UX conferences are a huge business, so amongst all the ads, promo articles, and aggregate lists, it’s hard to pin down the ones worth your time and money. Therefore, we curated a list that contains only renowned and respected UX conferences in the US and EU. And if you’re not sure about attending one, we’ll help you decide with a brutally honest list of the pros and cons of doing so.
Jump to a section:
- The top annual UX conferences in the USA
- The top annual UX conferences in the EU
- Are UX conferences worth it?
The top annual UX conferences in the US
1. UXDX USA
Prices in 2024:
- Talks (online only): $299
- Talks (in-person): $949
- Talks + Workshops: $1,549
- Executive + Talks + Workshops: $3,549
Info:
- When: May 15-17, 2024
- Where: New York
- Key topic: Shift from Projects to Product Teams
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Design Systems: From Hyper Growth to Maturity
- Transforming Complex Experiences by Focusing on the Key Control Points
- Futuristic Product Design: How to Integrate Innovation and Futurism in Design
About:
UXDX USA emphasizes the shift from traditional project-based work towards more dynamic product team structures. The conference brings you the latest case studies and innovative processes that can help product teams enhance their strategies, leading to a more holistic and efficient approach to building successful products.
2. Advancing Research
Prices in 2024:
- Conference (in-person): $1795
- Conference (virtual): $995
- Conference + Workshops: $2,590
Info:
- When: March 25-27, 2024
- Where: New York
- Key topic: Re-assessing the state of UX research
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- The Benefits and Challenges of Building a Unified Insights Function
- The Future of ReOps as a Strategic Function
- Research as an Occasion for Expanding Organizational Possibility
About:
The Advancing Research 2024 conference is an environment where researchers can assess the current state of UX research. The aim is to address the complex demands placed on researchers and give them the tools to define their roles and set achievable goals.
3. CHI
Prices in 2024:
- CHI has a location-based pricing system, that you can find here.
- Price for US citizens: $1430
Info:
- When: March 11-16, 2024
- Where: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Key topic: Riding the tide of new developments in HCI
- Focus: HCI
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Computational Methodologies for Understanding, Automating, and Evaluating User Interfaces
- Designing Inclusive Future Augmented Realities
- LLMs as Research Tools: Applications and Evaluations in HCI Data Work
About:
The CHI conference, held annually by the Association for Computing Machinery, is a prestigious conference in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). It brings together practitioners and academics to explore the latest in HCI technologies and methodologies through workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions.
4. ACM IUI
Prices in 2024:
- Price for not ACM/SIGCHI members: $1,090
Info:
- When: March 18-21, 2024
- Where: Greenville, South Carolina
- Key topic: HCI meets AI
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Human-AI Co-Creation with Generative Models
- Intelligent User Interface for Metaverse
About:
The 29th ACM Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces (ACM IUI) 2024 will be a meeting ground for those at the forefront of AI and HCI. With a focus on “resilience,” this year’s conference will explore topics around COVID-19 recovery and climate change. In addition to the main event, ACM IUI 2024 will feature six targeted workshops designed to encourage deep dives into specific research areas.
5. Convey UX
Prices in 2024:
- Regular price: $1,195
- Virtual experience: $495
Info:
- When: February 27-29, 2024
- Where: Seattle, Washington
- Key topic: Adapting processes in an AI-driven era
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- The Purpose, Importance & Potential Impact of UX Maturity
- Designing for Competing Goals
- Designing Tomorrow’s Banking Experience: A Journey Into Emotional Design
About:
Established in 2013, ConveyUX 2024 is a conference designed to cater to both seasoned professionals and those new to the field, with a focus on tangible takeaways and practical insights. Through a series of workshops, presentations, and discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to engage deeply with current UX challenges (like the involvement of AI) and solutions.
6. HCI International
Prices in 2024:
- Regular in-person or virtual price: $895
Info:
- When: June 29 – July 4, 2024
- Where: Washington DC
- Key topic: Adapting processes in an AI-driven era
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- User experience of and validation for industrial grade AI: Case Studies
- Design Systems for Better Design, Usability and UX
- Ctrl, Alt, Delete? Meeting Gen Z’s Expectations in the Design and Utilization of Technologies in Higher Education in a Post-Covid World
About:
HCI International 2024 will blend academic rigor with presentations, workshops, and panel discussions that delve into the latest advancements and case studies in HCI. The conference will feature workshops and tutorials in a wide range of topics from UX research, UX design, AI and LLMs, to cybersecurity.
The top annual UX conferences in the EU
1. UX360 Research Summit
Prices in 2024:
- Regular price: €995
Info:
- When: May 16-17, 2024
- Where: Berlin, Germany
- Key topic: Planning, conducting, analyzing and implementing UX insights
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- How to show the value and ROI of research
- Research ops: How we streamlined our user research process using 700 feedbacks per month
- Workshop: Setting up Research Ops for success
About:
Though it was established in 2022 and this year’s will be its first in-person experience, UX360 Research Summit has already made a name for itself in UX research circles. This year’s summit will include keynotes from global thought leaders and brands, case studies, interactive panels, and 1-2-1 meetings.
2. UXinsight Festival
Prices in 2024:
- In-person conference and workshop ticket: €1,170
- In-person conference ticket: €870
- Virtual conference ticket: €175
Info:
- When: April 15-17, 2024
- Where: Breda, Netherlands
- Key topic: Adaptability in the maturing UX research field
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- How to Enhance UX Maturity and Secure its Rightful Place in the Spotlight
- Navigating the Horizon: IKEA’s Research Blueprint
- Using Research Skills to Take the Lead and Pitch to the CEO
About:
2024 will see the 8th annual UXinsight Festival, bringing together Europe’s UX researcher community. The theme is “Stay curious, Be Bold”, an invitation to explore and experiment with confidence. The program features numerous talks and roundtables by UX researchers, as well as workshops on timely topics.
3. UX Nordic
Prices in 2024:
- Conference only: €515
- Conference and workshops: €950
- Virtual access: €225
Info:
- When: August 28-30, 2024
- Where: Aarhus, Denmark
- Key topic: Adaptability in the maturing UX research field
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Building your portfolio and career in the UX design industry
- Amplify the role of design through design reviews
- Workshop: Outcome-driven UX metrics with Jared Spool
About:
UX Nordic 2024 zeroes in on the intersection of technology and human-centric design, with a focus on the integration of AI and ethics in UX. The agenda offers targeted workshops on the first day, and panels and talks on the second day. The aim is to provide something of value to UX professionals of all experience levels.
4. UXLX
Prices in 2024:
- 1-day: €445
- 2-days: €995
- 3-days: €1295
- 4-days: €1,495
Info:
- When: May 21-34, 2024
- Where: Lisbon, Portugal
- Key topic: Learn new skills, practice and share experiences
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Getting the Measure of UX Content
- Scaling Your Scrappy Research Process
- Designing Products Powered by AI
About:
User Experience Lisbon (UXLX) features plenty of hands-on workshops as well as inspiring talks to keep you up-to-date with UX trends and best practices. This year’s conference will feature many AI related workshops and talks on more general UX/product topics.
5. World Usability Congress
Prices in 2024:
- One day: €440
- Conference (2-days): €810
- All-in (3-days): €1,110
Info:
- When: October 15-17, 2024
- Where: Graz, Austria
- Key topic: Industrial UX, UX Trends
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Unlocking the Power of UX KPIs
- Making AI Interpretable Through UX Research
- Application of Mixed-Methods in UX research
About:
The World Usability Congress is a dive deep into practical UX solutions. This conference will bring together over 50 industry leaders to share real-world challenges and successful strategies in product design. The Main Conference is packed with talks and masterclasses, while the Focus Days are dedicated to trends and workshops.
6. UX copenhagen
Prices in 2024:
- On-site: €1,133
- Online: €533
Info:
- When: March 20-21, 2024
- Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Key topic: Degrowth
- Our talk/workshop highlights:
- Actionable, engaging, and unforgettable tips on increasing the engagement of 65+ segments
- Dare to Degrowth
- Designing for a more equitable world with systems thinking
About:
This year’s UX Copenhagen – Denmark’s longest-running UX event – tackles a unique theme: degrowth and consumerism. Expect a mix of industry leaders and up-and-coming professionals discussing how UX can address sustainability challenges. On top of talks, the conference features interactive workshops and roundtable discussions, encouraging deep dives into the topic and networking.
Are UX conferences worth it?
Yes, if your company pays for it. Attending UX conferences is a luxury and not a necessity. Here’s why:
1. The knowledge is available online
All the knowledge that’s shared in the workshops or talks at UX conferences is available online in some form or another. Indeed, it might not come in the same package, but the principles are the same. Those who want to learn will find a way without having to pay hundreds of dollars to attend a conference.
2. Talks are inspiring but generic
In a way, most keynotes and talks are uplifting or inspiring, leaving you with a buzz. However, when analyzing the actual info and takeaways, you realize that it could’ve been said in 2 minutes. Don’t get us wrong: there’s a huge value in being energized by a good speech, but actual takeaways are usually not that exciting or revelatory.
3. One size doesn’t fit all
Most UX conferences cater to a broad audience. After all, they are businesses looking to make a profit. They’re also aware that most people attend because their company has a conference budget that needs to be spent. This, however, means that there are a few programs for every UX-related topic (design, research, product management, etc.) but not enough of each to satisfy professionals.
4. Events bring more value
The UX community is very active. You can find local or online UX events for every week. And the truth is that most of these events have more value than conferences since they are built around way more specific topics, issues, or trends within UX. What’s more, these events are just as good – if not better – for networking, since they’re more intimate and local.
Overall, we can conclude that UX conferences are not worth the price tag. This though, doesn’t mean that they’re worthless! Let’s see why:
The pros of attending UX conferences
Deep down, most of us are aware that conferences make little to no practical contribution to the work of UX professionals. However, conferences do offer some benefits that can drive positive impact:
1. Motivation
The biggest pro of attending UX conferences and mingling with other UX professionals is the boost of inspiration and motivation you get out of it. Something about being completely enveloped in the world of UX can be very inspiring. During and after a conference or keynote, it’s common to feel re-energized in your work and professional development.
2. Building your network
Conferences are good for building your professional network IF:
- They feature workshops where you have the opportunity to interact with other UX professionals within the framework.
- You are open to and good at socializing.
- You don’t spend all your time with your colleagues.
3. Job opportunities
Most conferences feature stands by companies for employer branding purposes. Since these companies are there to promote themselves to talent, this is a very good opportunity to make relevant connections. By relevant, we mean connections that can lead to job opportunities.
4. Fun and team-building
Let’s not forget that regardless of their content, attending conferences can be great fun. They’re like a professional vacation. If you attend alone, you can meet new people and build connections. If you attend with colleagues, conferences can be a great team-building experience.
In summary, conferences offer some value, though it’s a different value than what’s advertised. Nevertheless, if you have the opportunity to attend a conference without having to pay for it from your pocket, you should live with it!
