Where Assumptions Are Challenged
An Innovation Conference Exploring 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
Be Part of the Dialogue.
May 21, 2026 | Institute of Design
Join us in Chicago for candid conversations shaping the future of AI, innovation, and leadership. šļø Thursday, May 21st, 2026 | š 9 AM - 5 PM šInstitute of Design at Illinois Tech 3137 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60616
19 Speakers
11 Industries
13 Partners
1 Unforgettable Day
Explore innovation across time from the lessons of the past to the decisions shaping the future.
Agenda at a Glance
Throughout the day, attendees will experience keynotes, creative debates, lightning talks, workshops, and immersive sessions from leaders across AI, UX, technology, research, and design.
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
Where the Eras Converge
The conference concludes with a closing session connecting insights from past, present, and future followed by networking and community celebration.
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.
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Message to Future
Write a note to your future self. We'll transform and deliver it back to you later.
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