The UX Designer's Guide to Conquering Conferences
The UX Designer's Guide to Conquering Conferences
Attending your first conference can also be pretty intimidating. Where do you start? How do you make the most of your time there? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to pick the right conferences, prepare to get the most out of the talks and workshops, master the art of networking, and follow up to turn new connections into new gigs.
By the end, you'll be a conference pro, expanding your skills, boosting your career, and connecting with others in the UX community.
The Benefits of Attending UX Conferences
Attending UX conferences is one of the best ways to boost your career. Here are a few of the major benefits:
You’ll connect with fellow designers. Swap insights, share advice, and build your professional network. You never know, you may end up collaborating on an exciting project together down the road!
Doors will open to new opportunities. Conferences are a prime place for job openings and talent scouting. You might get a new gig or pick up a few freelance clients. At the very least, you'll raise your visibility in the UX community.
You’ll stay up to date on the latest tech and trends. Conferences feature presentations on the latest tools, techniques, and technologies in UX design.
You’ll find fresh inspiration. Surrounding yourself with innovative thinkers and creative work will spark new ideas.
How to Choose the Right UX Conferences to Attend
First, determine your goals. Are you looking to network, learn new skills, find a new job, or just immerse yourself in the field? The theme and content of the conference should align with your key objectives. You can find some conferences shared regularly in the #events channel of the Design Buddies Discord!
Do some research on the event websites to find the right fit. Look for conferences that offer relevant talks or workshops in areas you want to grow in, like user research, accessibility, or design systems. Check out the speaker lineup - are leaders in the UX space presenting?
Consider the location and cost. While bigger conferences in tech hubs may feature well-known speakers, smaller regional events can also be valuable and budget-friendly. Think about travel expenses and time off work.
Connect with others who have attended to get their reviews and recommendations. See what they found most useful or inspiring. Their first-hand experience can help determine if a particular conference is worth your time and money.
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Pre-Conference Preparation - Networking and Sessions
Research the Sessions
Check out the schedule of presentations and workshops ahead of the conference and select a few that interest you. Having some target sessions in mind will help give you direction and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by options once there. Look for topics that align with your current role or areas you want to learn more about to expand your UX skills.
Connect with Fellow Attendees
Use the conference website or app to view a list of other attendees and reach out to a few that share your job title or work at companies you admire. Send a quick message on LinkedIn introducing yourself and suggesting meeting up at the event. Having a few friendly faces to connect with can help combat the awkwardness of not knowing anyone and make the overall experience more rewarding. You can even ask around in the Design Buddies Discord to see if anyone is attending the conference.
You never know, you may end up finding a mentor or collaborating on a project down the road! Look for opportunities to mingle at sponsored lunches, happy hours, and evening events too. Strike up genuine conversations by asking open-ended questions about the other person and listening to build new connections.
Prepare Questions for Speakers
Review the backgrounds of speakers for sessions you plan to attend and prepare 1-2 thoughtful questions for the Q&A portion. This shows your enthusiasm for the topic and gives you a chance to start a meaningful dialog. Even if you don’t end up asking your question due to time constraints, having prepared questions will make you an active listener and help retain more of the information presented.
Be Ready to Connect on LinkedIn
Getting your name and information in front of other designers and UX professionals can lead to new opportunities through word-of-mouth and personal referrals. Make the most of your time at the conference by being prepared to network at every turn and add each other on LinkedIn!
Maximizing Your Conference Experience: Tips for Networking and Career Growth
Research
Check out the conference website and schedule ahead of time. Look for talks, workshops, and networking events that match your interests or skills you want to develop. Have a game plan. It can be as simple as outlining your agenda on a doc.
Prepare Materials
Bring a tablet or laptop to take notes, and any materials related to projects you’ve worked on. This gives you artifacts to help start conversations and share your experience with others.
Introduce Yourself
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people, whether speakers, sponsors, or attendees. Starting a genuine conversation is the first step to making a connection. Have a few questions ready about the person’s work or role to break the ice.
Ask Good Questions
If there’s a Q&A portion after a talk, don’t be shy about asking a thoughtful question. This is a chance to show your enthusiasm and knowledge to the speaker and audience. Come prepared with a question that highlights your expertise or desire to learn.
Follow Up
Send a follow up message on LinkedIn to new connections you made. Reference something you discussed and express your interest in staying in touch. This helps to strengthen your new relationships and keeps the conversation going after the conference ends.
Post Conference
Review notes and connections you made. Reflect on key takeaways and how you can apply what you learned to your current role. Set concrete goals to implement new knowledge or follow up with your connections.
Best Practices for Landing Your UX Job at a Conference
Research
Learn as much as you can about the companies attending the conference and find those you're most interested in. Study their websites, products, mission, and culture. Come equipped with intelligent questions that show your enthusiasm and knowledge.
Build your confidence
You have a lot to offer as a UX designer. Remind yourself of your skills, experience, talents, and strengths. Think of examples of your best work that would excite potential employers. Walk into conversations with your head held high, ready to share how you can contribute value to their team.
Perfect your pitch
Prepare a 30 - 60 second pitch highlighting why you're passionate about UX and the company. Share a concrete example of a successful UX project you worked on. End by expressing your desire for an interview to further discuss potential opportunities. Practice your pitch ahead of time to sound polished yet authentic. Get feedback on it.
Network, network, network
Talk to as many people as possible, from company reps to other attendees. Build genuine connections by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing information about yourself when relevant. Connect on LinkedIn, and follow up to strengthen new relationships.
Conclusion
You've packed your schedule with talks on the latest design tools and trends. You've networked and made valuable new connections. You've gotten inspired by thought leaders in the field. Now it's time to head home with your mind buzzing, ready to apply all you've learned. Conferences are a chance to recharge your creative batteries and advance your career. Make the most of the opportunity - ask questions, share your work, follow up with your new contacts. The effort you put in will pay off. You'll return to the office excited to improve your craft and make a bigger impact. The conference may be over but the journey is just beginning. Keep learning and stay passionate. The future of UX design is yours to shape.
You can also find some conferences shared regularly in the #events channel of the Design Buddies Discord!
🐰 Upcoming Design Buddies Events
Tue Aug 8, 3 pm PT: Design a Dog Adoption App: Hands-On UX Workshop
Fri Aug 18: Applications close for fall cohort for Useful school, practical pay-what-you-can classes for people of color (Design Buddies will also be featured)
Tue Aug 22, 3 pm PT: Design an Accessible Website for Senior Citizens - Hands-On UX Workshop
Tue Aug 29, 3 pm PT: Hands-on UX Project: Conduct Research & Card Sort for the GoTogether App
Tue Sep 5, 3 pm PT: Design an Augmented Reality App for Art Museums: Hands-On UX Workshop
Tue Sep 12, 3 pm PT: Ask Me Anything: Breaking into a UX Career with Bitesize UX
Tue Sep 19, 3 pm PT: How to Work With Developers as a UX Designer: Hands-On Workshop
Tue Sep 16, 3 pm PT: Design an Alexa Voice App for Airbnb Guests: Hands-On Voice Design Workshop
Every Saturday, 10 am ET: UX Book Club by Haidita and Steven
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