World Product Day

Written by: Stefanie Toye

World Product Day, a global celebration honoring the ingenuity and impact of product professionals, occurs annually on May 21st, and 2025 will continue this tradition across the US and internationally with the theme, “Celebrating the Product Journey.” This day acknowledges the diverse individuals who conceptualize, design, develop, and market the products that shape our daily lives. From the software we interact with to the tangible goods we use, World Product Day shines a light on the strategic thinking and collaborative efforts driving innovation. Conferences, symposia, and other events serve to recognize the day and professionals who make it possible. 

A wide spectrum of professions actively participates in this celebration. While Product Managers are central figures, Product Designers, UX/UI specialists, Product Marketing Managers, Data Analysts who inform product strategy, and the engineers who realize these visions are equally recognized. Essentially, anyone involved in a product's lifecycle, from its initial conception to its market presence, has a reason to observe World Product Day. For those in New Jersey and beyond aspiring to contribute to future World Product Day celebrations as product professionals, NJIT offers a certificate in Product Management through a partnership with Ziplines. The 10-week course offers modules on topics such as customer insight, data analysis, marketing, and designing a prototype. Cultivating skills in critical thinking, communication, and user empathy, combined with relevant academic pursuits or apprenticeships (mainly in the UK), will pave the way for a rewarding career and family-sustaining salary in the dynamic world of product. In New Jersey, for example, the average Product Manager salary is above the national salary at $161,833 versus $159,405 (as of May 2025). 

Unlike holidays with formal historical foundations, World Product Day's significance stems from its widespread, grassroots adoption and the growing appreciation for the vital role product professionals play in innovation and economic advancement. Across the United States and globally, celebrations take various forms. Local product management meetups and organizations frequently organize events, workshops, free webinars, and networking opportunities around May 21st. These gatherings facilitate knowledge sharing, discussions on industry trends, and peer connections. Companies may also host internal events to acknowledge their product teams' contributions, perhaps through special presentations, team gatherings, or innovation-focused activities. Online platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) typically see a surge in activity, with professionals sharing insights and experiences using hashtags such as #WorldProductDay. World Product Day serves as an inspiring reminder of the impactful work of these professionals and an invitation for aspiring individuals to embark on this exciting career and learning path.