looking for a fresh stage to showcase?
We believe your showcase of design belongs where it’s created, imagined, and experienced: in spaces with soul, in a city that surprises you at every turn.
Antwerp Design Week is a curated city trail that connects brands, professionals, and design lovers in a context that feels right: authentic, welcoming, and full of discovery.
We don’t show more. We show better. In Antwerp. With design as our compass.
Scroll down to explore the information and check the FAQ at the end to get a full understanding of the event.
need more info?
Leave your email and receive everything you need: a short introduction video and all the essential info to explore your potential involvement.
young designer?
Ready to step into the design world?
At Antwerp Design Week, Young Creatives (YC) gives emerging talent a stage.
Launching your brand? Want to grow, connect, and learn how to shine at a fair?
Young Creatives @ ADW 2026 is your chance.
Curated and organized by Flanders District of Creativity, the Flemish knowledge center for design & fashion.
Sign up for updates and be the first to know when applications open.
Note: All applications are reviewed by an external jury. Only selected brands will be part of YC 2026.
faq
1. Register your interest
Complete the online form to introduce your brand and vision. You don’t need to have a location confirmed at this stage — if selected, we’ll help you find the right setting or connect you to one through our matchmaking service.
2. Curation process
Our team carefully reviews each application to ensure it aligns with the ADW values. Only brands that fit our curated vision are invited to participate.
3. Confirmation
You’ll receive a formal confirmation or feedback within two weeks of your application. Once confirmed, you officially join the ADW 2026 exhibitor line-up.
4. Onboarding session
Take part in a required online onboarding session, where you’ll meet the ADW team and receive a full briefing. Still looking for a space? We’ll guide you toward the best available options and walk you through the next practical steps.A B2B exhibitor can be a brand like Ethnicraft / Royal Botania / Serax /..., focusing on professionals by presenting collections at a Business Point while also welcoming consumers at a Discover Point to strengthen visibility and sales.
A B2C exhibitor could be a design studio or gallery aiming to reach end customers, showcasing objects at a Discover Point to inspire design lovers and connect with new clients.
An Experience might be an organization focusing on awareness, using a Discover Point to tell a story or create an installation where sales are secondary to inspiration and engagement.A mix of established Belgian companies, international labels, and emerging talents — all curated to align with our values.
For Professionals
Retailers, architects and hospitality players discover new collections at Business Points across five districts — authentic showrooms, HQ’s and flagship stores designed for connection.
For Design Lovers
Locals and visitors explore design through the Design Lover Walks in District Downtown. These three curated routes link Discover Points — pop-ups, installations and creative stops — blending Antwerp’s city vibe with the stories of our exhibitors.Who visits ADW?
Antwerp Design Week attracts a carefully curated mix of design professionals and design lovers.
-
Professionals from sectors like retail, architecture and interior design travel to Antwerp. They come to discover new brands and collections, gain fresh inspiration, and build meaningful connection;
-
Design lovers explore the city through the Design Lover Walks: curious visitors with an eye for aesthetics and stories, drawn to creative installations, hidden gems, and the atmosphere of Belgian design.
-
Across five districts:
-
Downtown (walkable and bikeable)
-
North, East, South and West (accessible via shuttle or car).
-
Because Antwerp surprises at every turn and lets your brand shine in a setting you choose yourself.
Every euro invested goes directly back into the event — supporting marketing, visibility, networking opportunities, and long-term value for participating brands.
Your participation fee enables:
-
professional event production
-
curated partnerships with sponsors, hotels, and venues
-
targeted communication to over 50,000 B2B contacts
-
a smooth onboarding process
-
a visitor scanning platform
-
city-wide visibility through signage, print, and digital presence
Visitors benefit from free shuttles, guided tours, and staffed info points — all designed to ensure a seamless and inspiring experience.
We focus on thoughtful, curated growth by selecting quality brands and building lasting connections.
Antwerp Design Week is a non-profit organization.
-
ADW is more than an event; it’s a network fostering connections through Get Togethers, enabling exhibitors and designers to share ideas and collaborate.
Antwerp Design Week stands for authenticity, quality, sustainability, interaction, and surprising experiences — now and in the future.
While the event focuses on professionals, design lovers are warmly welcomed. With hospitality at its heart, ADW fosters real connections between designers, suppliers, buyers, and engaged visitors.
Our goal? Meaningful encounters, business growth, and growing awareness for Belgian design — both locally and globally.
Beyond the event, ADW connects the Belgian design community, encouraging collaboration and shared growth.
-
Founder: Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert, who dreams of uniting the design world into a strong and cohesive entity (gj@xlboom.com )
-
Project Lead: Emma Vanbeckevoort, overseeing and executing the whole event with passion (info@adw.life)
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.
-
Yes.
-
Participating brands are expected to provide light catering to ensure visitors feel genuinely welcomed with drinks and small bites.
-
Please note that some venues may charge a rental fee for use of their space.
-
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.