Frequently Asked Questions

Nivan is a Chicago based innovation conference bringing together Tech, AI, UX, and Design.

Ni represents intention and reflective clarity.
Van represents dialogue, momentum, and evolution.

NIVAN operates at the intersection of Hindsight, Insight, and Foresight where past experience informs present understanding to shape more intentional futures.

Nivan 2026 is a Time Travel Conference, an immersive journey through the past, present, and future of design, AI, and human experience.
Each segment explores how creativity and intelligence have evolved, and how we can co-create the next era together.

Institute of Design at Illinois Tech
📍3137 S Federal St
Chicago, IL 60616

Nivan welcomes:

• Designers, researchers, and creators shaping user experiences
• AI innovators, strategists, and technologists
• Leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs building the future of human connection
• Anyone passionate about the intersection of creativity, technology, and purpose

Nivan is not just a conference, it’s a journey through time and transformation.
Every session, installation, and experience is designed to bridge eras, blending the wisdom of the past, the innovation of the present, and the imagination of the future.

Nivan is intentionally designed as an intimate innovation conference: around 200 attendees, and we're almost sold out. 

Rather than a massive convention, Nivan focuses on creating a room where meaningful conversations happen. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers, innovators, and peers shaping the future of technology, AI, design, and research.

The goal is not just to listen to talks, but to build relationships and exchange ideas with people doing meaningful work.

Speakers at Nivan are carefully curated based on their real world experience shaping innovation across technology, design, research, and business.

Rather than focusing on hype or promotional talks, the program prioritizes leaders who bring practical insight, honest perspectives, and lessons learned from building meaningful products and systems.

The goal is to create conversations that go beyond trends and explore the decisions, tensions, and tradeoffs that drive innovation forward.

Nivan is curated by Niketa Jhaveri, a UX leader and innovation strategist with experience leading research and design initiatives in AI and large scale product ecosystems.

The conference was created to bring together leaders across technology, AI, UX, and design to explore how innovation evolves across time and disciplines.

Nivan is supported by a growing community of volunteers, speakers, advisors, and organizations who share a commitment to thoughtful innovation and meaningful collaboration.

• Attend the Event
• Become a Sponsor or Partner to align your brand with Nivan’s mission

Yes, and most of our attendees do. Nivan is a professional development investment that fits standard learning and development budgets. We have a Convince Your Boss page with ROI language, agenda highlights, and speaker credentials you can paste straight into Slack or email. Visit the Convince your Boss page.

We’re going business professional with a touch of pizzazz that nods to the Nivan brand colors (blue, purple, magenta, teal). Think a statement necklace, a bold tie, or a pop of color. Have fun with it!

Registration opens at 8:00 AM. The program runs until 5:00 PM, followed by a cocktail reception until 7:00 PM.

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM · Registration
• 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Program 
• 5:00 PM onward · Cocktail reception

Yes. Your ticket includes coffee, a light breakfast, lunch, and evening cocktails at the reception.

We also have you covered on dietary needs. During registration, you'll receive an attendee form asking for your restrictions and preferences so we can make sure there are options for you.

• A water bottle. We will have water available, but a refillable one is easier.
• Layers. Conference rooms run cold, especially in the afternoon.
• Laptop. Optional, but useful for note-taking and interactive sessions.
• An open mind. The day works best when you come ready to question your own assumptions.

Yes. The wifi network and password will be shared on the day of the event at registration and on the screens throughout the venue.

Yes. We will be live posting throughout the day across LinkedIn and Instagram. Tag your posts and stories so we can amplify them.

• #NivanLive
• #Nivan2026

For a hotel recommendation near the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech, visit our Venue and Logistics page.

Closest airports:

• O'Hare (ORD): 35 to 50 min by car. About 60 min by Blue Line train.
• Midway (MDW): 20 to 30 min by car. About 35 min by Orange Line train.