Frequently asked questions
What is Nivan
Nivan is a Chicago based innovation conference bringing together Tech, AI, UX, and Design.
Ni represents intention and reflective clarity.
Van represents dialogue, momentum, and evolution.
NIVAN operates at the intersection of Hindsight, Insight, and Foresight where past experience informs present understanding to shape more intentional futures.
What is the theme of Nivan 2026?
Nivan 2026 is a Time Travel Conference, an immersive journey through the past, present, and future of design, AI, and human experience.
Each segment explores how creativity and intelligence have evolved, and how we can co-create the next era together.
Where will the event be held?
Institute of Design at Illinois Tech in Chicago
Who should attend Nivan?
Nivan welcomes:
- Designers, researchers, and creators shaping user experiences
- AI innovators, strategists, and technologists
- Leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs building the future of human connection
- Anyone passionate about the intersection of creativity, technology, and purpose
What makes Nivan different from other conferences?
Nivan is not just a conference, it’s a journey through time and transformation.
Every session, installation, and experience is designed to bridge eras, blending the wisdom of the past, the innovation of the present, and the imagination of the future.
How big will the event be?
Nivan is intentionally designed as an intimate innovation conference with around 200 attendees.
Rather than a massive convention, Nivan focuses on creating a room where meaningful conversations happen. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, innovators, and peers shaping the future of technology, AI, design, and research.
The goal is not just to listen to talks, but to build relationships and exchange ideas with people doing meaningful work.
How were speakers selected?
Speakers at Nivan are carefully curated based on their real world experience shaping innovation across technology, design, research, and business.
Rather than focusing on hype or promotional talks, the program prioritizes leaders who bring practical insight, honest perspectives, and lessons learned from building meaningful products and systems.
The goal is to create conversations that go beyond trends and explore the decisions, tensions, and tradeoffs that drive innovation forward.
Who is organizing Nivan?
Nivan is curated by Niketa Jhaveri, a UX leader and innovation strategist with experience leading research and design initiatives in AI and large scale product ecosystems.
The conference was created to bring together leaders across technology, AI, UX, and design to explore how innovation evolves across time and disciplines.
Nivan is supported by a growing community of volunteers, speakers, advisors, and organizations who share a commitment to thoughtful innovation and meaningful collaboration.
How can I get involved before tickets go live?
- Join the Interest List to get early updates
- Become a Sponsor or Partner to align your brand with Nivan’s mission.
- Volunteer to gain behind-the-scenes access and experience the event from the inside
Join Today!