Goals
The IA conference exists to promote discourse and learning about the intentional design of information environments. It is a gathering of practitioners from around the globe, who practice and teach Information Architecture and other design-related disciplines.
Be the preeminent event for information architecture learning and discourse
- The IA conference prides itself on provoking engaging conversations that take place between conference attendees.
- The IA conference exposes practitioners to leading best-practices and the latest research.
- The conference is committed to providing resources for practitioners at all stages of their career.
Create a conference for and by the IA community
- Conference organizers are selected from the community of IA practitioners every year.
- A passionate band of supporting volunteers are then assembled to assist with marketing, operations, and conference logistics.
- A call is placed to the community to provide content, for presentations and workshops.
- Our community is diverse, so we ensure that voices from all perspectives and levels of experience are heard.
Maintain continuity from year to year
- Conference chairs and volunteers seek to deliver on the vision, purpose and values of the IA Conference.
- Institutional memory is transferred to incoming conference volunteers through the sharing of documented processes, insights and peer council.
- Though each conference is distinct, the overall voice, character and values of the IA Conference permeate.
Core Values
To inform, to educate, to inspire
The IA conference values the credibility and practicality of ideas. Presenters and attendees work together to understand and develop our discipline.
Our educational and thought-provoking program serves information professionals at all stages of their career. The IA Conference inspires the community as a whole to advance their craft.
Professional and accountable
The IA conference values the judgement and expertise of our chairs, advisors, and volunteers. We aim to deliver the best conference event we can with our volunteer team and within time, budgetary, and logistical constraints.
Our leadership team draws from experienced and dedicated community members. They are courteous and efficient in organisation. They are proactive in solving problems and operate without ego or malice. They are at the service of the event and of our community.
Share early, share often
The IA conference is transparent in our processes and organisation. Team members document ongoing progress and ideas publicly for the benefit of our successors and the community at large. We collaborate internally to exchange ideas, communicate progress, and confirm responsibilities.
We value the IA community’s shared role in delivering the IA Conference. We listen to their counsel, ask for their help, and publicly recognize their contribution.
Each session proposal receives feedback from volunteer reviewers. When the final program is announced, co-chairs and curators justify each session’s inclusion.
Prioritize diversity and inclusion
IAC is a safe and secure environment. We welcome all attendees regardless of experience, nationality, gender identity, sexuality, race, religion, or impairment. Our sessions and social events are inclusive and as accessible as possible.
IAC values the growth of the IA community. Information architecture professionals – whether newcomers or veterans – are invited to converse, share ideas, and learn from each other. Professionals outside the IA community are welcomed to bring new energy to our industry.
We value diversity and actively encourage new voices and new faces for both speakers and attendees of the Conference. We strive to build an inclusive conference by providing submissions coaching, speaker mentoring, and accessibility accommodations for attendees.
Progression open to all
We value the role of the IA conference in the professional development of all those who affect information environments.
Volunteer opportunities and a scale of admission rates maximize the opportunity for participation and contribution. We support job seekers in information architecture and related fields through ongoing and expanded commitment to professional networking and recruitment.
A variety of session types provides a pathway for people to express and share their work and ideas, from poster to plenary. Attendees can develop public speaking skills and ideas through our encouraging community and one-on-one mentoring. Over time, dedicated attendees can become increasingly involved in the IA conference and recognized in the broader community for their contributions and thought leadership.
Have fun
Old friends gather and new friends meet at the IA conference. Attendees thrive on our mix of intense session material and interest-driven social events. Together, the content and participants create an environment that is energizing, light-hearted, and even a little weird.
Plan and build for the long-term
The IA conference looks to the future and adapts to the changing needs of the community year-on-year. We are bold and forward thinking in our ambition. We are not afraid of failure.
Each team builds the continued success of the IA conference. Team members seek valuable institutional memory from past volunteers. They prepare for future teams by documenting their own successes for reuse. Together and across events, volunteers build the long-term purpose and mission of the brand.
Prior to the conclusion of each conference, the sitting chair committee appoints the new committee. The co-chairs aim to make the transition smoother and smoother each year.
The IA conference has served the community of practice for IA professionals for over two decades, and will continue to expand, adapt, and evolve while adhering to this mission, vision, and values.