Design Nation is an all-expenses-paid design conference for undergraduates with a love for design.

Design Nation is...

An all-expenses-paid exploration of the versatility of a career in design, how design is applied differently across industries, and what it looks like to be a design leader facing the business and social challenges of our world. This year, Design Nation will take place virtually on April 5th and 12th, and in-person in NYC on April 19th.

We’re not looking for just designers; entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and makers are all welcome–anyone with a love for design wishing to learn more. All applications are considered on a need-blind basis, and all costs are covered for accepted attendees.

Design Nation is presented by Business Today

2025 Theme:

Learn more about 2025 Translations Conference

KEYNOTES

Speakers in our keynotes and panels range from partners at large companies like McKinsey to owners of notable design firms like Pentagram. Executives leading these sessions answer the big-picture questions shaping design today and where the field will go tomorrow.

NETWORKING

Design has not yet received greater recognition in higher education, making it difficult for students to connect with firms, not to mention with each other. With executive seminars and networking sessions, Design Nation attendees are offered a chance to introduce themselves to potential future collaborators.

WORKSHOPS

As one of the most interactive aspects of Design Nation, workshops are designed for young creatives to learn through collaboration, creativity, and critiquing design through the perspective of advertising, tech, and digital. An executive leads students through an exercise, leaving attendees with a newfound understanding of design.