One of the unexpected highlights of my time exploring the Ubud Open Studios was the opportunity to visit and have a tour of Bambu Indah and spend time with the team from IBUKU, the visionary design studio responsible for some of Bali’s most extraordinary bamboo architecture.
One of the great privileges of running a creative agency is the opportunity to step outside the day-to-day demands of client work and immerse myself in other creative communities. Earlier this month, while in Bali, I spent several days exploring the Ubud Open Studios event an experience that felt equal parts design pilgrimage, treasure hunt and choose-your-own-adventure.
In March, alongside attending the PrintTech and Signage Expo 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, I spent time exploring a very different side of Bangkok its creative district in Samphananthawong, more commonly known as Talat Noi.
I attended the Print and Design Expo in Ho Chi Minh City in May 2026 as part of VMARK Vietnam Design Week and the DESIGNITY 2026 program, running 19–20 May at THISKYHALL SALA Convention Center. Triscia attended the Bangkok Print Expo in April, giving us a useful parallel reference point across both markets.
Attending graphic design conferences and creative industry events is one of the most impactful investments a designer or creative agency owner can make. These experiences broaden perspectives, spark inspiration, build professional networks and expose creatives to the latest trends in branding, visual communication, digital design and print production.
In an increasingly connected world, design no longer exists within local boundaries. Trends, tools, and ideas move quickly across borders, making global design conferences and expos more valuable than ever. For designers, creatives, and agency leaders, attending international events offers far more than inspiration—it provides insight, perspective, and a competitive edge.
Los Angeles Design Weekend felt less like a traditional design fair and more like a living, breathing map of creativity.
Beyond the exhibitions, what struck me most about LA was how design lives and breathes across the city itself. Walking through its neighbourhoods felt like wandering through an open-air gallery, with murals, architecture, and sculpture telling stories at every turn.
As the owner of a graphic design studio based in Sydney, I’m always looking for opportunities to step outside the day-to-day and connect with fresh ideas. This year, attending the LA Design Festival gave me exactly that.
In the world of graphic design, geography plays a significant role in shaping creative expression. Sydney and Europe, separated by vast oceans, offer distinct approaches to design, each rooted in their unique cultures and histories. Yet, it’s the blend of these perspectives that truly drives innovation.