The goal of Antwerp Design Week is to create an inspiring international B2B boutique event, that is focused on professionals but also open for public design lovers.
Therefore, we bring together Belgian and international brands that have proven their quality and encourage cross-pollination.
Become our partner for the next edition!
Antwerp Design Week (ADW) is a major event in June, spread across five districts in and around Antwerp, where design brands and young creatives showcase their collections to a diverse audience of retailers, professionals, journalists, and enthusiasts.
The essence of this design event is bringing our best B2B customers to Antwerp for a slow design experience paired with great hospitality and the vibrant life of Antwerp. The focus is on quality, not quantity, ensuring that each interaction is valuable and impactful.
For design brands, Antwerp Design Week is so much more: we aim to create a community of high-quality design brands that engage for cross-pollination at every level by hosting gatherings in the lead-up to our event in June.
How to find your location during ADW?
ADW acts as a matchmaker, offering a curated database of venues across Antwerp. If you already have a location in mind, you can directly share details with the team. ADW provides guidance throughout the planning process.
FAQ
Fifteen years ago, the idea for Antwerp Design and Decovalley (ADDV) was born during a train ride.
Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert, co-founder of XLBoom, and his close friend Philippe Delaisse, co-founder of Ethnicraft, brainstormed about uniting Antwerp’s design world in one place. This vision quickly took shape, leading to the launch of the first ADW guide., showcasing like-minded Antwerp companies as a collective and highlighting the city itself.
Over 15 years, the group grew to 15 permanent members, publishing annual guides that laid the foundation for Antwerp Design Week. When international design fairs were canceled during the pandemic, Belgian companies joined forces to create their own event, leveraging their years of collaboration.
Antwerp Design Week 2023 – Edition 0
The inaugural Edition 0 in 2023 was a modest start with 31 companies but set the stage for growth.
Antwerp Design Week 2024 – Edition 1
Edition 1 in 2024 was a breakthrough: visitors tripled, and participating brands doubled to over 50. Praised by both visitors and brands, it solidified Antwerp Design Week as a growing international platform.Antwerp Design Week remains committed to fostering collaboration, strengthening connections, and spotlighting Belgian design on the global stage.
Antwerp Design Week’s mission is to establish Belgian design as a globally recognized concept.
Both now and in the future, we stand for authenticity, surprising experiences, quality, sustainability, and interaction.
The event primarily targets professionals but also welcomes design enthusiasts. By placing hospitality at its core, we create an environment where strong connections are fostered between designers, suppliers, buyers, and passionate visitors.
Our goal is to attract engaged visitors and enable business growth. At the same time, we do not rule out developing an "awareness" initiative in the dynamic District Downtown, aiming to inspire a broader audience.
Our core values are our compass: to continue surprising exclusively, to highlight the beauty and unique character of Antwerp, and to transform Belgian design into a strong and recognizable global concept.
Beyond hosting the event, ADW serves as a unifying force for the Belgian design community, fostering collaboration and growth among its members.
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Founder: Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert, who dreams of uniting the design world into a strong and cohesive entity (gj@xlboom.com )
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Project Lead: Emma Vanbeckevoort, overseeing and excecuting the whole event (info@adw.life)
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Board of Directors: Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert, Stefan Dusart (Ethnicraft), and Johan Van Maercke (Goodwill).
As ADW grows, partnerships play a crucial role. Collaborations with major organizations such as
Stad Antwerpen, Fedustria, and FlandersDC help realize our mission. Additionally, many other partners contribute to the event’s success and ongoing development.
Antwerp Design Week is managed by a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Belgian and high-quality design.
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ADW is more than an event; it’s a network fostering connections through Get Togethers, enabling exhibitors and designers to share ideas and collaborate.
The fee ensures professional event organization, partnerships, networking events, onboarding processes, scanning systems, and communication with 50,000 B2B contacts. Visitors benefit from free transport, guided tours, and info points. The organization focuses on gradual growth by curating high-quality brands, building partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and sponsors, offering free shuttles, a central info point, and hosting networking events.
Shaping the story
Yes, participating brands should budget for catering to ensure visitors are warmly welcomed with food and drinks.
Who are the visitors of Antwerp Design Week?
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Design Lovers (B2C): Individuals exploring the Discover Points in District Downtown via the Design Lover Walk, connecting with brands, attending events, and purchasing unique pieces.
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Design Professionals (B2B): Architects, retailers, and buyers seeking business opportunities, exploring both Businesspoints and Discover Points for impactful connections.
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For ease of planning, we offer a dedicated hostess desk, transport services, and a comprehensive information point.
But The Club is more than just a practical for visitors —it’s a space for unforgettable experiences too. They can enjoy an expo of curated items of premium brands, exclusive events, network with fellow design enthusiasts, and be inspired by thought-provoking talks from distinguished speakers.
Whether visitors need guidance or inspiration, The Club is their go-to destination during Antwerp Design Week.
For exhibitors, The Club is the place to be in the evening. Each night, they can enjoy a curated experience, including exclusive dinners with their top buyers.
Welcome to 'The Club - powered by Fedustria' where convenience meets inspiration.