requirements, and get insights into different programs.  

If you’re considering applying to an art or design school, be sure to visit the event website and take advantage of this invaluable opportunity!

Why Attend Design Events?

Vancouver, a vibrant multicultural city, places great value on art and culture, making it a hub for exciting design events. But why should you attend these events in person when you can simply watch them online from the small screen you carry everywhere?  

Design isn’t just about passive observation—it’s about engaging with the world, solving real-world problems, and bringing creative, innovative ideas to life. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with experts across various fields, stay informed about industry advancements beyond fleeting internet trends, and gain firsthand insights into emerging developments as they unfold.  

By actively participating rather than just spectating, you challenge yourself, expand your perspective, and grow into a truly distinctive designer with strong industry roots.