The world of design is a constantly evolving universe, where creativity and innovation meet to give rise to new trends and futuristic visions. 2024 is shaping up to be a year full of must-see events spanning all facets of design, from fashion to furniture, technology to art. Attending these events not only provides an opportunity to stay on top of the latest trends, but also opens doors to new collaborations and inspiration. In this article, we will guide you through the major global design events for 2024, outlining a map of events that every design enthusiast should mark on their calendar. From New York to Tokyo, London to Dubai, get ready to discover key destinations where design will take shape in surprising and innovative ways.
Why attend design events?
In today’s globalized and interconnected world, attending design events is not only a matter of professional development, but becomes an enriching cultural experience and an inexhaustible source of inspiration. These events provide a unique opportunity for designers, architects, creatives, and enthusiasts to discover the latest innovations, interact with industry leaders, and explore new ideas that are shaping the future of design. Each event, with its exhibitions, lectures and workshops, offers a window into emerging trends and new directions that design is taking around the world. From the sustainable use of materials to the digital revolution in interior design, the topics covered are as varied as they are vital for anyone wishing to remain competitive and informed in their field.
In addition, these international events facilitate professional networking, allowing participants to connect with potential collaborators or clients from different parts of the world. The stimulating and dynamic environment of design events is an ideal place to exchange ideas, receive feedback and even start new collaborations or projects.
May
May kicks off with a series of outstanding events spanning several cities around the globe, kicking off a busy season for the design world:
- New York: From May 10 to 14, the city hosts Tefaf, a world-renowned art, antiques and design fair. In parallel, from May 16-23, NYCxDesign, New York’s design festival, is held, offering fairs, exhibitions and installations throughout the metropolis, including ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan, two major trade shows that attract design professionals from around the world.
- Beijing: On May 11-13, ISH China showcases innovation in bathroom, furniture and technology design, attracting an international audience of industry professionals.
- Beijing: On May 11-13, ISH China showcases innovation in bathroom, furniture and technology design, attracting an international audience of industry professionals.
- Barcelona and London: From May 21-23, both cities celebrate Design Week with Construmat in Barcelona and Clerkenwell Design Week and Design London in London, events that explore new ideas in urban design and sustainability.
- Melbourne: From May 23 to June 2, Melbourne Design Week explores the theme of Ecology, Ethics and Energy, offering an extensive program that includes workshops, installations, and more.
June
June brings with it a multitude of celebratory events that enrich the global design cultural landscape:
- Basel: From June 11-16, Design Miami/Basel proves to be a major platform for collectible design, attracting internationally renowned galleries and designers. In parallel, Art Basel, June 13-16, brings together artists and galleries from around the world, making this week an epicenter for contemporary art lovers.
- Copenhagen: From June 12-14, 3 Days of Design celebrates Danish design through events taking place in 13 distinct districts of the capital, with each area offering a unique perspective on local creativity.
- Tokyo: From June 12-14, the Interior Lifestyle fair focuses on textiles, home furnishings and furniture, showcasing the latest Asian trends in interior design.
- Shanghai: On June 19-22, Design Shanghai explores the intersection of furniture, lighting, and home design, providing a platform for dialogue on “Beyond Sustainability lies Re-Creative Design – Design for Wellbeing.”
July
July may seem quieter, but the design world never goes on vacation:
- Tokyo: July 3-5, Design Tokyo continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Asia’s most innovative events. Focusing on products that combine functionality and advanced aesthetics, it attracts designers, companies and curious onlookers looking for the latest industry innovations.
August
August is the month when design meets tradition and innovation in Asia:
- Delhi: From 9 to 11, Index in Delhi showcases furniture, lighting and textiles, highlighting emerging Indian design trends that are influencing the global market.
- Shanghai: From 14-16, Intertextile focuses on home textiles, showcasing a wide range of innovative and sustainable materials that are redefining interior design.
September
September marks the beginning of autumn with a series of design festivals that light up Europe:
- Paris: From 5 to 14, the Paris Design Festival invites people to explore new concept stores, artistic showcases and vernissages, transforming the city into a huge stage for contemporary design.
- London: From 14 to 22, the London Design Festival celebrates its 22nd edition with installations, exhibitions and workshops taking place throughout the capital, showing its growing importance in the global design scene.
- Vienna: Simultaneously, from the 14th to the 22nd, Vienna Design Week offers an in-depth look at the impact of design on urbanism and global coexistence, with some 200 events attracting some 40,000 visitors annually.
October
October welcomes a variety of design weeks that explore themes from east to west, solidifying the month’s reputation as one of the most dynamic for global design:
- Eindhoven: From 19-27, Dutch Design Week showcases the Netherlands’ experimental perspective on various creative disciplines. Events include workshops, exhibitions and seminars covering everything from social design to graphic design, landscape design to animation, emphasizing the Dutch approach to innovative design.
- Tokyo: Designart Tokyo, held in October, transforms the city into a widespread design festival covering galleries, department stores and museums. The event follows an annual theme that inspires exhibitions of computational design and more, attracting a large international audience.
- Mexico City: In the same month, Design Week Mexico presents its 16th edition, highlighting design in all its forms, with a focus on the innovations and cultural exchanges that have shaped Mexico’s design landscape.
November
November is a month when design merges with global culture, offering events that challenge the role of design in the contemporary world:
- Dubai: From 6 to 9, Dubai Design Week, organized in collaboration with Dubai Design District (d3), is the largest design event in the Middle East and includes a wide range of workshops, installations and lectures exploring craftsmanship, furniture design and material innovations.
- Brussels: From 3 to 6, the Brussels Furniture Fair offers an overview of new trends in furniture, with a special focus on European furniture design.
December
- Miami: Miami Art Week in December concludes the year of events with a celebration of art and design. With fairs such as Art Basel and Design Miami/, the city comes alive with exhibitions, installations and pop-up events, attracting professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.