Maria Papaleo and I have mentored each other since we met at an NN/g conference four years ago. We recently opened that duo into a trio folding in Simon Stolz.
We were talking about the return to “normal” and in-person learning. We shared that many of our team members were hesitant to get back into in-person conferences with large groups of unknowns.
Maria got very quiet. I don’t remember her ever being quiet.
She pitched the idea of a “low-key” conference with “like 25 people”. Simon and I agreed it sounded like a great idea. We started to explore how we might pull it off.
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Maria, Simon, and I functioned as planners, coordinators, facilitators and technical support as we dove headfirst into the shallow waters of hosting the first two conferences.
In 2022, we focused on relevant topics related to professional growth, team building, systems thinking, and elevating the value UX can bring to the cross functional group. We welcomed Dan Buchner, an award winning innovator and leader as our keynote to the event where he shared how might we as designers, influencers, leaders, and individuals be more succesful with a collaborative approach to our crafts.
In 2023, we almost doubled the size of the attendees and scaled the event to the capacity limits of our space. We had more demand for spots than we had room and the event once again was a resounding success. We welcomed Cameron Craig, Head of UX @ AWS as our keynote where he shared his experience with the evolution of design during his career. He spoke about the precipice we stood at with the arrival and commercialization of AI and leaned into the future where design can help shape AI beyond just a new way to interface with computers.
2024 is shaping up to be even bigger and more impactful. We are welcoming Sophia Prater, founder of Rewired UX and Chief Evangelist of OOUX.
Stay tuned for more...
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For the participants we provided an environment that focused on learning and growth, the conference gave team members a chance to lead lightning talks, workshops, and energizers—enabling them to sharpen their public speaking skills and share their experiences with peers.
Running this conference has been a huge catalyst for growth for myself. I am building a community in Vancouver and beyond for individuals committed to their personal and professional growth. The conference has unlimited potential to continue to reinforce Vancouver as an design, engineering, and product hub for Canada..
