Best Animation & Motion Design Events in 2025 (US & Europe)
Animation and motion design are dynamic fields, offering endless opportunities for creativity and innovation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key festivals and conferences in the United States and Europe in 2025 that celebrate and showcase the best in animation and motion design.
Europe
Design in Motion Festival
The DEMO Festival showcases the world’s premier motion design on massive outdoor screens, turning public spaces into captivating visual experiences. Since its inception at Amsterdam Central Station in 2019, the festival has expanded dramatically, reaching across the Netherlands by 2022 and now, in its 2025 edition, going global with displays in 15 cities across seven countries. DEPT creative director and Studio Dumbar partner Liza Enebeis discusses with LBB’s Olivia Atkins the festival’s evolution, its international growth, and the significant impact of motion design on the future of creative industries.
Motion North
Motion North is celebrating its 50th event with a special one-day Motion & Animation Event located in the heart of Manchester’s Creative Community. This milestone event will feature a lineup of speakers and interactive workshops, with more details and announcements to come. Attendees are encouraged to keep an eye on updates for more information about the event’s offerings. This is a fantastic opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts in the motion and animation industry to connect, learn, and celebrate the vibrant creative culture of Manchester.
Mouvo
Since its inception in 2016, Mouvo has illuminated the intersection of graphic design, film, animation, and technology. What began as a one-day event filled with inspirational talks has evolved into a comprehensive series of design-centric activities. These activities aim to connect attendees with the forefront of industry innovation, offer learning opportunities from experts, and inspire through pioneering creations.
This world-class annual conference in Prague, Czech Republic, features an all-star lineup of speakers who cover a wide range of topics in digital communication. Each year, Mouvo brings together some of the world’s most influential creators in graphic design, animation, video production, and emerging technologies, reshaping the creative landscape.
Scheduled for March 13–14, 2025, Mouvo promises two days packed with insightful presentations, creative workshops, and ample networking opportunities. The upcoming event will feature notable speakers such as Algo, Kiel Danger Mutschelknaus, Liquid City, DixonBaxi, Ugly Film, Motiongrapher, Živel mag, and Gergely Wootsch, ensuring a dynamic and enriching experience for all attendees.
Kaboom Animation Festival
The Kaboom Animation Festival is the Netherlands’ comprehensive celebration of animation, showcasing a wide range from experimental art-house to engaging family-oriented stories. Emphasizing that animation is a diverse medium beyond traditional film, Kaboom serves as a platform for avant-garde creators to present thought-provoking art and design. Scheduled for March 21-30, 2025, in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and online, the festival highlights its inclusivity and progressive spirit.
The Kaboom Industry Days, set for March 25-26 at the HKU in Utrecht, focus on nurturing new talent and connecting professionals. The event includes Kaboom Camp, aimed at newcomers to the industry, and Kaboom PRO, designed for seasoned professionals to discuss successes and future opportunities, with a special emphasis on co-production. A notable addition this year is the Benelux Animation Pitch, supported by CFAP, to foster regional talent.
Pictoplasma
The 21st edition of Pictoplasma Berlin, taking place from May 1–4, 2025, promises a transformative experience that delves deep into the evolving landscape of contemporary character design and art. This leading festival and conference, set in Berlin, Germany, returns to its roots while also challenging and reinventing our perceptions of character representation in an era dominated by generative image production and the diminishing dominance of traditional imagery.
During these three dynamic days, Pictoplasma will serve as a vibrant hub for international creators and producers from a spectrum of visual genres—including illustration, animation, game design, crafts, fine, and graphic arts. The event is designed to foster an exchange of strategies and stories that will shape the future of figurative aesthetics. Attendees can expect to engage deeply with contemporary creative practices through featured artist lectures, while hands-on workshops, jam sessions, and demos offer practical experiences with new mediums.
Moreover, vibrant discussion spaces will connect creators, characters, and commercial contributors, facilitating meaningful conversations about the direction of the industry. Cutting-edge animation screenings will provide a window into next-level emerging worlds, ensuring that every participant, whether seasoned artists or enthusiasts of visual culture, gains profound insights and inspiration.
Pictoplasma is more than a conference; it’s a celebration of creativity, a reexamination of the visual narrative, and a collective exploration of the future of visual storytelling. Ticket prices start at €360, with discounts available for students and groups, granting access to an expansive four-day festival of creativity and innovation.
Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film
The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS), established in 1982, stands as Germany’s foremost animation conference and festival. Renowned for its dynamic and innovative programming, ITFS offers an expansive showcase of animated filmmaking from across the globe. Scheduled for May 6-11, 2025, the festival continues to evolve, promising another year of exceptional experiences for attendees.
ITFS consistently broadens its offerings beyond traditional film screenings to include a variety of formats such as exhibitions, lectures, workshops, masterclasses, and VR events. This multidisciplinary approach provides attendees with a comprehensive view of animated storytelling, spanning from classic filmmaking techniques to the forefront of virtual reality applications.
A key highlight of ITFS is its vibrant atmosphere, greatly supported by the host city, Stuttgart. The festival features a game center and an Open Air cinema in the city center, creating unique opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in the animated arts. Additionally, the Jumbotron Cinema in a city square becomes a daily hub for animated films, offering family-friendly screenings during the day and adult-oriented animation in the evenings. This setup fosters a lively cultural exchange and makes ITFS a pivotal event for animation enthusiasts of all ages.
Playgrounds In Motion
The fourth edition of Playgrounds in Motion’s The Art Department Berlin, is set to engage creatives, rebels, and rascals in Berlin. As a traveling festival renowned for uncovering the latest creative trends, the event continues its tradition of showcasing stunning artists and ambitious innovative projects from the diverse field of digital arts.
Scheduled for May 24–25, 2025, in Berlin, Germany, The Art Department Berlin promises two days of immersive experiences, exploration, and inspiration. The festival focuses on the creative process, spotlighting artists responsible for designing worlds, characters, and stories in some of the biggest productions.
This year’s event serves as a melting pot of ideas, uniting artists, designers, technologists, and enthusiasts from across the digital arts spectrum. Attendees can expect interactive installations, experimental performances, and hands-on workshops that showcase the breadth and depth of digital creativity. This edition offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge projects and gain insights from industry-leading experts in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant creative capitals.
VIEW Conference
The VIEW Conference stands as a pinnacle in the world of visual effects (VFX), computer graphics, and digital entertainment. Now in its 24th annual edition, this international conference is a cornerstone event held annually in the city of Turin, Italy, attracting professionals, thought leaders, students, and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Scheduled for October 12–17, 2025, VIEW Conference offers a comprehensive program covering a wide array of topics in the digital arts. From interactive techniques to digital cinema, 3D animation, gaming, and VFX, attendees can expect a rich and diverse lineup of presentations and workshops.
What sets VIEW Conference apart is its focus on not only celebrating the latest achievements in animation, VFX, and games but also exploring the future of these industries. Through a series of talks, presentations, workshops, and masterclasses, attendees have the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge thinking on topics such as storytelling, virtual production, computer graphics, interactive and immersive media, VR/AR/Mixed Reality, the Metaverse, artificial intelligence, real-time rendering, and much more.
VIEW Conference provides excellent value for access to a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and inspiration. It’s a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of visual effects, computer graphics, and digital storytelling.
Motion Plus Design Paris
Motion Plus Design is an initiative focused on elevating and celebrating the art of motion design globally. It organizes prominent events, such as Motion Plus Design Paris, which is an eagerly anticipated gathering for motion design aficionados. Scheduled for November 8, 2025, this event in Paris is set to offer a vibrant array of lectures and discussions.
Participants can expect a deep dive into the latest trends and innovations in motion design, gaining invaluable insights from leading figures in the industry. This makes it a must-attend for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in motion design within the iconic setting of Paris.
Annecy Festival
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market, often simply referred to as the Annecy Festival, stands as the pinnacle of animation conferences worldwide. Held from June 9th to 15th in Annecy, France, this event is a must-attend for animation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
With a history spanning 60 years, the Annecy Festival has solidified its reputation as the largest event dedicated to animation globally. Its perfect location in the charming town of Annecy in France, provides a backdrop for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of animation.
What sets the Annecy Festival apart is not just its scale, but also its comprehensive program. From massive screenings of top-tier animation to workshops, masterclasses, and the Mifa (Marché International du Film d’Animation), attendees have access to a wealth of opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. The Mifa, in particular, serves as one of the world’s premier marketplaces for animation professionals to do business, both in person and virtually.
US
HalfRez
HalfRez is an exciting one-night event that serves as a hub for the motion design and 3D community in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This event is packed with guest speakers, networking opportunities, refreshing drinks, and lively conversations about all things related to motion design and the industry.
While the specific date for HalfRez is yet to be announced, attendees can anticipate an evening filled with inspiration, learning, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging talent, or simply passionate about motion design and 3D, HalfRez provides a welcoming environment for all.
The event typically features guest speakers who are experts in the field, sharing their insights, experiences, and creative processes. Attendees have the opportunity to learn from these industry leaders, gain new perspectives, and expand their skills.
In addition to the guest speakers, HalfRez offers ample opportunities for networking and engaging with fellow attendees. Whether you’re looking to connect with potential collaborators, seek advice from peers, or simply share your passion for motion design, HalfRez fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees.
Motion Plus Design New York
Motion Plus Design New York is a premier event that celebrates the art and innovation of motion design in one of the world’s most dynamic creative cities. Organized by Motion Plus Design, this conference is set to take place on June 14, 2025, gathering top motion designers from around the globe for a day of insightful talks, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.
As is typical for Motion Plus Design events, the New York conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers drawn from the “cream of the crop” in the motion design industry. Attendees can expect a diverse array of presentations that showcase varying styles, techniques, and perspectives within the field, providing a rich, educational experience.
This event offers a unique platform for both seasoned professionals and aspiring motion designers to dive deep into the world of motion design. It’s an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, find inspiration, and connect with peers, all within the vibrant setting of New York City.
While further details such as the exact location and ticket information for Motion Plus Design New York 2025 are pending, those interested should prepare for an enriching experience that highlights the creativity and technological advancement driving contemporary motion design.
Adobe MAX
Adobe MAX 2025 is a creativity conference that will take place in Los Angeles, California from October 28–30, 2025. The conference will feature the latest Adobe tools and technologies, as well as opportunities for networking and learning.
SIGGRAPH 2025
ACM SIGGRAPH is a special interest group under the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), focusing on the study and innovation of computer graphics and interactive techniques. This group is part of the ACM, which is the world’s largest computing society committed to advancing the science and profession of computing. Since its inaugural conference in 1974, SIGGRAPH has grown to become the leading annual conference globally on computer graphics, attracting researchers, artists, developers, and educators.
SIGGRAPH 2025 is set to continue this tradition by exploring forward-looking themes. The conference aims to envision the future intersection of humanity and technology, particularly how we can integrate our physical and digital worlds more seamlessly and beneficially. This exploration will include discussions and presentations on new advancements and techniques that could revolutionize our interactions with digital environments, contributing to both scientific progress and creative endeavors.
CTNX 2025
CTNX is a 4-day end of year gathering of creatives in the animation industry, including pros, students and independent artists. We come together once a year to celebrate and ignite the next generation of artists, scholarships and community projects.
CTNX features screenings, panels, networking opportunities scholarship award ceremonies and much more!
Wrap Up
Animation and motion design are powerful tools for visual communication and storytelling, each with its own unique applications and techniques.
These events discussed not only showcase the latest trends and talent but also foster a sense of community and collaboration, making them must-attend gatherings for anyone passionate about animation and motion design.
