The world of UX Design and technology is evolving at a rapid pace. To stay ahead in these fields, it’s not only important to build a strong foundation but also to constantly keep up with the latest trends, test new tools, and stay updated on new best practices.
Participating in conferences is one of the most effective ways to keep up with innovations, discover the latest technologies, and expand one’s professional network.
With this in mind, Anais Digital presents a guide to the UX and tech conferences not to be missed in Europe in 2024.
UXCon Vienna 2024 | September 19-20, 2024 | Vienne, Autriche
UXCon Vienna is Vienna’s first international conference dedicated to UX research and UX design. This platform facilitates professional exchange and builds a bridge between the European UX scene and pioneers in the United States.
Many themes will be addressed during this event, including advanced research, UX psychology, UX writing, AI and the future of UX, personal development, research and design ops, ethics and sustainability, UX measurement, and accessibility and inclusive design.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Giles Colborne – CEO of cx partners
- Mick Champayne – Senior Visual Designer at Google.
- Vitaly Friedman – UX designer, speaker, and founder of the magazine Smashing.
- Molly Stevens – Senior Director of User Experience, Booking.com
- Katy Mogal – UX leader, former Google | Meta | Fitbit
Where: Expedithalle, Absberggasse 27, 1100, Vienna
When: July 19 and 20, 2024
Ideal for: Anyone passionate about UX design and UX research, whether they are beginners or professionals.
Program and registration for UXCon Vienna 2024.
SmashingConf | October 28-31, 2024 | Antwerp, Belgium
SmashingConf Antwerp is a conference centered on design and UX, aimed at web designers and UI engineers passionate about the web. It covers topics such as usability, design systems, product design, and UX challenges.
This conference provides an opportunity to enhance your design skills in a dynamic and engaging manner. The event takes place in Antwerp, Belgium, from October 28 to 31, 2024, and features conferences, hands-on workshops, as well as networking activities such as morning runs and walks to discover local waffles.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Christine Vallaure will lead a workshop titled “Figma Deep Dive,” focusing on responsive UI design with Figma.
- Nick Desbarats will offer “Practical Chart Masterclass,” teaching essential skills for designing clear and professional charts.
- Vitaly Friedman will host two workshops: “Designing For Complex UIs, 2024 Edition” on the architecture of complex interfaces and “Smart Interface Design Patterns, 2024 Edition” to explore common UX challenges.
- Nathan Curtis will present “Design System Planning and Process,” focusing on effective management of design systems.
Where: SmashingConf Antwerp 2024 will be held at the magnificent Bourla Theatre in Antwerp, Belgium. The event also offers an online participation option.
When: The conference takes place from October 28 to 31, 2024, including two days of conferences and numerous hands-on workshops.
Ideal for: This event is perfect for designers, UI engineers, and those passionate about UX and design. With a practical and interactive approach, it is particularly suitable for those looking to deepen their design and UX skills in a friendly and inclusive environment.
For more details on these workshops, you can visit SmashingConf Antwerp 2024.
UX Brighton : UX & AI | November 1, 2024 | Brighton, Royaume-Uni
UX Brighton 2024 is the must-attend event for UX professionals looking to gain a clear understanding of the role of AI in this ever-evolving field. This one-day conference provides an essential opportunity for designers, researchers, and managers at all levels to understand the practical role of AI in UX.
Experienced professionals and academics will discuss the practical applications of AI in UX, providing insights into frameworks, principles, and tools of AI directly relevant to daily UX work. This pragmatic approach aims to alleviate concerns about AI, offering a clearer vision of how AI can enhance UX practice.
Participants will benefit from structured learning, networking with peers facing similar challenges, and in-depth discussions on AI in UX. The event aims to equip participants with knowledge that can be immediately applied to their work, thus strengthening their skills and employability.
This event enables participants to gain practical knowledge about AI, establish connections with like-minded UX designers, researchers, managers, and developers, and enhance their UX career in a stimulating and friendly environment.
Where: Brighton Dome Concert Hall, BN1 1UE, United Kingdo
When: November 1, 2024
Ideal for: Product Managers, UX professionals
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Glenn Jones : Glenn is a technology founder and advisor passionate about seamlessly integrating UX design, product leadership, and strategic thinking, speaking on the theme “Human conversations with grids of numbers.”
- Manú Bartlett & Ewa Koc : Manú is a UX researcher with over 6 years of experience, specializing in user observation for microfinance organizations and governments.
Program and registration for UX Brighton 2024
PUSH UX 2024 | November 7-8, 2024 | Munich, Germany
The 12th edition of PUSH UX 2024, Germany’s leading UX conference, will take place over two days in Munich. Over 600 UX leaders, design professionals, product-focused innovators, and creative technologists from the region and beyond are expected to attend this event to learn, share, and exchange ideas on all aspects of UX.
In addition to speeches and panel discussions, optional pre-conference workshops will be offered for those who wish to participate in practical activities before the start of the conference. The PUSH program is designed to be relevant for every UX professional, regardless of their role or industry. This provides an excellent mix of people with similar and different backgrounds.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Pablo Stanley – Founder of Musho & Lummi, addressing the session “The Dunning-Krueger Effect in Design”
- Oliver Schöndorfer – Renowned typography expert and independent UI/UX designer from Austria, discussing “Typographer vs. Accessibility”
- Julia Bastian – Product Lead – Research and Innovation at Alasco, speaking on the theme “Unlocking the Potential of B2B Discovery”
Where: Former Congress Hall, Am Bavariapark 14, 80339 Munich
When: November 7 and 8, 2024
Ideal for: Anyone passionate about UX design and UX research, whether they are beginners or professionals.
Program and registration for Push UX 2024.
Web Summit | November 11-14, 2024 | Lisbon
Web Summit is recognized globally as one of the most prestigious tech conferences. Politico describes it as “the world’s premier tech conference,” the Atlantic calls it “where the future goes to be born,” and the New York Times refers to it as “a grand conclave of the tech industry’s high priests.”
In a time marked by significant uncertainties across various industries and the world at large, Web Summit brings together policymakers, heads of state, founders, and CEOs of technology companies and fast-growing startups. This gathering aims to address the critical question: Where to next?
Web Summit, featuring 50 speakers and the biggest names in tech, will gather over 70,000 attendees this November to showcase the companies redefining the industry.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Brad Smith – President & Vice Chair at Microsoft
- Jessica Sibley – CEO at TIME
- Cristiano Amon – CEO & President at Qualcomm
- Deborah Archer – President at ACLU
- Hovhannes Avoyan – Founder & CEO at Picsart
Where: Lisbon
When: November 11-14, 2024
Ideal for: technology professionals, startups and entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and heads of state, researchers and academics, as well as media and technology enthusiasts.
Program and registration for Web Summit.
UX and Tech 2024 conferences: Archives
DDX ‘24 Munich | May 11 | Munich, Germany
The DDX Innovation & UX conference is a flagship event scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Munich, Germany. This conference aims to explore the convergence of emerging technologies and user experience under the theme of “Augmented Creativity and Innovation.” The event promises a rich program with international speakers from major brands, startups, and consulting firms, addressing topics such as the impact of AI on digital innovation and the future of digital human experiences.
Participants can expect 30 speakers, 8 hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with over 300 guests. The conference will also include an awards ceremony and an after-event party, providing an ideal setting for innovators from various fields such as design, technology, and marketing to gain knowledge, share insights, and build connections. Key speakers include Paqui Lizana from IKEA and executives from major companies such as Google and the Society of Industrial Designers of America.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Sebastian Gier – Co-founder of Footprint & DDX, speaking on “Designing for positive impact”.
- Prof. Veronika Ritzer – Professor at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, discussing the “Human Touch in Interaction Design”.
- Axel Unger – Executive design leader, formerly of IDEO, presenting on “How AI is Revolutionizing the Future for Designers, Innovators, and Entrepreneurs”.
- Clive Grinyer – Design leader, formerly of Orange, Samsung, and Cisco, who will talk about “Design, Leadership & Business”.
- Mustafa Kurtuldu – From Meta (formerly Twitter, Google), addressing “Hacking User Perception”.
Where: in the innovative hub of the Munich Urban Colab in Munich.
When: May 11, 2024
Ideal for: Anyone passionate about UX and design, from beginners to professionals.
Program and registration for DDX ‘24 Munich.
UX360 Research Summit Berlin | May 16-17, 2024 | Berlin, Germany
This event highlights the latest advancements in UX and design research, covering the entire process from planning to analysis and implementation of UX insights. Participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations from global thought leaders and international brands, engage in interactive panel discussions, and participate in one-on-one meetings.
Where: Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Germany.
When: May 16-17, 2024.
Ideal for: UX research professionals and enthusiasts in the field of user experience.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Javier Bargas-Avila – Director, Google Play UX Research at Google
- Flavius Kehr – Head of UX at SAP
- Vanessa Arango – Director of UX Research at Delivery Hero
- Emmanuelle Savarit – Head of Global User Research at Just Eat Takeaway.com
- Niels Wolf – Global Head of Digital Design at Philips
Program and registration for UX360 Research Summit Berlin 2024.
VivaTechnology | May 22-25, 2024 | Paris, France
VivaTech is the largest European event dedicated to startups and technology, bringing together over 150,000 participants, including industry leaders, large corporations, investors, and media.
With more than 11,400 startups and 2,800 exhibitors, VivaTech offers an unparalleled platform to explore the latest technological trends, meet innovators and investors, and discover the newest innovations. Conferences, networking events, and startup presentations provide an immersive experience to shape the future of technology and drive business opportunities.
Key speakers not to be missed:
- Charles Michel – President of the European Council
- Eric Schmidt – Former CEO and Executive Chairman of Google
- Linda Yaccarino – CEO of X
- Dr. Werner Vogels – CTO at AMAZON.COM
- Christel Heydemann – CEO of Orange
Where: Paris
When: May 22-25, 2024
Ideal for: entrepreneurs, startups, investors, executives, and technology professionals seeking innovations, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities.
Program and registration for Vivatechnology
UX Days | June 20-21, 2024 | Paris, France
The UX Days are the essential French-speaking international event dedicated to user experience. With inspiring conferences, hands-on workshops, and a community evening, they provide a unique opportunity to meet domain experts and engage with passionate UX professionals.
Participants will have the opportunity to discover the latest trends in user experience, improve their skills, and advance their careers in the field of UX. In 2023, the UX Days brought together 37 speakers for 40 conferences and 12 workshops, attracting a total of 800 participants. The edition planned for 2024 promises to be even more enriching.
Where: Paris
When: June 20 and 21, 2024
Ideal for: Anyone passionate about UX, design thinking, agility, digital project management, serious games, and design sprint.
Program and registration for UX Days 2024.
