IAC: the information architecture conference

IAC: the information architecture conference

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Present at IAC

We’re looking for new voices and new ideas, and especially those related this year’s theme: Emergence. While we encourage a wide range of submissions, we are most interested in topics unique for the IAC community. 

This means you don’t have to be an information architect to present. 

We want to hear diverse voices from other fields. We’re also looking for a mix of hands-on, practical, “you can bring it back to work next week” sessions along with more thought-provoking, theory-driven talks.

Present a talk or workshop

The first step to becoming a speaker at IAC21 is to write a proposal. This is a short description of what you are planning on speaking about. We have several session lengths to choose from. Our committee will then choose the most compelling proposals and invite those people to speak. We encourage all to submit a proposal and we want to hear from diverse members of the community.

Propose a talk or workshop

Present a poster

Posters are great for getting to know the community, especially for first-time presenters. Assume that you’ll be giving repeated short introductions and also engaging in natural conversations about your topic.

We are not yet accepting poster submissions.

What we look for

Information architecture has evolved, in practice, throughout the ages. Some of those changes in the evolution of information architecture sparked debates, such as 

  • What is the right job title for what we do? 
  • Is UX really IA? Is IA really UX? 

And now, more than ever, we stand on another threshold. Digital design has been evolving so fast that our collective skillset is critical to the success of emerging technologies.

So let’s think together. Below is a list of topics that we seek to stimulate insight and discussion for IAC21:

  • Approaches for modeling large-scale information environments
  • Connecting information architecture with strategy and design
  • Ethics and social responsibility in the practice of information architecture, experience strategy, and design
  • Bridging academia research and real-world practice
  • IA in the enterprise

According to our theme, we want emergence to be at the heart of every conversation. What does emergence mean to you? How do you incorporate that into your thinking and your work?

These are topics we anticipate, but we’re also looking for the unexpected. We’re looking for new voices and new ideas. We’re looking for a mix of hands-on, practical, “you can bring it back to work next week” sessions together with thought-provoking theory-driven talks.

Send us, even if it doesn’t fall into our theme of Emergence. We are very interested in what you have to say!

Why you should submit a proposal

Every submission will be peer-reviewed by members of the IA community. Whether you’re ultimately selected for the program or not, you’ll get feedback on what appealed to us about your submission and some pointers for next time.

Speaker Benefits:

  1. All the participants who are part of the final program will receive our undying gratitude and love and the opportunity to spread their ideas to an audience of professionals all over the world.
  2. For each main conference session, we will provide one complimentary registration to the main IAC21 program. Pre-conference workshop hosts will receive a 50% share of profit generated by the ticket sales for their session, after running costs have been factored in
  • Benefit from our speaker-mentoring program. All speakers are invited to work together with a seasoned speaker who will help you further structure and polish your session 
  • The Speaker Studio is open to all speakers throughout the curation process. This private practice space is perfect for running through your material before showtime, without the audience and with personal advice and support.
  • You will have a sample of your speaking skills to showcase. Sessions may be video recorded.

Resources for writing a great proposal