As organizations canceled their large-scale events and moved to virtual platforms last year, the hope was reconvening IRL in 2021. For the most part, though, it’s looking like most conferences will continue virtually until 2022 (though one Dublin, Ireland-based UX conference plans a hybrid-format gathering later this year).
While you may not be jet-setting to meet with fellow designers, that doesn’t mean you won’t explore or form meaningful connections in 2021. Unlike last year’s on-the-fly iterations, the digital formats this year intentionally build community and increase inclusivity. For example, many conferences are integrating interactive elements—including live Q&A sessions and roundtables and chatrooms for mingling—as well as end-of-day extras, like post-conference Zoom yoga sessions.
Here are the best UX conferences, to date, you can attend in 2021.
May design conferences
The Global FinTech Design Summit
When: May 25-27
Online
Interested in FinTech design? Take advantage of this three-day conference. With schedules catering to different regions and time-zones, this globally-minded conference hosts talks, panels, Q&As with different offerings to interest both business-to-consumer and business-to-business designers. Drop into some of their many ways to connect with speakers and peers, as well. Speakers include design and product heads form NuBank, Revolut, Yap, Robinhood, Affirm Inc, Bitso, and more. (Check out InVision’s panel Accelerating Design Maturity in FinTech!)
June design conferences
UXFest
When: Throughout June (with a conference running June 1–3)
Online
UXLondon organizers hoped for a May 2021 in-person event, but a recent UK lockdown prompted the live gathering’s cancellation. Instead, UXFest has become an anticipated online event. It kicks off with a three-day conference, followed by themed talks, masterclasses, and networking events scheduled throughout June. The speaker lineup includes Benjamin Earl Evans, the design lead for Airbnb’s Anti Discrimination Team, and Amy Zima, Spotify’s senior product manager.
DesignOps Global Conference
When: June 8-11
Online
Now in its third year, this conference invites those helping organizations scale their research, design, development, and innovation to connect on the topic of “Accessibility & Inclusivity — Design For All.” With six keynotes, 30 speakers, and six panel discussions, attendees will learn how DesignOps can help deliver accessible digital experiences, increase inclusivity in research, and create change for all.
October design conferences
UXDX EMEA
When: Oct. 6–8
Dublin and online
Organizers are still confirming the speaker lineup, but they’re planning for a hybrid UXDX EMEA conference, with a Dublin gathering plus online attendance. The conference’s overarching theme is helping product, UX, design, and dev teams collaborate and build better products faster. The conference will include more than 50 speakers.
Clarity
When: Oct. 27-29
Online
This three-day conference is all about design systems. From exploring tools and standards touching all platforms and products, sessions will explore diverse perspectives on cross-functional collaboration across engineering, design, and development.
Most confirmed UX conferences are scheduled for Winter and Spring. As organizers sort out details and confirm speakers for mid-summer’s conferences and beyond, we’ll update this list.
Brittany Anas is a Denver, Colorado-based freelance writer. She is a regular contributor to publications including Apartment Therapy, Forbes and Men’s Journal and previously was a reporter at the Daily Camera in Boulder and The Denver Post. She worked three years as a federal background investigator before transitioning into a full-time freelance role.
