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Networking & Experiences
Meet up with peers, customers, and old and new friends during these various networking options.
30th Anniversary Welcome Reception
Tuesday, January 28, 6 - 8 p.m., Santa Clara Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
Explore DesignCon’s annual Welcome Reception where all passholders can enjoy complimentary cocktails, bites, games, and more. Network with like-minded peers, re-connect with colleagues, and celebrate as we kick off DesignCon’s 30th Anniversary.
Badges required for entry.
» 30th Anniversary Welcome Reception
Sponsored by:
Welcome Breakfast
Tuesday, January 28, 8 - 9 a.m., Mission City Ballroom B1
Paid conference passholders, event committee members, media, and speakers can fuel up before Tuesday’s sessions with this complimentary networking breakfast.
Badges required for entry.
Conference Networking Lunch
Tuesday – Thursday, January 28 -30, 1 - 2 p.m., Mission City Ballroom B1
Complimentary lunches are available daily for paid conference passholders, event committee members, media, and speakers.
Badges required for entry.
Booth Bar Crawls
Wind down with your peers at meet-and-greets at participating expo floor booths. All pass types can visit with exhibitors, enjoy a beer and light bites, and learn about exceptional product offerings.
- Wednesday, January 29: 5 p.m., Expo Hall
- Thursday, January 30: 5 p.m., Expo Hall
Sponsored by:
1st Timers Meet Up
Wednesday, January 29, 4:15 – 4:45 p.m., Expo Hall
If you are new to DesignCon (or maybe just looking to meet some peers), join us for a chance to network with like-minded professionals and some of the folks who plan and prep DesignCon each year. Light refreshments will be served.
DesignCon 30th Anniversary Lounge
Available during Expo Floor hours, Booth 1538
Head to DesignCon’s 30th Anniversary Lounge to relax, recharge, and enjoy a snack.* This comfortable space with power outlets is open to all DesignCon attendees and exhibitors.
*Watch the mobile alerts for snack times.
Sponsored by:
Lunar New Year Celebration Show
Wednesday, January 29, 5:15pm, near the Chiphead Theater
Join the Rising Phoenix Dragon and Lion Dance Association as they present a lion dance, and tossing of lucky tangerines and prosperous greens, to celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 – Year of the Snake. Light refreshments will be served.
Scavenger Hunt
Have some fun while you explore DesignCon! Download the event mobile app, sign into or create your My Show Planner, scroll down to the “Scavenger Hunt” button at the bottom of the app homepage, and enter codeword answers for each clue listed. Each clue directs you to find the codeword at a specific location at the event or shared during an experience, like a keynote (hint, hint), so explore and enter the answers as you find them. As players move through the scavenger hunt, they’ll be able to pick up DesignCon goodies and gifts – Complete the hunt and you’ll be entered into a raffle for gift cards or a DesignCon 2026 All Access conference pass.
Sponsored by:
Mobile App Help Lounge
Available during Expo Floor hours, Booth 619
Have a question about how to use the app? Need to find a session’s slides or materials? Ask DesignCon’s experts in this space.
Or, if you need a break or a place to chat with a peer, enjoy this open-to-all lounge. And while you are there, take a survey for a prize.
WIE Networking Reception
Thursday, January 30, 4:35-5:15pm, Great America 2
All are welcome to attend this networking reception, preceded by sessions focused on career development and advancement.
Presented in partnership with:
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