During the implementation the World Design Capital designated city works to showcase a programme of events for a period of one year. Although each biennial is unique, there are several World Design Capital Signature Events incorporated into each city's programme:
- Selection announcement at Icsid Congress
- Official WDC signing ceremony
- New Year's Eve of Design
- Design Gala
- International Design House Exhibition
- International Design Policy Conference
- WDC Convocation Ceremony
