Looking back at 2025, before we look forward

This year’s festival revolved around the theme KEEP IT REAL and we're so pleased to see how many of you took it to heart. We’re still overwhelmed by the positive response from exhibitors, industry professionals, the global press, and visitors alike. And, of course, we hope you continue to KEEP IT REAL.

Here are a few reflections we’d like to share.

Adding new perspectives

To help foster an even closer connection between exhibitors, the press, buyers and everyone else attending our festival, we were excited to introduce our very first Design Ambassadors at 3daysofdesign 2025. They were specially chosen from all over the world, based on their diverse backgrounds in design, interiors, event management, sustainability, and digital marketing. In addition to being hosts who welcomed visitors and guided them to exhibitions and events, they brought their insights, knowledge and a unique design perspective to the festival, while ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. In fact, we’re receiving applications for our upcoming 2026 edition as we speak.

Another new initiative from 2025 is our i—Points. To help you easily navigate to all the exhibitions and events on your must–see list, our i—Points were introduced as a physical focal point, where you could find installations, information, and inspiration. Meet up with colleagues, pause to unplug, and more. The response was so positive that we are now working on new i—Points for you to find across Copenhagen in 2026.

Back by popular demand

In 2024, we introduced a new concept: Design Walks. Because so many of you had expressed a desire to be guided on a tour by someone in–the–know, with insights about the brands exhibiting, as well as Denmark's capital of design: Copenhagen. The Design Walks were a huge success and sold out quickly. 

To capture the spirit of 3daysofdesign 2025, we also invited visitors to join our Leica Photo Walks, where guests were offered the opportunity to take photos of moments worth remembering from our festival — and submit them to our Leica Competition. Our panel of expert judges chose three winners, announced in our October newsletter “Designing With a Purpose.”  Many thanks again to everyone who shared their personal angle on the festival. And to Leica Camera, one of our partners, for making it all possible. 

We’ve received so much positive feedback about the Design Walks and Leica Photo Walks, that we will be adding even more walks in our 2026 edition. Tickets are limited, so keep your eyes open for when they go on sale.

AI & I Symposium

This year, we took a deep dive into a subject that, for some, poses more questions than answers with our AI & I Symposium, where we zoomed in on how AI is transforming creativity in design, art, and architecture. If you missed it, you can now dive into our Symposium Recaps online.

More than a memento

Lastly, yet another first, we introduced in 2025 was merchandise branded with our festival theme, reflecting our desire for you to take a piece of our festival home with you. It was a thrill to see so many people with our KEEP IT REAL bags and t–shirts all across Copenhagen. The visual identity was created by Swedish artist Andreas Samuelsson, and we could tell that so many of you were in love with his simple, poetic, and impactful visual interpretation of our KEEP IT REAL theme. The merchandise was such a success, it’s going to be part of our future festivals.

At 3daysofdesign, we’re quite keen on supporting up–and–coming creatives, so we decided to donate the proceeds of our merchandise to support promising talent at our festival next year. 

Looking forward

Right now, we’re working intensely on creating our upcoming edition of 3daysofdesign. We already have our concept for the next theme, but for now, our lips are sealed! Stay tuned for when we will soon reveal our 2026 theme. 

Until then, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Copenhagen from 10 — 12 June 2026.