Header: Design Shanghai
The landscape of making things is changing fast. In 2026, the lines between heavy manufacturing, digital technology, and creative aesthetics are getting thinner. For professionals in product and industrial design, attending the right events is the best way to keep up with these shifts. Whether you are looking for new software, robotics, or just pure creative inspiration, next year offers a strong lineup of gatherings. Here are seven major conferences and events scheduled for 2026 that will shape the industry.
CES 2026
Las Vegas, USA | January 6 – 9, 2026
The year kicks off in Las Vegas with CES, an event that has grown far beyond just consumer electronics. While it is famous for gadgets, the 2026 edition puts a heavy focus on the future of manufacturing. The Consumer Technology Association is introducing a dedicated Manufacturing Track this year to explore how products are designed, built, and delivered. A major highlight will be the keynote from Roland Busch, the CEO of Siemens AG, who will discuss how artificial intelligence and digital twins are changing the factory floor.
Attendees can visit the Advanced Manufacturing Showcase in the Central Hall to see new automation tech and industrial software. For those interested in the supply chain, the North Hall will feature robotics and simulation tools, while the South Hall focuses on product design and sourcing. It is a massive event where the practical side of building products meets the cutting edge of technology.
Design Shanghai 2026
Shanghai, China | March 19–22, 2026
In March, the focus turns to Asia as Design Shanghai returns to its original home at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. This is the 13th edition of the event, and it is set to be the most ambitious yet, featuring over 500 brands from 20 countries. The conference is a key spot for seeing how Eastern technology meets Western craftsmanship. This year’s themes, “Beyond Sustainability” and “Vitality,” explore how design can go past just being green to actively improve life and nature.
The show floor is divided into sectors like “New Materials” and “Living & Lifestyle.” It features major international names like Roche Bobois alongside Chinese luxury brands such as SHANG XIA. A major draw is the “Talents” section, curated by Frank Chou, which highlights the work of designers under 35. For those who want to see the cultural heartbeat of the region, the “Design in the City” festival expands the event to over 100 locations across Shanghai.
Salone del Mobile.Milano
Milan, Italy | April 21–26, 2026
Widely considered the global benchmark for furniture and design, Salone del Mobile returns in April with a fresh perspective. The 2026 campaign, titled “A Matter of Salone,” moves the conversation from the human-centric focus of last year to the raw materials themselves. The event explores the physical origins of design – stone, wood, sponge – and asks how matter itself generates meaning. It is less about the final polished look and more about the tactile, physical process of creation.
The campaign treats materials as “living matter” that can be interrogated and transformed. Visuals for the event, created by a collective including photographers and set designers, emphasise the journey from raw substance to finished object. Visitors can expect to see this philosophy reflected across the fairgrounds in Rho Fiera, where the exhibit acts as a massive stage for the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
Hannover Messe 2026
Hannover, Germany | April 20–24, 2026
In April, the focus shifts to Germany for Hannover Messe, widely considered the most important platform for industrial transformation. This event is where the concept of “Industry 4.0” often takes centre stage. For 2026, the organisers are creating a new layout to encourage more direct exchange and business connections. The core themes for this year include AI in industry, carbon-neutral production, and the rise of humanoid robots in the workforce.
The speaker lineup is very strong, featuring leaders from Siemens, Rheinmetall, and Accenture. Notably, Amy Webb, a well-known futurologist, will speak about how tech and geopolitical trends will merge in the coming decade. Dr. Pablo Erat from the sports brand On will also demonstrate how robotics and new materials are redefining how sportswear is made. This is the place to be if you want to understand the machinery and systems that will power production in the future.
DESIGN 2026
Cavtat, Croatia | May 2026 (Estimated)
For those looking for a deeper dive into the methodology and science behind creation, the 19th International DESIGN Conference in Croatia is a key stop. Unlike the massive trade shows in Vegas or Hannover, this event serves as a forum for academic and practical discussions on engineering design. It brings together researchers and practitioners to look at the theory behind how we make things, from computer science to cognitive psychology.
The conference focuses on bridging the gap between research and actual practice. The 2026 edition will tackle how design can adapt to rapid changes in the world, including the impact of AI on human behaviour and the need for sustainable development. It is an ideal setting for professionals who want to move beyond the “how” of design and understand the “why,” debating the tools and processes that will define the next generation of engineering.
IDC 2026
Pasadena, California | August 18–21, 2026
Later in the summer, the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) hosts its International Design Conference (IDC) in Pasadena. This event is designed to be less of a traditional lecture series and more of a living forum for connection. It brings together educators, students, and creative leaders to discuss how industrial design shapes culture and innovation.
The IDC is known for its strong sense of community. It provides a space for designers at all career stages to swap knowledge and build relationships. The 2026 schedule includes the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Gala on August 20, which celebrates the best work in the field. If you are looking to network with other designers and discuss the human and cultural side of the profession, this is the primary event to attend in the United States.
Dutch Design Week 2026
Eindhoven, Netherlands | October 17–25, 2026
The year winds down with Dutch Design Week, the largest design event in Northern Europe. This is not a standard conference held in a single convention centre. Instead, it is a city-wide festival where Eindhoven transforms into a massive laboratory for imagination. Over 2,500 designers present their work across nearly 100 locations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The event is famous for valuing experimentation over finished commercial products. It covers everything from industrial design to graphic art and sustainable architecture. The 2026 edition promises nine days of radical ideas and fresh perspectives, offering a look at how design can redefine how we live. It is a great source of raw inspiration and a chance to see future concepts before they hit the mainstream market.
The schedule for 2026 offers something for every type of design professional. You can start the year seeing the high-tech machinery of mass production at CES, travel to Shanghai and Milan to see the best in global aesthetics, and end the year exploring experimental creativity in the Netherlands. Each of these events provides a different piece of the puzzle for understanding where product and industrial design is heading.
