8 can’t-miss off-stage experiences at Shift UX 2026

On September 23-25 in New York City, we’re bringing together professionals who currently work as designers, researchers, product managers, content designers, data scientists, and adjacent practitioners who know UX is more important than ever—even as traditional UX roles blur or disappear.

But the highlights of the Shift UX 2026 conference aren’t limited to the stage…It’s in the connections you’ll make in New York City!

Our incredible team has been hard at work curating a lineup of fun activities for you to do between inspiring keynotes.

Because Shift UX isn’t just about the amazing program lineup and guest speakers; it’s about the people you meet while you’re there!

See what we have in store for all of our in-person attendees.

Wednesday, September 23

VIP reception

6:00-8:00pm: Some of the best conversations at Shift UX happen off the agenda. Sponsored by Nava, the VIP Reception is an invitation-only evening for speakers, sponsors, and VIP Conference Ticket holders—director-level leaders and above—following the UX Leadership Salon. It’s a rare chance to unwind and connect candidly with your peers shaping the field’s direction, away from the crowd. Space is reserved exclusively for this group. VIP Conference Tickets include entry to both Wednesday events.

Dinner groups

6:00pm: Skip the solo takeout and dine with fellow attendees. We’ve reserved tables for small groups of 10 at three spots: an Italian trattoria, a Thai favorite, and historic Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington delivered his farewell address. We make the reservation; you just sign up (keep an eye on your email after you register!). Spots are limited and first-come, first-served, so claim your seat and your restaurant early.

Thursday, September 24

Morning group run

6:30-7:30am: Led by Stef Hutka, join us for a no-drop run along the iconic Two Bridges route, taking you across the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges (3.78 miles)! We’ll start and end in McLaughlin Park in Brooklyn, at the corner of Jay and Tillary. All paces welcome. We will stop at Confucius Plaza Statue (1 Bowery) around 7am if you want to join from the Manhattan side.

Read more about the run here (note: the meeting/ending point is NOT #1 on the map)

Book signings

Meet some of your favorite authors on the conference floor during breaks in the program:

• Catt Small (The Staff Designer)
• Christopher Noessel (Make It So, Designing Agentive Technology, Designing Assistant Technology)
• Alison Rand (Sentido: Finding Sense and Purpose in Design Leadership)
• Abby Covert (How to Make Sense of Any Mess, Stuck? Diagrams Help., Timeless Sensemaking for Modern Sensemakers)

Opening reception

5:30-7:30pm: Cap off day one at our Opening Night Reception, sponsored by Bloomberg L.P. After a full day of sessions, join the entire Shift UX 2026 community—attendees, speakers, and sponsors alike—for drinks, food, and the kind of hallway conversation that’s as valuable as anything on the agenda. Open to everyone at the conference, no extra ticket required; just show up and dive in.

Games night

8:00-10:00pm: Looking for an escape from the digital world? Time to get tactile! Join host Dan Brown and your fellow Shift UX attendees for some friendly tabletop gaming. Whether you prefer deep strategy or casual fun, we have a wide selection of games for you to choose from including Wingspan, Azul, Flip 7, Splendor, Spaceteam, and many more!. Come meet colleagues, enjoy a refreshment, and play a great game or two. No experience necessary!

Friday, September 25

(More) Book signings

Meet some of your favorite authors on the conference floor during breaks in the program:

• Sheryl Cababa (Closing the Loop)
• Donna Lichaw (The User’s Journey, The Leader’s Journey)
• Stefanie Hutka (What Your Machines Should Do)

Sunrise yoga

7:00-8:00am: Start your day with a moment of calm: Conference curator Jem Ahmed will lead a session of gentle morning yoga and breathwork with a view of the Manhattan skyline. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or have never stepped onto a mat before, join us for a moment to connect with yourself before the second day of the conference begins.
Jem Ahmed is a classically trained yoga, breathwork and meditation teacher. She’ll draw on the ancient, interconnected practices of yoga and Ayurveda. Beginner and injury friendly. Mats and lovely views provided!

Dinner groups

6:00pm: Close out the week with a dinner group of 10 fellow attendees, exploring what NYC does best. Choose from Chinese, Korean, or a trip to Brooklyn’s legendary original Junior’s for cheesecake worth crossing a bridge for. We handle the reservation; you just need to sign up. Groups are small and spots go fast, so grab yours before they’re gone.

Not registered for the groundbreaking Shift UX conference yet? Register now before it’s too late!