Three hours. One room. Portfolio Review, Lightning Talks, and a Community Roundtable on the main stage — while the Design × Dev Hackathon runs in parallel at tables in the back. Everything is included with your ticket. No add-ons, no sign-up for stage programming — just show up.
One room, two layers. Stage programming (Portfolio Review → Lightning Talks → Community Roundtable) runs up front for everyone to watch. In the back, hackathon teams build quietly at tables for the full 3 hours. You can sit in on stage programming and still cheer for the hackathon at the end — no conflict. The only thing requiring sign-up is the Hackathon (limited team spots).
Designers and developers team up to build AI-powered creative tools, prototypes, or experiences in a 3-hour continuous sprint. Teams work at tables in the back while stage programming runs up front. Teams pitch at the Design Awards immediately after — Best Hackathon Project wins a physical award on stage. Sign up free →
Two focused segments — Brand/Visual Design and Product/UI/UX — plus an AI-portfolio discussion, followed by open Q&A. Student volunteers present; Christie and C.J. give live, honest feedback the whole room benefits from. Bring your portfolio if you want to submit for written review.
Four designers from different corners of the industry — each gets ten minutes to go deep on one real story from their practice. Client work, creative process, scope changes, career pivots. No theory, just the real work.
A candid roundtable on who is shaping the future of design — access, mentorship, representation, and what these organizations are doing to change the landscape. Open discussion format.
Any ticket tier gets you into everything above. No workshop add-ons, no priority windows — your conference ticket is all you need.
Portfolio Review, Lightning Talks, and the Community Roundtable are open seating on the main stage. Walk in, pick a seat, watch. No RSVP required for stage programming.
The Hackathon is the only thing with a separate sign-up — because team spots are limited. Register for the hackathon →
Stage programming is open seating — no RSVP needed. The Hackathon is the only afternoon session with a sign-up, because teams need to form in advance. Free, limited spots, first-come first-served.