Seeking fresh ideas and a spark of inspiration? Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, educator, or simply curious, 2025 offers an exciting lineup of creativity conferences around the globe. From immersive workshops to groundbreaking research presentations, these events will fuel your creative journey and connect you with like-minded visionaries. Here are seven must-explore creativity conferences happening worldwide this year.
SXSW: Where innovation meets imagination
Austin, Texas
SXSW (South by Southwest) has long been a magnet for pioneers, storytellers, and innovators eager to shape the future. Spanning over a week, this festival is far more than just a conference—it’s a sprawling celebration of film, music, tech, and ideas. Attendees can dive into thought-provoking conference sessions, catch exclusive screenings at the Film & TV Festival, enjoy live music showcases, and even laugh it up at the Comedy Festival.
What truly sets SXSW apart is its boundary-breaking spirit and the chance to engage with the next big things in creativity. Whether you’re networking with global visionaries or testing your skills in tech competitions, SXSW offers endless opportunities to expand your creative horizons and immerse yourself in Austin’s vibrant cultural scene.
Florida Creativity Conference: Hands-On innovation
Sarasota, Florida
Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Florida Creativity Conference is a hub for professionals and curious minds seeking to tackle challenges through innovative thinking. This event thrives on collaboration and offers dynamic workshops designed to strengthen the foundations of creative problem solving.
From educators to business leaders, attendees engage with powerful speakers and practical tools that ignite both personal and professional growth. The conference fosters a welcoming environment where individual creativity is nurtured alongside collaborative exploration, making it a prime spot for those eager to rethink how they approach challenges and innovation.
CREA Conference: Creativity in the heart of Tuscany
Sestri Levante, Italy
Europe’s leading creativity conference, CREA, brings together more than 200 participants from over 30 countries for an immersive dive into creative problem solving and innovation. Set in a WWF-affiliated natural oasis in Tuscany, this conference is as inspiring for its setting as for its content.
Attendees choose from eight focused creativity programs, including cutting-edge topics like AI applications for facilitators and teamwork innovation. Beyond workshops, CREA offers wellness activities and evening social events, blending professional development with relaxation. It’s an ideal blend of mind-expanding learning and cultural immersion in one of Italy’s most scenic regions.
Creativity Conference at Southern Oregon University: Science meets nature
Ashland, Oregon
For those fascinated by the science behind creativity, the Creativity Conference at Southern Oregon University offers a unique blend of research, discussion, and inspiration. This event attracts scholars, practitioners, and creatives who seek to understand and harness creative thinking across disciplines.
Set in the scenic Rogue Valley, attendees can balance intellectual engagement with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, wine tasting, and attending performances at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It’s an ideal setting to recharge both mind and body while diving deep into the latest creativity research.
Creativity & Cognition Conference: Virtual exploration of the creative mind
Online:
Since 1993, the Creativity & Cognition Conference has been a vital forum for artists, scientists, educators, and researchers to explore how creativity unfolds both individually and socially. This year’s virtual event will focus on themes such as creativity as a driver of positive change and the intersection of arts and technology.
Offering presentations on creativity support tools and transformative processes, this accessible conference is perfect for anyone interested in the cutting edge of creative research and digital innovation—without the need to travel.
Creative Problem Solving Institute Conference: Stretch your creative limits
Buffalo, New York
Celebrating over 60 years of inspiring innovation, the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) conference is the longest-running creativity event in the world. The 2025 theme, “STRETCH,” challenges attendees to push beyond conventional limits through immersive workshops and expert-led sessions.
This conference is a playground for ideators, featuring renowned speakers and hands-on experiences designed to equip individuals and organizations with the creative tools necessary to thrive in a fast-changing landscape. If you want to join industry leaders and creativity champions in Buffalo this summer, CPSI is a must.
The Creativity Conference: A day of inspiration in Dubai
Dubai, UAE:
Closing out the year is The Creativity Conference, a one-day free event held in Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future. This gathering features world-renowned creatives sharing their passion and process, providing practical insights into how they create original work.
The conference encourages attendees to “share your joy” by revealing what drives their creativity and how they transform inspiration into action. Along with keynote talks, participants enjoy networking opportunities and a communal lunch—perfect for connecting with Dubai’s thriving creative community.
Ready to explore creativity in 2025?
These seven conferences offer something for every creative spirit—whether you’re seeking research-driven insight, practical problem-solving skills, or vibrant networking with global innovators. To deepen your inspiration, consider pairing these with other top innovation events worldwide. And remember, the key to a fulfilling conference experience is active participation: ask questions, join discussions, and connect beyond the sessions.
