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Got the buy-in from leadership to attend a UX conference this year? I'm glad you stopped here first! The following is a summary of the world's best UX conferences for product designers and UX professionals to attend this year. I’ve included a mix of conferences focused on UX, product design, and service design which can help you connect with industry peers and learn new technologies and trends in the industry.

Best UX Conferences 2024 Shortlist

Here's my shortlist of the best UX conferences I think are worth attending in 2024:

  1. Leading Design - London, UK (November 2024)
  2. Axe-Con Conference 2024 - Remote (February 2024)
  3. 12th Annual ConveyUX - Seattle, WA and Virtual (February 2024)
  4. ACM IUI 2024 - Greenville, SC, USA (March 2024)
  5. Advancing Research 2024 - New York, NY (March 2024)
  6. IAC 2024 - Seattle, WA (April 2024)
  7. The New York Product Conference - New York, NY (April 2024)
  8. UXDX Conferences - Multiple Locations and Dates
  9. UX Scotland - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (May 2024)
  10. Pixel Pioneers Bristol Conference - Bristol, England, UK (June 2024)
  11. UXPA International Conference 2024 - Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 2024)
  12. Figma’s Conference 2024 - San Francisco, CA (June 2024)
  13. UX Australia 2024 - Melbourne, Australia and Virtual (August 2024)
  14. SmashingConf New York 2024- New York, NY (October 2024)
  15. UX Brighton 2024 - Brighton, England (November 2024)
  16. UXinsight Festival 2024 - Breda, The Netherlands and Virtual (April 2024)
  17. UX Nordic 2024 - Aarhus, Denmark and Virtual (August 2024)
  18. DDX Innovation & UX Conference 2024 - Multiple Locations and Dates
  19. UXLx: User Experience Lisbon - Lisbon, Portugal (May 2024)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best UX Conferences Of 2024

1. Leading Design London - London, UK (November 2024)

A speaker and the attendees during the 2023 Leading Design San Francisco conference
Leading Design San Francisco 2023

Overview: Leading Design is all about the leadership aspect of design. It focuses on how to manage creative teams, foster innovation, and handle the pressures of delivering outstanding designs under tight deadlines. The conference will cover topics like team dynamics, the intersection of design and business strategy, and how to nurture a culture of creativity. Expect to hear from top design leaders who have been there and done that, sharing insights from their own experiences.

Why You Should Attend: If you're in a UX design leadership role or aspiring to be in one, this conference is tailor-made for you. In today's competitive landscape, knowing how to lead effectively is as important as your design skills. It's a chance to learn from the best, network with your peers, and take away actionable insights that you can apply to your team and projects.

2. Axe-Con Conference 2024 - Remote (February 2024)

Attendees of the 2024 Axe-Con watch party
Axe-Con watch party at HSBC UK during the February conference

Overview: Axe-Con, based in Berlin, Germany, is dedicated to making the digital world accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This remote conference dives into the nuts and bolts of digital accessibility, from legal requirements to practical design and development techniques. Topics include web accessibility standards, inclusive design principles, and the best tools for evaluating and improving accessibility. Speakers come from a variety of backgrounds, including industry experts, activists, and people with firsthand experience of using technology with disabilities.

Why You Should Attend: Accessibility is not just a nice-to-have; it's a legal and ethical must. Attending Axe-Con allows you to deepen your understanding of accessibility, learn how to implement it in your work, and why it's essential for creating inclusive digital experiences. Plus, being remote, you can join from anywhere.

3. 12th Annual ConveyUX - Seattle, WA and Virtual (February 2024)

A speaker during the 2024 ConveyUX conference
The in-person gathering during the 12th Annual ConveyUX

Overview: The 12th Annual ConveyUX is Seattle's own UX conference, boasting a lineup of speakers worldwide. It covers various UX topics, including user research, product design, user interface design, and UX strategy. This conference is all about sharing real-world experiences and insights from practicing UX professionals. It's a mix of workshops, presentations, and discussions designed to provide practical takeaways for attendees.

Why You Should Attend: It's a fantastic opportunity for UX professionals looking to up their game. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, ConveyUX offers a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities. Plus, with its focus on practical insights, you'll leave with ideas and techniques you can immediately apply to your work.

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4. ACM IUI 2024 - Greenville, SC, USA (March 2024)

The attendees of the 28th Annual ACM Conference
Attendees during the 28th Annual ACM Conference

Overview: The 29th Annual ACM Conference is where the worlds of human-computer interaction (HCI) and artificial intelligence (AI) collide. It's a hub for researchers and practitioners to discuss the latest advancements in creating more effective interfaces. The conference will cover a broad spectrum of topics including adaptive interfaces, user modeling, and intelligent agents. Speakers include a mix of academics and industry professionals who are at the forefront of integrating AI into user experiences.

Why You Should Attend: I'd say this is the conference for you if you're interested in the cutting edge of AI and user interface design. In a time when AI is becoming more integrated into our daily UX tools and systems, understanding these interactions is crucial. It’s a unique chance to see where the future of interfaces is headed and how you can be part of shaping it.

5. Advancing Research 2024 - New York, NY and Virtual (March 2024)

Attendees of the Advancing Research conference captured by Rosenfeld Media
Attendees of the Advancing Research Conference

Overview: Advancing Research 2024 is a deep dive into UX research. This New York event pulls together the brightest minds in the field to share their insights on methodologies, tools, and the impact of research. Expect sessions on everything from ethnography and user interviews to analytics and user behavior prediction. This conference doesn't just talk about research; it shows you how to leverage it to make better design decisions.

Why You Should Attend: If you're keen to get better at uncovering real insights about your users, this is the place. With the business world increasingly recognizing the ROI of research-driven decisions, being ahead can make a real difference. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with others who are just as passionate about research as you are.

6. IAC 2024 - Seattle, WA (April 2024)

Attendees during the opening keynotes of the 2023 IA Conference
Opening keynotes during the 2023 IA Conference

Overview: The Information Architecture Conference 2024 is for those of us who geek out on information architecture (IA) and user experience. It’s a week-long exploration of structuring and organizing digital spaces to improve user understanding and engagement. The conference is set to cover a range of topics from basic IA principles to the latest trends in navigation, search systems, and content strategy. It does not just talk; there are workshops and networking opportunities, too.

Why You Should Attend: This conference is a goldmine if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of IA or find out how the best in the business solve complex design problems. In today's digital landscape, where user attention is the hardest currency, knowing how to craft intuitive and user-friendly experiences is invaluable. Plus, the networking opportunities are unbeatable if you want to meet others in the field.

7. The New York Product Conference - New York, NY (April 2024)

A session during the 2021 New York Product Conference
Session during the 2021 New York Product Conference

Overview: The New York Product Conference is all about the ins and outs of product management. It's a one-day event packed with insights on product development, launch strategies, and how to scale products successfully. The conference covers a broad spectrum, from analytics to user feedback and everything in between. You'll hear from product leaders who've led successful launches and scaled products at companies of all sizes.

Why You Should Attend: I recommend hitting this conference if you're looking to sharpen your product management skills. It's a fast-paced world, and staying ahead means learning from those who've been through the wringer and come out on top. Plus, New York's vibrant scene adds an extra layer of excitement to the networking opportunities.

8. UXDX Conferences - Multiple Dates and Locations

  • Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
  • Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
  • Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
  • Website: UXDX Conferences
  • Social Media: Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Setting of the UXDX USA 2023
The UXDX USA 2023 conference

Overview: UXDX stands at the crossroads of UX design and developer experience, focusing on how these disciplines can work more closely to create better products faster. The conference dives into case studies, workshops, and talks on integrating user experience with agile and DevOps practices. It's not just about theory; it's about practical, actionable insights that you can apply to your workflow.

UXDX Conferences: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
UXDX New York, USAMay 15 - 17, 2024
UXDX EMEA, Dublin, GermanyOctober 9 - 11, 2024

Why You Should Attend: This one's a no-brainer for anyone interested in making the product development process more efficient and user-centered. In a time when the pace of development is only getting faster, understanding how to align all parts of your team is crucial. Plus, with multiple locations, there's likely one you can attend without too much hassle.

9. UX Scotland - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK (May 2024)

Participants during the 2015 UX Scotland conference
The 2015 UX Scotland conference in Edinburgh

Overview: UX Scotland is a hands-on, community-driven conference for UX professionals. It’s set in the beautiful city of Edinburgh and offers a mix of workshops, case studies, and sessions on all things user experience. From the latest research techniques to new UX design tools, it covers a lot. The focus is on practical takeaways that you can implement as soon as you get back to work.

Why You Should Attend: If you're serious about UX, you'll want to be here. It's the perfect setting to dive deep into user experience topics without getting lost in the crowd. You'll leave not just with new ideas but with new friends in the industry. And, Edinburgh in May? It's hard to beat that.

10. Pixel Pioneers Bristol Conference - Bristol, England, UK (June 2024)

A speaker during a Pixel Pioneers Conference
Speaker at Pixel Pioneers Conference

Overview: Pixel Pioneers Bristol is a one-day festival of learning for folks who are passionate about creating the web. It's known for its practical sessions that cover everything from UX and interface design to web performance and accessibility. The speakers are practitioners who are doing the work, not just talking about it, and they're ready to share their insights and techniques with you.

Why You Should Attend: I'm all for conferences that pack a punch without dragging on, and Pixel Pioneers does just that. If you want to get up to speed on the latest web design and UX trends, UX tool features, and practices in a single day, this is where you want to be. Plus, Bristol's a great place to explore once the conference wraps up.

11. UXPA International Conference 2024 - Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 2024)

Speakers and attendees at the 2022 UXPA International Conference
The UXPA International Conference 2022

Overview: The UXPA International Conference is an annual gathering that spans the breadth and depth of user experience. This year, it's in Fort Lauderdale, and it's shaping up to be four days packed with workshops, keynotes, and sessions on the latest UX research, trends, and strategies. You'll get insights from global UX leaders, with past speakers from major corporations and pioneering firms.

Why You Should Attend: For me, the draw is the comprehensive coverage of UX topics and the chance to meet professionals from all over the world. If you're looking to broaden your UX knowledge and connect with peers in a diverse and welcoming environment, this is your spot. Plus, Fort Lauderdale is pure vacation vibes.

12. Figma’s Conference 2024 - San Francisco, CA (June 2024)

Figma's Conference participants
Participants of Figma's Conference

Overview: Figma's Conference is where the design and developer communities come together to explore the future of interface design. Focused on panel discussions about innovation and collaboration, the conference showcases how Figma and other tools are being used to push the boundaries of digital product design. Expect hands-on workshops, insightful talks, and a sneak peek at what's next for Figma.

Why You Should Attend: It's not just about Figma; it's about the broader conversation on where digital design is headed. If you're interested in staying ahead of the curve with the tools and techniques that are shaping our industry, you'll want to be here. And, it's Figma—so you know the conference experience is going to be as sleek as the tool itself.

13. UX Australia 2024 - Melbourne, Australia and Virtual (August 2024)

A speaker at the UX Australia 2023 Conference
Speaker discussion during the UX Australia 2023 Conference

Overview: UX Australia is a four-day event packed with everything UX, including hands-on workshops and two days of talks covering a wide array of user experience topics. It's the largest UX event in the region, featuring local and international speakers who are experts in their fields. Topics range from design research and strategy to interaction design, usability testing, and much more. It's a great mix of learning and networking opportunities.

Why You Should Attend: I'd recommend this conference if you're down under or can make the trip. It's an incredible opportunity to soak up knowledge from leading UX practitioners and to connect with the broader UX community. Melbourne is also an amazing city to explore when you're not immersed in learning sessions.

14. SmashingConf New York 2024- New York, NY (October 2024)

A speaker during the 2022 SmashingConf New York Conference
The 2022 SmashingConf New York Conference

Overview: SmashingConf New York is about practical techniques and strategies for web design and development. Expect workshops and talks that cover everything from CSS and JavaScript to UX design and web performance. The conference prides itself on its practical sessions that allow you to apply what you learn immediately. Speakers include well-known experts and experienced professionals who share insights and tips from their work.

Why You Should Attend: If you're into web development or design, this conference is a goldmine. It's all about actionable insights that you can apply to your projects right away. New York in October is also pretty spectacular, making it a great time to visit.

15. UX Brighton 2024 - Brighton, England (November 2024)

The kick-off portion of the UX Brighton Conference
The UX Brighton Conference

Overview: UX Brighton focuses on the real-world application of user experience techniques and theories. It's a one-day event that brings together industry veterans and newcomers for a series of talks and workshops. The conference covers a range of topics, from UX fundamentals to the latest in design thinking and user research methodologies.

Why You Should Attend: This is for you if you're looking for a concentrated dose of UX knowledge without the fluff. Brighton is a vibrant city with a strong design community, making it the perfect backdrop for a day of learning and networking.

16. UXinsight Festival 2024 - Breda, The Netherlands and Virtual (April 2024)

Attendees during the UXinsight2022 Festival
The UXinsight 2022 Festival

Overview: UXinsight Festival is an international event that's part in-person, part virtual, making it accessible to a global audience. It focuses exclusively on UX research, offering a mix of inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and unique networking opportunities. The festival covers a range of topics crucial for UX researchers, including the latest methodologies, user psychology, data analysis, and storytelling. You can expect speakers from diverse backgrounds, including leading tech companies and independent experts, all sharing their real-world experiences and insights.

Why You Should Attend: This festival is a standout for anyone deeply involved in or interested in UX research. It's not just the breadth of topics that's appealing but also the format that allows for both in-person and virtual participation. In today's world, understanding user needs and behaviors is more critical than ever for creating meaningful and successful products. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting, the insights and connections you'll gain here can significantly impact your work.

17. UX Nordic 2024 - Aarhus, Denmark and Virtual (August 2024)

A speaker at the UX Nordic Conference
UX Nordic Conference speaker

Overview: UX Nordic is a unique blend of a physical and virtual conference that focuses on user experience and design. Set in the scenic city of Aarhus, Denmark, and available online, it brings together professionals from all over the globe. The conference covers a wide array of UX topics, from interaction design and user research to service design and user interface innovations. Speakers include a mix of well-known international experts and local Nordic talents, all sharing their latest insights, methods, and case studies.

Why You Should Attend: This conference is a fantastic opportunity, especially if you're looking to get a comprehensive view of the UX landscape from a Nordic perspective, which is known for its innovative and user-centered design approach. The hybrid format also means you can attend from anywhere in the world, making it highly accessible. Whether you're a seasoned UX professional or just starting, the mix of practical workshops, inspiring talks, and networking opportunities makes it a valuable experience.

18. DDX Innovation & UX Conference 2024 - Multiple Locations and Dates

Speaker discussion during the DDX Innovation & UX Conference
The DDX Innovation & UX Conference

Overview: DDX Innovation & UX Conference is a traveling event hitting several major cities worldwide, focusing on the latest trends and methodologies in design thinking, UX, and digital innovation. The conference features a lineup of speakers renowned for their contributions to design and UX, sharing insights on topics like emerging technologies, user-centered design strategies, and innovative approaches to solving complex problems. The event also includes hands-on workshops and networking sessions, providing attendees with practical skills and the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders.

DDX Innovation & UX Conference 2024: Conference Locations and Dates

LocationDate
DDX DubaiMarch 2, 2024
DDX MunichMay 11, 2024

Why You Should Attend: This conference is a must-attend if you're keen on staying ahead in the rapidly changing field of UX and digital product design. The traveling aspect means you might catch it in a city near you, making it more accessible. What sets DDX apart is its focus on innovation within UX, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. Whether you're looking to refine your skill set, learn about cutting-edge technologies, or simply network with like-minded professionals, DDX offers valuable insights and experiences tailored to today's digital landscape.

19. UXLx: User Experience Lisbon - Lisbon, Portugal (May 2024)

Attendees during the 2023 UXLx User Experience Lisbon conference
The UXLx User Experience Lisbon 2023 Conference

Overview: UXLx: User Experience Lisbon stands out as a key gathering for UX aficionados in Europe, situated in the charming city of Lisbon, Portugal. The event brings together a diverse group of UX professionals for a four-day spree filled with workshops, keynotes, and networking chances. The agenda spans from UX design basics to the latest in interaction design, usability, and user research, among others. Speakers are top-tier influencers and practitioners in the UX field, offering deep dives into their areas of expertise.

Why You Should Attend: This conference is a prime pick for anyone looking to deepen their UX knowledge across the board. For newcomers and veterans alike, there’s a wealth of tailored sessions. The backdrop of Lisbon, with its rich cultural tapestry, ensures the experience is as enjoyable as it is educational. It’s an ideal venue for broadening your professional network and gaining insights that will invigorate your projects and approach to UX design. UXLx provides an invaluable mix of learning and connection-making, set against the backdrop of one of Portugal's most dynamic cities.

Summary

That's a wrap on my top picks for UX conferences in 2024. If you've got suggestions for other great events that UX pros shouldn't miss, I'm all ears. Sharing is caring, after all. Let's help each other stay ahead in the UX game by pointing out more can't-miss learning opportunities.

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By Hannah Clark

Hannah Clark is the Editor of The Product Manager. Following six years of experience in the tech industry, she pivoted into the content space where she's had the pleasure of working with some of the most brilliant voices in the product world. Driven by insatiable curiosity and a love of bringing people together, her mission is to foster a fun, vibrant, and inspiring community of product people.