PHXDW: Grounded in Creativity,
Growing Together
Phoenix Design Week (PHXDW) is a week-long celebration of design organized by AIGA Arizona to unite our state's design community and provide a forum for sharing best practices, gaining fresh inspiration, and showcasing exceptional work. Now in its 17th year, our theme for PHXDW 2025 is Rooted.
We are all rooted here. Not in a way that keeps us stuck—but in a way that gives us strength, perspective, and belonging. Whether you're Arizona-born or a transplant, your creative foundation is shaped by this place—the mountain silhouettes, desert blooms, monsoon skies, and the warmth of the sun. At PHXDW 2025, we invite you to dig deep. Rooted is a chance to reconnect with your craft, your community, and the creative spark that drives Arizona's design scene. This dynamic week is about grounding yourself in where you've been while also reaching for what's next. It's a celebration of Arizona's diverse and ever-evolving creative landscape—and a chance to grow together.
See some highlights from PHXDW 2024 to help plant the seed! See more from past years
PHXDW 2024 Photos and Videos
PHXDW Conference Pricing
Arizona's biggest design event of the year is coming up fast, so claim your spot now before Late Registration* kicks in on September 14! Your all-access pass includes two days of PHXDW conference programming on Friday & Saturday, September 19-20, a happy hour reception on Friday, September 19, and the Phoenix Design Week closing party hosted by Artisan Colour on Friday, September 26.
Can't make it both days? Choose a one-day pass for either Friday or Saturday. Bring the whole gang — groups of 5 or more get a 15% rebate; click that REGISTER button to see the full agenda and details.
Want to grow your skills at PHXDW and have your company cover the cost? Download our Convince your boss kit for talking points and tips.
- AIGA Member
- $379
- Affiliates & Nonprofits
- $439
- Non-Member
- $499
- One-Day Pass
- $279
- Student/Faculty AIGA Member
- $199
- Student/Faculty Non-Member
- $279
PHXDW Conference Speakers
We dug deep with the voices shaping Arizona's creative landscape. From inspiring keynote speakers to bold breakout sessions, the lineup of speakers was rooted in craft, community, and big ideas.
Conference SpeakersKeynote Speakers
Emily Ruth Cohen
- Role
- Founder & Partner
- Organization
- Casa Davka, LLC
Dan Janssen & Dustin Noden
- Role
- Chief Creative Officer & Creative Director
- Organization
- Lincoln Design Co
Laura Worthington
- Role
- Typeface Designer
- Organization
- Laura Worthington Design
Sadie Red Wing
- Role
- Indigenous Design Educator
- Organization
- Arizona State University
Bill Gardner
- Role
- Owner/Founder
- Organization
- Gardner Design
LogoLounge
Michael Janda
- Role
- Mentor for Creative Entrepreneurs
- Organization
- More Creative Academy
PHXDW Conference Schedule
Got our inspirational recharge from an incredible lineup of keynotes on the main stage, growing our skills with hands-on preconference workshops, and dug deeper with breakout sessions rooted in six themed tracks. You look back at descriptions of each session and speaker in the schedule.
Conference Schedule- Tips &
Tricks - Marketing
Yourself - Rooted in
Community - Tools of
the Trade - Cultivating
Confidence - Digging
Deep
Design Week Events
Statewide: September 19 – 26, 2025
More than just a weekend conference, Phoenix Design Week is a week-long celebration of design, marketing, and creative events statewide cultivated by AIGA Arizona and community partners.
Events Schedule
Get Involved
Volunteer at PHXDW 2026
Join the crew that brings PHXDW to life! From setup to check-in and everything in between, we have a few spots to fill with people who love helping this community-grown event thrive.
VolunteerBecome a Sponsor
Want to dig in and support Arizona's design scene, and get some perks like passes, promos, and space to show off what you do? Check out the options starting at only $250, then connect with us via email!
Sponsor PHXDWSponsor a Student
For only $150, you can help a deserving student plant the seeds of their career at the PHXDW Conference. Choose someone you have in mind or let us match you up with an applicant.
Sponsor a StudentGet Sponsored
Student sponsorship applications closed on August 30, 2025.
HEAR FROM PAST PHXDW ATTENDEES
It is always nice to be reminded and asked to remember why I do what I do! I loved hearing from other creatives that they struggle with the same things.
Anonymous
As a freelancer, PHXDW helps me stay connected.
Kathy Weber
Honestly, I pulled something from every session - some big and some small. I appreciated how approachable and tangible everyone has been! I loved the practical takeaways, especially about my approach to money and leveraging fear in my working process. THANK YOU!
Carrie Herrera-Niesen
Really appreciate all the volunteer staff members - all so nice and helpful all weekend long.
Anna O'Connor
Honestly, thank you. I'm so inspired.
Dani Targost
PHXDW helps recharge me. I've learned a lot from previous PHXDW conferences and look forward to it every year.
Anonymous
I gained a ton of knowledge on how to stay busy and inspired while making money. We had a great time!
Anonymous
Thank you! This conference brought me closer to my team and my significant other, whose attendance was his first exposure to the design world! (And he loved it!)
Kaelyn Williams
Love the vibe and community here in Phoenix. I'm from Albuquerque and have been to other conferences — the energy here is welcoming and approachable.
Shalen Holt
There are such amazing people in the design community! I already knew this, but the convention really confirms it. We all want to succeed and help each other succeed too.
Lauren Berkley
As a new AIGA member, I realize I have a story to share with the design community and need to become an active voice.
Keith Corcoran
I didn't realize the 'design' concept of this conference was so wide - I loved it!
Sonia Fitzgerald
An insane amount of good information that worked for me right away.
Zuzanna Czerny
Amazing! I learned so much; makes me want to keep trying as a designer. Thank you for this event!
Anonymous
I love the approachable scale of this conference. Great work putting it together. Thank you!
Anonymous
Loved the diversity of speakers and topics.
Jes Green
I had so much fun!! I was so impressed with the amount of work and effort put into this whole event.
Renee Henry
I loved hearing tips and tricks from industry leaders. Also a relief to know everyone doubts themselves.
Capri Stuart
Made me think about leaning in to my weird, big ideas and spending more time exploring.
Anonymous
I loved connecting with many passionate creatives and sharing insights on turning your talents into thriving side projects. I'm grateful for our design community in Arizona!
Julie Bonner
Great experience and I met so many nice and creative people!
Jon Arvizu
Very happy to be a part of such an awesome and thriving design community here in PHX.
Christian Hernandez
Thank you @aigaaz for planning @phxdw and nourishing design professionals in Arizona.
Fabian Tejada
Just what I needed to boost my work, my morale, and an opportunity to give back to students AND connect with other professionals I know.
Mariana Keymolen
More notes to look over. More lessons to incorporate into my career and practice. More people to add on LinkedIn. Absolutely amazing.
Nick Corona