2025 UCDA Design Conference: Resilience

UCDA is going back to Cali! Join us in iconic Pasadena, California for the 55th annual UCDA Design Conference: November 10-13, 2025.

This year we draw inspiration from the strength of the communities in Greater Los Angeles and from the resilient spirit of individuals and communities across the country. We invite you to join us in celebrating Resilience. 

As Southern California rebuilds its communities, we find a powerful parallel in the challenges creatives in higher education are encountering. Navigating rapidly evolving technological landscapes, shifting pedagogical paradigms, and resource constraints, our community’s landscape has also been altered. Both realms demand adaptability, creativity, strength, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to building a new and stronger path toward the future.

Benefits of Attending

Each year, the UCDA Design Conference brings together designers, educators, communicators, and students to connect, learn, and get inspired. It’s your chance to dive into the latest design and communication trends—especially those that matter most in higher education—and explore what’s happening across the broader design world. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, creative energy, and new ways to collaborate. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to grow your skills, meet new people, and be part of a vibrant, supportive professional community.

Programming

The 2025 UCDA Design Conference will offer a well-rounded mix of mainstage presentations and breakout sessions designed to inform, inspire, and energize. This year’s programming will focus on four key areas: Technology, Inspiration, Professional Practice, and Education—each curated to meet the needs of creatives working in and around higher education.

• Technology: Stay on top of the latest tools, trends, and tech shaping the design world. Whether you're exploring new software, discovering how emerging technologies impact your institution, or preparing for what’s next, these sessions are designed to keep you informed and adaptable.
  
  
• Inspiration: These sessions are all about sparking creativity and shifting perspectives. You'll leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to see your work—and the world—through a new lens.
  
  
• Professional Practice: Dig into practical, hands-on learning designed to boost your everyday work. You’ll find "how-to" sessions, skill-building workshops, and advice on everything from communication and ethics to time management, freelancing, and career growth.
  
  
• Education: Tailored for design educators and lifelong learners alike, these content-rich sessions cover topics like research, pedagogy, curriculum development, and more. Whether you’re on a tenure track or expanding your design expertise, these sessions offer valuable insight and support.
  

In addition to sessions, we’ll celebrate outstanding work at the UCDA Design Awards Show, host the always-popular Publications Swap Shop, celebrate creative excellence with the Krider Prize winner, get into friendly bidding wars during the UCDA Foundation Silent Auction, and make plenty of space for networking and casual connection throughout the event. Plus, our Expo is expanding into a two-day-long experience, giving you more time to connect with vendors, sponsors, and professionals who support your work.

Who Should Attend

• Design and communication professionals at all levels of their careers from all departments within university and colleges.
• Designers in communications professions who work in other sectors.
• Design educators and design students.
• Newcomers to the profession.
• Creatives who would like to connect with their peers across the country.
• Companies who would like to build business relationships with our attendees.

Use our Convince Your Boss letter template to advocate for your professional development by attending the UCDA Design Conference.

Registration Opens May 15

Register early to get the best rates and secure your spot. Find your rate in the chart below and click on the Register button on the right column of this page. 

Pasadena, California

Historic and vibrant Pasadena is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Southern California’s cultural pulse comes to life in Pasadena. Culturally rich and artfully layered, there’s a masterpiece around every corner: storied architecture, landmark museums, antique shops, lush gardens, top-notch theaters, and galleries. 

Located within the city’s 1.5-mile downtown core are four districts that blend Pasadena’s past, present, and future: Civic Plaza, Old Pasadena, Playhouse Village and South Lake Avenue. These distinct ares are alive with cobblestone courtyards, sidewalk bistros, cafes, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. Pasadena is a base camp of inspiration—from Hubble to Hawkings, some of the world’s greatest minds have lived and worked in Pasadena. Home to Caltech, JPL and the ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena institutions boast worldwide recognition for their contributions to science, technology, and creativity, making it an ideal site for the UCDA Design Conference. 

Learn more at visitpasadena.com.

Travel & Lodging

Conference Site
The Westin Pasadena (191 North Los Robles, Pasadena, California 91101) serves as our conference home base for 2025.

Centrally located in the heart of one of California’s most exciting cities, the Westin Pasadena provides easy access to cultural sites such as the Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens, Norton Simon Museum and the Rose Bowl Stadium. Old Pasadena is just two blocks away, featuring boutique and major retailers, extensive dining, and numerous entertainment options.

Nearly all of the conference events will take place in the Westin, so we encourage attendees to stay on site for the most convenient experience.

Discounted Hotel Rate
A discounted room rate of $225 per night is available for conference attendees Friday, November 8 to Thursday, November 14. Standard rates apply outside of these dates. To receive the discount and ensure a room, reservations must be received by the hotel before Friday, October 17, 2025 and must be booked directly with the Westin Pasdena using the booking link below. 

Book your hotel room now to receive the UCDA group rate. 

Your hotel stay is not included in the conference registration fees, and you are responsible for making your reservations. Room blocks may fill before the hotel deadline and have sold out the last few years, so please make your reservation immediately to ensure the discounted rate and availability.

Air Travel
Choose from two nearby airports when booking your air travel:

• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
  16 miles/25 minutes to Pasadena
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  29 miles/60 minutes to Pasadena

Insider Tip: Book your room and flight early. 
UCDA has a limited room block at the conference hotel, so you are encouraged to book early.

Conference Schedule 

Preliminary schedule, subject to change. Speakers, session descriptions, and workshops will be announced soon. View the 2024 conference schedule. 

Time zone: Pacific Standard Time

 
($) Indicates additional cost separate from registration fee. 

Krider Prize for Creativity

Created in 2009, the Krider Prize for Creativity honors creative excellence wherever it may be found. Recognizing that inspiration may be drawn from a broad range of fields and experiences, the Krider Prize honors and showcases the accomplishments of standout creatives and serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for conference attendees.

Named in honor of John A. Krider, a UCDA founding member and advocate for creativity in design, the Krider Prize is a key component of the annual UCDA Design Conference. 

The 2025 Krider Prize for Creativity call for nominations is open now through June 30. Learn more and nominate an outstanding creative today.

UCDA Design Awards Show 

The 2025 UCDA Design Awards Show will feature the winning entries from this year's design competition. Winning entries will be recognized on Monday, November 10, 2025, during a presentation on the Mainstage, followed by the opening of the awards show, which will be on view through Wednesday evening.

For more than 50 years, the UCDA Design Awards competition has recognized the best of exceptional design and creative work as part of our mission to promote design excellence, support educational institutions, and drive the exchange of ideas and information relating to the unique role creatives play in education and the world.

2025 UCDA Design Awards Call for Entries Open Now

Early Bird entry ends May 10. Call for entries ends June 30. The UCDA Design Awards are judged by a hand-picked panel of peer jurors composed of designers, design educators, photographers, and illustrators working in or doing a significant portion of their work for educational institutions—they understand the environments in which you create.

Learn more and enter your best work today.

UCDA Foundation Silent Auction 

Support professional development in design by participating in the UCDA Foundation Silent Auction. Held during the conference, the auction raises funds for scholarships that help members—both new and long-standing—attend the event.

Bring your donation with you to the conference or send them ahead. Popular items include member-made artwork, unique collectibles, and locally inspired treasures from the host city. All proceeds go directly to supporting UCDA and its mission to advance designers in education. Donate or bid to make a meaningful impact while celebrating creativity!

Learn more about the UCDAF Silent Auction. 

Two-Day Vendor Expo 

New this year: The UCDA Design Conference Vendor Expo will take place over the course of two days during the conference—Tuesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 12. Vendors will be set up around the conference area to provide ample opportunities for attendees to visit with them and discuss printing, paper, digital solutions, and other important topics related to producing marketing, communications, and design work. We will also host a Vendor Reception on Tuesday evening.

Vendor Expo and Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase your product or service and build business relationships with graphic designers and other communications professionals in higher education. Connecting with our group of influencers and decision makers is the best way to get your company connected with educational institutions and move your brand forward.

There are multiple levels of sponsorship opportunity:

• Conference Presenting Sponsor: This is available to only one (1) company. Put your brand above all others, stand out, and get noticed by making this the UCDA Design Conference presented by your company. UCDA will provide numerous points of access and promotional benefits above regular sponsorship.
  
  
• Design Awards Show & Exhibition Presenting Sponsor: This is available to only one (1) company. Put your brand above all others, stand out, and get noticed by becoming the Presenting Sponsor of the UCDA Design Awards Show. UCDA will provide numerous points of access and promotional benefits above regular sponsorship.
  
  
• Event Sponsor: Three levels—gold, silver, bronze—each with benefits and a cost point to meet your company's marketing goals and budget. Sponsorship can be provided monetarily or as an in-kind donation. 
  
  
• Design Expo Exhibitor: Place your company's representatives directly in front and in conversation with our attendees. At an incredible value, you will have two days to exhibit your business. 
  
  
• Expo Reception Sponsor: On Tuesday, November 11, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. we will host an Expo Reception with food and beverages. This event is available for sponsorship by one (1) vendor with multiple points of brand exposure and recognition. 

To become a Design Conference Exhibitor or Sponsor, contact: 

Executive Director Susan Matherne at susan@ucda.com.
Sponsorship Director Stephen Russell at ucdasponsorship@gmail.com 

New sponsorship sign-up page coming soon. 

Professional Development Scholarships

UCDA recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and, as a result, proudly supports members through the dedicated funding of the UCDA Foundation professional development scholarship program. This program provides opportunities for members to attend the UCDA Design Conference. This year, the UCDA Foundation is supporting two scholarships: Professional Development and Elevating Black Voices in Design.

Conference Chairperson and Co-Chairperson

Get Involved! Join the Design Conference Committee or Conference Volunteer Team
To volunteer for the design conference committee, contact Leslie Ehler at ucdamembership@gmail.com. 

Special Accommodations
If you require special accommodations, please call the UCDA office at 615-459-4559.

Photos of hotel supplied by the Westin Pasadena. Photos of Pasadena supplied by Visit Pasadena and Unsplash. Photos from past UCDA Design Conferences by Matthew Lester.