Design and Technology Conferences in Chicago

Chicago has a strong calendar of design and technology conferences spanning UX, AI, web development, data, and digital design. You can participate in several ways: attend as a guest, submit a talk through a call for speakers, volunteer with a local design organization, or sponsor an event. Notable options include Nivan, AIGA Chicago programming, TECHSPO Chicago, DrupalCon Chicago, and The Data Science Conference. The fastest way in is to pick one event aligned with your field, attend it once, then look for speaking or volunteering opportunities the next time it runs.

How to participate

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The simplest entry point. Most Chicago events sell tickets to the public, and many offer early or student pricing. Going once is the best way to learn the room before you try to contribute to it.

A woman speaking at a podium during a presentation with a digital-themed background featuring the word "SPEAK" in large letters, with an audience in the foreground.

Conferences open a call for speakers, sometimes called a CFP, months ahead of the event. You submit a short proposal, and if it is accepted you present. This is the highest leverage way to build a reputation in the local scene, and first time speakers are more welcome than most people assume.

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Local design organizations run on volunteers, and helping at an event is a fast way to meet organizers and get a behind the scenes view of how these things come together.

Futuristic digital illustration of two hands shaking, with a city skyline in the background and the word 'SPONSOR' written on the left, all in purple and pink tones.

If you represent a company, sponsoring puts your brand in front of a focused, senior audience and often includes speaking or hosting opportunities.

Conferences and events worth knowing



Event Next Edition Venue Format Link
Nivan Creative Duel September 24, 2026 Chicago In-person Learn more
Nivan 2027 Dates to be announced Chicago In-person Learn more
EPIC2026 October 26 to 28, 2026 Chicago Cultrual Center In-person Learn more
AIGA Chicago Year-round events Various, Chicago In-person Learn more
The Data Science Conference May 27 to 28, 2027 Gleacher Center, Chicago In-person Learn more
TECHSPO Chicago 2027 Dates to be announced Chicago In-person Learn more
Oracle AI World Tour Returns annually, 2027 TBA Downtown Chicago In-person Learn more
DrupalCon North America March 22 to 27, 2027 Orlando (next host city) In-person Learn more

How to find what is on next

Conference dates move year to year, so the most reliable approach is to follow the organizers directly. Subscribe to the mailing lists or follow the social accounts of the events above, and watch for their calls for speakers if you want to present. Local design and UX communities also share upcoming events with their members, which is often where you hear about smaller gatherings before they fill up.

Or Simply sign up for Nivan Signals!

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A futuristic cityscape with silhouettes of business people networking and working against a backdrop of skyscrapers and digital icons representing technology and connectivity.

  • You can attend as a guest, submit a talk through a call for speakers, volunteer with a local design organization, or sponsor an event. Attending once is the easiest start, and submitting a speaking proposal is the highest leverage way to build a reputation in the local scene.

  • Chicago hosts a range of events including Nivan, AIGA Chicago programming, TECHSPO Chicago, DrupalCon Chicago, The Data Science Conference, the Chicago stop of the Oracle AI World Tour, and Adobe's Create Now series. They span design, UX, web development, data, and AI.

  • Watch for each event's call for speakers, which usually opens months before the conference, and submit a short proposal with a clear topic and takeaway. First time speakers are welcome at most local events, so a focused, practical idea matters more than a long speaking history.

  • Yes. The Data Science Conference and the Oracle AI World Tour center on data and applied AI, and Nivan covers AI alongside UX and design as part of its Tech, AI, UX, and Design focus.

  • Join Nivan Circle, Design Fellowship, AIGA Chicago and your local UX and interaction design groups, attend their regular events, and follow conferences like Nivan to stay close to the wider community between larger gatherings.

That stage is waiting for a story. Maybe yours.

Every Nivan talk lives somewhere on the timeline: lessons from the past, judgment calls happening right now, or the future we should be designing toward. If your work sits at the intersection of Tech, AI, UX, and Design, there is a place in our program with your name on it. Apply Now!

Apply to be Nivan Speaker