14 Best UX Research Conferences To Attend In 2026
If you're a product manager looking to sharpen your UX skills, attending top design conferences can be a game-changer. These events offer you a chance to deepen user research, improve usability, and connect with peers focused on building better digital experiences.
Whether you're refining product design workflows or strengthening ux strategy, these conferences support long-term product development through shared learning and collaboration.
Best UX Research Conferences in 2026 Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best UX research conferences I think are worth attending in 2026:
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- ACM IUI 2026 - Paphos, Cyprus (March 23-26, 2026)
- Information Architecture Conference - Philadelphia, PA (April 16-18, 2026)
- UXinsight Festival - Leiden, Netherlands (April 20-22, 2026)
- UXDX USA - Multiple locations (May 11-13, 2026)
- UX London 2026 - London, UK (June 2-4, 2026)
- Pixel Pioneers Bristol - Bristol, UK (June 19, 2026)
- UXPA International Conference - Las Vegas, NV (June 22-25, 2026)
- UX Australia 2026 - Sydney, Australia (August 27-28, 2026)
- UX CON 26 - Silver Spring, MD (October 8, 2026)
- UX Brighton 2026 - Brighton, UK (November 6, 2026)
Find more details about each conference below.
Best UX Research Conferences Of 2026
Below are my summaries of the best UX research conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event's dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.
1. ACM IUI 2026 - Paphos, Cyprus (March 23-26, 2026)
- Dates: March 23-26, 2026
- Location: Coral Beach Hotel & Resort
- Pricing: Starts at €1,025
- Social Media: Facebook
The ACM IUI 2026 conference brings together researchers and practitioners to advance intelligent interfaces and design research. The program emphasizes qualitative research, AI-driven interaction models, and cutting-edge experimentation. It started in 1997 and is organized by the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction.
Why attend? ACM IUI 2026 offers real-world research presentations, tutorials, and case studies that strengthen advanced research skills and foster a global research community. The conference includes workshops, tutorials, and keynotes, providing diverse learning opportunities. You and your team will gain insights from leading experts and network with peers in a collaborative environment.
2. Information Architecture Conference - Philadelphia, PA, USA (April 16-18, 2026)
- Dates: April 16-18, 2026
- Location: Arch Street Meeting House
- Pricing: $585
- Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn
The Information Architecture Conference focuses on structuring information to support better functionality and user understanding. It has been running for several years, providing a platform for learning and networking. The conference features a variety of workshops and talks from industry leaders. Organized by a dedicated team, it attracts speakers who are experts in their domains.
Why attend? At the Information Architecture Conference, you'll engage with a community focused on the latest in information architecture and user experience. Sessions emphasize user interviews, information systems thinking, and applied ux strategy, making it valuable for senior strategists and design leaders. This is your chance to connect with experts and peers, deepen your understanding of the field, and gain valuable skills to apply in your work.
3. UXinsight Festival - Leiden, Netherlands (April 20-22, 2026)
- Dates: April 20-22, 2026
- Location: Stadsgehoorzaal
- Pricing: Starts at €225 (virtual pass)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
UXinsight Festival is an annual gathering for UXR, designers, and research managers exploring collaborative research models. It focuses on collaborative UX research and adapting to industry changes, with a special emphasis on AI. The festival offers presentations, interactive sessions, and networking events like "UXinsight by Night."
Why attend? At the UXinsight Festival, you'll dive into collaborative UX research with a focus on adapting to AI advancements. The festival supports peer learning through applied research talks and strengthens the global ux community through shared challenges and solutions. Engage in networking opportunities, including the "UXinsight by Night" event, and connect with peers and UX professionals in a vibrant setting.
4. UXDX USA - New York, USA and online (May 11-13, 2026)
- Dates: May 11-13, 2026
- Location: New World Stages
- Pricing: Starts at $329 (virtual pass)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
The UXDX USA conference is designed for professionals in Product, UX, Design, and Development. It began with a focus on enhancing team collaboration to build better products. Organized by UXDX, often referred to as ddx in the product and design community, it provides a platform for learning and networking.
Why attend? The conference offers full-day sessions and practical frameworks that support product development alignment across teams. The event offers sessions from industry leaders, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. You'll gain practical insights into integrating UX, design, and development processes, making it a valuable experience for your team.
5. UX London 2026 - London, UK (June 2-4, 2026)
UX London is an annual conference organized by Clearleft for designers, researchers, and product managers. It began over a decade ago and has hosted notable speakers like Don Norman and Jared Spool. The event focuses on the entire UX process, offering inspiring talks and hands-on workshops.
Why attend? Talks and workshops help teams improve design research practices while connecting experienced ux leaders with emerging voices. You'll connect with industry leaders and peers, gaining insights into UX trends and practical skills. Whether you're a designer or a researcher, this event provides valuable knowledge to enhance your team's capabilities.
6. Pixel Pioneers Bristol - Bristol, UK (June 19, 2026)
- Dates: June 19, 2026
- Location: Arnolfini
- Pricing: £179
Pixel Pioneers Bristol is a community-driven conference for front-end developers and UX/UI designers. Since its inception in 2017, it has been organized by Oliver Lindberg, a former editor of Net Magazine. The event features speakers like Sara Soueidan and Chris Coyier, who share insights on the latest industry trends.
Why attend? The event offers practical insights for teams balancing visual design, technical execution, evolving product design standards, and scalable design systems. It's an excellent opportunity for you and your team to learn, network, and stay ahead of industry trends in a collaborative environment.
7. UXPA International Conference - Las Vegas, NV, USA (June 22-25, 2026)
- Dates: June 22-25, 2026
- Location: Caesars Palace
- Pricing: Starts at $1,275 (non-member pass)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The UXPA International Conference is a premier event for user experience professionals, offering a platform for learning and networking. It has been held annually since the early 1990s, organized by the User Experience Professionals Association. The conference features renowned speakers like Steve Krug and Whitney Hess, who share insights into UX best practices and innovations.
Why attend? Attending the UXPA International Conference gives you access to a wealth of knowledge from industry leaders. The conference supports structured user research, usability testing, and professional standards for UX practitioners at every career stage. It's an opportunity to connect with peers, learn about the latest trends, and bring fresh ideas back to your team.
8. UX Australia 2026 - Sydney, Australia (August 27-28, 2026)
- Dates: August 27-28, 2026
- Location: NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre
- Pricing: Starts at $1,095
- Social Media: LinkedIn
UX Australia is an in-person conference for user experience professionals in Australia, organized annually by UX Events. It began in 2009 and has featured notable speakers such as Steve Baty and Donna Spencer. The conference is designed for UX practitioners and offers sessions on design, research, and strategy.
Why attend? UX Australia 2026 provides a platform for you and your team to explore the latest in UX design and research. Sessions emphasize applied research skills, collaboration, and scaling UX practice in complex organizations. The event fosters a collaborative environment, making it a great opportunity to network with peers and enhance your skills.
9. UX CON 26 - Silver Spring, MD, USA (October 8, 2026)
- Dates: October 8, 2026
- Location: Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza
- Pricing: $265
UX CON 26 is a dedicated conference for UX professionals, focusing on innovation and user-centered design. It is organized annually and offers a platform for networking and learning. The conference has featured speakers such as Jared Spool and Kim Goodwin, offering insights into the latest UX trends and methodologies.
Why attend? UX CON 26 offers a unique opportunity for you and your team to explore the forefront of UX design and research. With sessions led by industry leaders, you'll gain valuable insights into user-centered design practices and emerging trends. The event fosters a collaborative environment, making it an ideal setting for networking and professional growth.
10. UX Brighton 2026 - Brighton, UK (November 6, 2026)
- Dates: November 6, 2026
- Location: Brighton Dome
- Pricing: Starts at £225
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
UX Brighton is an annual conference focused on user experience design that brings together designers, researchers, and practitioners. Since its inception in 2011, it has featured notable speakers like Gerry McGovern and Leisa Reichelt. Organized by UX Brighton, the event provides a platform for sharing insights and exploring the latest trends in UX.
Why attend? UX Brighton 2026 offers you and your team the chance to delve into current UX challenges and solutions. The conference provides a mix of talks and workshops led by industry experts, covering a wide range of topics. It's an ideal setting to connect with peers, learn from thought leaders, and gain practical knowledge to apply in your projects.
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