Header: Brecht Corbeel
Change and innovation seem to give industrial design little room to breathe, as we saw last year with all of the significant breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence and sustainable manufacturing. AI brought smarter, more efficient workflows that make the product development and production phases go on smoother, while sustainable practices forced companies to rethink their material choices and production methods. These shifts aren’t, however, happening only in the industrial sphere, as they’re part of a bigger change in the design industry that is challenging professionals from all over the world: either adapt and keep up or reconsider their place in the field.
This year shows no signs of slowing down. With technology continuing to evolve and sustainability staying a priority, the need to know what is invented daily and stay connected has never been more important. Attending the right events is one of the best ways to do this, as one will never be surprised by emerging trends and will have the opportunity to connect with their forward-thinking peers.
To help you with what’s ahead, we’ve created a list of the main industrial design events of 2025, so whether you’re looking to learn more about your industry, discover new ideas and inspiration, or grow your network, you should definitely add these events to your calendar—let’s take a look?
1. Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile)
When? April 8–13, 2025
Where? Milan, Italy
Milan Design Week will run from April 8 to 13 in Milan, Italy, with the theme “Connected Worlds” taking center stage, as this year’s event will try to push attendees towards exploring how design intersects with artificial intelligence, culture, and the environment. To achieve this, the MDW will host installations that spotlight innovative production and Italy’s industrial history throughout four main venues: Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, Villa Borsani, the Pasino Glasshouses, and the former SNIA factory.
The event will highlight major advancements in the industrial design field, such as sustainable solutions, new material technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence in production. Visitors will have the chance to explore emerging methods, network with industry professionals, and learn about the trends driving the industry’s future.
2. Design Shanghai
When? June 4–7, 2025
Where? Shanghai, China
Design Shanghai will run from June 4 to 7 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center in China, having been divided into four sections: Furniture & Lighting, Kitchen, Bathroom & Systems Design, New Materials & Applications, and Living & Lifestyle. Over 600 design pieces from more than 30 countries will be present at the event, all of which are connected to at least one of the pillars at the center of the event: sustainability, material innovation, and modern craftsmanship in industrial design. Highlights include Neooold, where handcrafted designs are examined under the theme “Mass Wonders,” Re:Materialise, a display of innovative material applications, the Design Shanghai Global Design Conference, and the CMF Conference.
The event offers industrial designers insights into new materials, production techniques, and global design trends, as exhibitions will focus on integrating traditional craft methods in industrial design and examine how functionality can meet innovation. With a mix of exhibitions and networking opportunities, the event helps designers and manufacturers stay updated with the latest advancements in the industry.
3. London Design Festival
When? September 13–21, 2025
Where? London, UK
The London Design Festival will run from September 13–21 in London, UK, marking its 23rd edition and once again positioning London as a permanent home of the design industry, with exhibitions, installations, workshops, and talks taking place across iconic venues and public spaces. Themes like sustainability and emerging technologies will take the spotlight, with the Victoria and Albert Museum, for example, serving as the festival’s official spot and other venues, such as the Roca London Gallery, focusing on architecture, design, and sustainability through curated exhibitions and events.
This year, industrial design will play a big role, with exhibitions like Well Made: What it Means Today, curated by Pearson Lloyd, Landmark Projects, collaborative installations, and curated works by industry-favorite designers exploring industrial design’s relevance in our society. Furthermore, the Global Design Forum will also host conversations regarding trends, innovations, and the future of industrial design, making the LDF a must-attend event for professionals looking to engage with new practices and technologies.
4. Hannover Messe
When? 31 March – 4 April, 2025
Where? Hanover, Germany
Hannover Messe will run from March 31 to April 4 in Hanover, Germany, bringing together over 4,000 companies from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, digital industries, and energy sectors. This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future with Technology,” will focus on electrification, digitization, and automation, with the main exhibitions including Smart Manufacturing, Digital Ecosystems, Energy for Industry, and Engineered Parts & Solutions.
For industrial designers, the event offers a chance to explore developments that impact product design and development processes, with over 1,600 speakers scheduled to be present at the event, where they’ll be covering topics such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, and sustainable production. Exhibitions will cover areas like sustainable design practices, AI-driven product development, and user-centered solutions. Still, there’s more: Canada, the Partner Country, will present advancements in AI, robotics, clean energy, and advanced materials. Attendees will, therefore, have the opportunity to connect with the technologies that are shaping the industry, proving this to be an event that those looking toward the future cannot miss.
5. Maison&Objet
When? January 16–20, 2025
Where? Paris, France
Maison&Objet will run from January 16 to 20 in Paris, France, and it is mainly known for focusing on interior and furniture design. Still, industrial products have gained more importance each year and have even gotten their own hall. The 2025 theme, “Sur/Reality,” examines how surrealism can influence creativity through ideas like fantasy, distortion, and randomness, and it will be explored in the event’s main sections: “What’s New?” in Decor, Hospitality, and Retail.
For industrial designers, the event offers curated exhibitions and a chance to explore the industry’s evolving trends, such as a shift toward personalized and technology-driven design. To explore these areas, guests must visit the “What’s New?” in the Decor and Retail sections to discover upcoming materials, colors, and merchandising strategies, but other halls, such as the first and second, will also prove to be of interest. Although this fair is more design-centered, this is the perfect opportunity to get some inspiration, discover new products, and connect with professionals.
6. World Summit on Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (WSIME-2025)
When? September 22–24, 2025
Where? Frankfurt, Germany
The World Summit on Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (WSIME-2025) will be held from September 22 to 24 in Frankfurt, Germany, bringing together researchers, professionals, and students and inviting them to share knowledge and discuss industrial and manufacturing engineering developments. The event will feature speeches, workshops, and presentations on topics like industrial automation, sustainable manufacturing, additive manufacturing, machine learning, and supply chain management, making this the number one event for exchanging information among peers.
For industrial designers, the event will house exhibitions and sessions on additive manufacturing, robotics, and sustainable practices, plus host discussions regarding how technologies like 3D printing and machine learning are shaping design processes. For those interested in discussions and presentations, this is the event to attend this year, as they’ll be able to explore the latest trends and innovations in industrial design, manufacturing, and engineering, plus have the opportunity to connect with experts and explore groundbreaking tools.
7. Dutch Design Week
When? October 18–26, 2025
Where? Eindhoven, Netherlands
Dutch Design Week (DDW), the largest design event in Northern Europe, will take place from October 18 to 26 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and is expected to attract over 355,000 visitors and feature the work of more than 2,600 designers across approximately 120 locations. While the theme and curators have not yet been announced, the 2025 edition will most likely continue focusing on experimental design and important social and environmental issues, so attendees can expect exhibitions, lectures, debates, and networking opportunities that bring together many minds from the design community.
For those interested in industrial design, the event will house exhibitions focused on current trends and innovations, such as sustainable materials and solutions to current social issues. An event that cannot be missed during the week is the Design Innovation Sessions, organized by CLICKNL, which will explore how creative industries can tackle large challenges like circularity and inclusivity. While the full program has yet to be released, industrial designers can expect the chance to get to know new products and methods and connect with emerging talents and established firms. Knowing this, we invite you to make a note to check this event out once more details are announced.
8. Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair
When? February 4–8, 2025
Where? Stockholm, Sweden
The Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair will take place from February 4 to 8 in Stockholm, Sweden, focusing on Scandinavian style in most spheres of design: furniture, industrial design, lighting, and materials. Attendees will be able to attend the “Industry Talks” seminar series, which will cover topics such as sustainability, digital product passports, AI in design, and circular transformation, plus exhibitions like “Greenhouse” and “Älvsjö Gård”, where emerging designers, art, and design are given the spotlight.
For industrial designers, the fair creates a space where emerging trends, tools, and methods can be freely analyzed and enjoyed. To explore this, visitors can check out exhibitions like “Greenhouse”, where new designers will share their views on product design, and panels like “AI-VOLUTION”, where AI’s influence on design workflows will be deeply discussed. “Materials of the Future,” on the other hand, will focus on sustainability and circularity. At the same time, Guest of Honour Faye Toogood’s “MANUFACTURE” project will dive into the current relationship between craftsmanship and contemporary design. Therefore, the event is a space where professionals can gain insights, connect with peers, and stay updated on the latest developments in design, so be sure to add this to your calendars.
9. Dubai Design Week
When? November 4–9, 2025
Where? Dubai, UAE
Dubai Design Week, running from November 4–9 in Dubai, UAE, is a six-day event covering everything new in architecture, product design, furniture, interiors, and graphic design. The 2025 edition will put a special focus on sustainable design, exploring industrial design’s role in modern architecture and urban spaces. Visitors can attend programs such as Abwab, which will be all about regional creativity; Urban Commissions, where outdoor furniture design will take center stage; large-scale installations by global designers; and Downtown Design, a contemporary design fair.
Industrial designers will be able to explore urban installations, innovative materials, and sustainable solutions, all with a strong focus on how industrial design can shape functional spaces. Talks and panel discussions from international and regional designers will cover the main trends that are making quite a buzz in the industry, like circular design and integrating technology into production processes, creating opportunities for professionals to learn and network.
10. Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP)
When? October 15–17, 2025
Where? Singapore
The Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) will run from October 15 to 17 at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre and is designed to help companies in the Asia-Pacific region adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Stakeholders are invited to visit and collaborate, network, and especially develop business opportunities, so the event is home to several activity zones and sessions curated to different innovations, from additive manufacturing to industrial automation, digitalization, and sustainable manufacturing.
While details for the 2025 edition have not yet been disclosed, we can expect exhibitions to highlight the latest innovations in industrial design and emphasize emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, green factory initiatives, and intelligent machine tools. ITAP provides industrial designers with a special and quite thoughtful platform to explore how innovation can be applied to our world, so if this is something you could be interested in, make sure to save the date and find space in your networking notebook to save the numbers and names of all the new professionals you’ll connect with.
