Format. Two days of design, made in Rotterdam.
Twelve speakers, 400 seats and one converted grain silo on the Maas. A conference for people who shape how things look, work and feel.
What is Format?
Format is a design conference about the decisions behind good work: type, systems, space, products and the people who make them. No product pitches, no panels of ten. Just focused talks, long breaks and room to talk.
It takes place on 14 and 15 May 2027 at Maassilo, on the Maas river in Rotterdam. With only 400 seats, you'll meet the speakers, not just watch them.
- 2
- days
- 12
- speakers
- 400
- seats
The line-up
Twelve speakers, six each day. Practitioners from studios, labs and product teams across Europe.
- Anouk de WitType Is a Room You Walk Into
- Tomás FerreiraDesign Systems Are Political
- Ingrid SolheimWayfinding for Cities in a Hurry
- Kofi MensahPosters After the Algorithm
- Lotte VermeulenDesigning the Boring Parts Well
- Marek NovakGrids, Glitches and Good Taste
- Yara HaddadArabic Type for Interfaces
- Jonas EklundWhat Public Services Taught Me
- Priya RamanResearch Without the Theatre
- Daan KosterBuilding a Studio That Lasts
- Elena RossiMotion as Material
- Sam OkaforAccessible by Default, Beautiful by Choice
The schedule in brief
Two days, one room, no parallel tracks. You see everything.
Friday 14 May
- 09:00 Doors and coffee
- 10:00 Opening and first talks
- 12:30 Lunch in the silo
- 14:00 Afternoon talks
- 18:00 Drinks on the quay
Saturday 15 May
- 09:30 Doors and coffee
- 10:00 Morning talks
- 12:30 Lunch and studio walk
- 14:00 Closing talks and panel
- 17:30 Farewell
Tickets
One ticket covers both days: all talks, lunch, coffee and Friday drinks. Only 400 seats in the silo.
Questions, answered
Where is Format held?
At Maassilo in Rotterdam, a converted grain silo on the Maas, a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal by tram or bike.
Is the talk language English?
Yes, all talks are in English.
Can I get a refund?
Tickets can be transferred to a colleague at any time. Write to us if you can't attend and we will help.
Will the talks be recorded?
Not live. Attendees receive access to the recordings after the conference.