One day that rethought everything we accept as true about AI, UX, and innovation.
The Innovation Conference That Explored AI, UX, and Technology Across Past, Present, and What Comes Next
Less hype. More signal. Real impact on how we work, think, and build in an AI-driven world
The Dialogue That Brought Us Together.
May 21, 2026 | Institute of Design at Illinois Tech
Chicago came together for one full day of candid conversations on AI, innovation, and leadership. A sold out room of innovators, leaders, designers, researchers, and technologists, all in one place šļø Thursday, May 21st, 2026 | š 9 AM - 5 PM šInstitute of Design at Illinois Tech 3137 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60616
The Idea Continues.
Nivan Was Never Just One Day
It began as a room full of people who believe innovation deserves more signal and less hype. That belief did not end when the day did. The Nivan Manifesto is a living statement of what we stand for across Tech, AI, UX, and Design, and it grows sharper with every voice that joins. Add your name and help carry it forward.
What one day made possible
19 Speakers
11 Industries
15 Partners
1 Unforgettable Day
Agenda at a Glance
From the lessons of the past to the decisions defining tomorrow, Nivan delivered a full day of keynotes, creative debates, lightning talks, and immersive sessions across Tech, AI, UX, and Design.
Every great day needs a powerful start
Back to the Future: Where Eras Converge
Nivan opened with a keynote that bridged where innovation has been and where it is going next.
Morning: The Past
The ideas, missteps, and breakthroughs that laid the foundation for how we innovate today.
ā¢ Opening keynote on what the industry got right, wrong, and what still matters
ā¢Ā Creative Duel: Scale vs. Craft
ā¢Ā Innovation Portal: Tools and patterns that shaped the field
ā¢ Discussions around the foundational decisions that defined how we build today
Midday: The Present
Current decisions that shape products, platforms, and human experience.
ā¢ Lightning talk on decisions shaping today's product ecosystems
ā¢ Creative Duel: Human Judgment vs. AI Assistance
ā¢ Innovation Portal: Real-time product and design decisions
ā¢ Interactive workshop on identifying meaningful signals in complex systems
Afternoon: The Future
Where innovation, design, and intelligence are headed next.
ā¢ Lightning talk on what we're designing toward in an AI-driven world
ā¢ Creative Duel: Personalization vs. Privacy
ā¢ Innovation Portal: The future of cities, healthcare, and AI systems
ā¢ Conversations on building meaningful breakthroughs and long-term innovation strategy
Inside the Nivan Experience
Creative Duel
Two opposing perspectives on real tensions in design and AI, head to head.
Innovation Portals
Condensed insights that cut through the noise and get straight to what matters.
Time Capsule
Capture what you believe right now and revisit it when the next shift arrives.
Ā
Message to Future
Attendees wrote a note to their future selves. We will transform and deliver each one back when the next shift arrives.
Ā
Our Sponsors & Partners
Live from Nivan
See Nivan Come to Life
Follow us on Instagram at @nivan.live for exclusive updates.
Join the Nivan Network
Be first to know when the next Nivan happens, and get the recap, photos, and session recordings as they land.