Your Guide to This Year’s SEGD Conference Parties

Kristin Bennani

All the fun happening at the 2025 SEGD Conference Experience San Francisco, November 12–15, 2025

  1. 2023 SEGD Conference Closing Party; Pictured: SEGD Fellow Michael Gericke holding a microphone for SEGD Fellow Lance Wyman

If you’ve ever been to an SEGD event, you already know—the real magic doesn’t just happen on stage. It happens in between: in the laughter shared over a cocktail, in the spontaneous brainstorm that starts at the bar, in that moment you realize you’ve found your people.

At the SEGD Conference Experience San Francisco, the theme “Designing Possible Futures” invites us to envision new ways of connecting people to place—and that includes connecting with each other. This year’s evenings are designed to make space for serendipity: the unplanned encounters, the lingering conversations, and the late-night sparks of inspiration that often lead to lifelong collaborations (and friendships).

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Here’s your insider’s guide to every celebration you’ll want on your conference calendar:

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Archetype Welcome Party

📍 620 Jones St, San Francisco
🕖 7:00–10:00 PM

Kick off Designing Possible Futures beneath the San Francisco skyline at 620 Jones, an urban oasis just steps from the theater district. 

Hosted by Archetype, this opening night sets the tone for everything to come—creative, connected, and a little bit unexpected. Come early, grab a legendary 620 Jones drink, and toast to new beginnings with friends old and new.

Hosted by Archetype

Thursday, Nov. 13

President’s Reception + Auction for Excellence

📍 NEXPO Floor | San Francisco Marriott Marquis
🕖 7:00–9:30 PM

After a full day of inspiration, unwind and celebrate together at the President’s Reception—a longtime SEGD favorite. Enjoy drinks and the ever-lively Auction for Excellence, where friendly competition meets a great cause. Come ready to bid, laugh, and cheer as you support SEGD’s educational programs and the next generation of experiential designers.

Because nothing connects people like a little playful rivalry for a good cause.

Presented by AVI-SPL (XTG)

Friday, Nov. 14

NEXPO Reception

📍NEXPO Floor | San Francisco Marriott Marquis
🕓 4:00–5:00 PM

Before the evening’s big celebration, stop by NEXPO for a toast with our exhibitors and partners. Discover the latest materials, media, and technologies shaping experience design—and maybe stumble upon your next great collaborator while reaching for the same hors d’oeuvre.

Sponsored by THG Creative

Global Design Awards Ceremony + Reception

📍 Conference Main Stage + Lounge | San Francisco Marriott Marquis
🕠 5:30–8:00 PM

It’s the most inspiring night of the year! Join us as we celebrate the 2025 SEGD Global Design Award winners, honoring the projects and people shaping our shared future. Then raise a glass to creative excellence—and to the power of design to move, connect, and transform us all.

This is where inspiration meets celebration—and where possibility feels tangible.

Presented by DCL, in partnership with CREO, D&P, MOSS, MGAC, Peregrine OKB, SignAgent, S+D Corp, and Room for Magic

Saturday, Nov. 15

San Francisco Closing Party

📍 Barbarossa Lounge, 714 Montgomery St
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM

After three transformative days, it’s time to celebrate everything we’ve learned, shared, and created together. Step into the storied Barbarossa Lounge, a historic hideaway in the heart of San Francisco, and soak in the final moments of connection before we part ways.

Swap stories. Trade numbers. Make plans for what’s next.
Because this is what Designing Possible Futures is all about—carrying the spark of connection forward.

Sponsored by Daktronics

The Art of the In-Between

Design thrives in moments of exchange—in the spaces between structure and spontaneity. The SEGD Conference is no different. Between sessions and keynotes, these gatherings are where ideas flow freely, partnerships are born, and inspiration lingers long after the music fades.

So come ready to connect, to celebrate, and to let the night unfold.

The best futures are designed together—and sometimes, they start over a shared laugh and a clinking glass. See you in San Francisco.

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