Speak at Big Design – Open

Speak at Big Design

We are seeking submissions for talks and workshops from speakers, mentors, and design professionals who are advancing the field of user experience design. We welcome first-time and seasoned speakers.

Ideal submissions provide new perspectives and deep insights on UX topics, explore emerging practices and reshape current ones, or unravel current and emerging trends. Submissions should be engaging, inviting, and clear.

Talks range from 30- to 45-minutes. Workshops are either half- or full-day sessions.

Conference Theme and Topics

This year’s theme is Designing with Dignity. Topics may include (but are not limited to):

  • User experience design
  • Research and testing
  • Accessibility and universal design
  • Emerging practices and methods
  • Design ethics, strategy, and integration
  • Case studies and deep dives
  • Design education (formal and informal)
  • Near- and far-future design horizons
  • Design for business enterprises
  • or your own ideas!

Important dates

  • Submissions are open now through June 1 June 20.
  • Decisions will be announced by June 30 July 5.
  • The conference runs Oct 5-7, 2021.

What happens after I submit?

Every proposal is anonymously reviewed by at least three (3) people on our reviewer committee. Committee members provide comments on the talks they reviewed. There is then another review of each submission to consider reviewer comments. A shortlist of top proposals is then made. The full conference committee meets to select the final conference program.

Frequently Asked Questions

If accepted, do I need to pay for conference registration?
No, we are proud to offer complimentary conference registration to speakers whose talks are accepted.

Do you pay for speaker travel and accommodations? 
At this time, we are unable to provide funds for speaker travel or a presentation honorarium. 

Have a question? Contact us.

View sketchnotes of the past Big Design conferences. Sketchnotes organized by the UX Club at UT Dallas. 

Submit your talk

Tell us about yourself.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
JPG or PNG format; maximum size of 5MB Ideal size: at least 500 x 500 pixels
Be sure to explain how your talk connects to this year's theme: Designing for Dignity.
Briefly explain what three things attendees will learn from your submission.
My talk would appeal to these audiences (check all that apply).