User Experience

A Close-Knit UX Community Reunion

The UXPA International conference, held in South Florida, offered a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with the global UX community. As a first-time attendee, I was struck by the intimate atmosphere and strong sense of community, which set this event apart from other conferences I’ve attended. One participant aptly described it as feeling like a family reunion, with many attendees returning year after year.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence in UX

While the conference featured multiple lecture tracks, I focused primarily on the Artificial Intelligence in UX track. Standout presentations came from the IBM team, Claudia Guttierez, and Crispin Reedy, who offered fresh insights into how AI is being integrated into UX practice, particularly into the design process, research, and strategy. Having some background in AI from my studies at Bentley University, and limited experience applying it in my work, I found these sessions provided new perspectives on practical application. In addition, Douglas Johns and Andrea Sanny from Sandia National Laboratories also delivered a fantastic overview of data visualization best practices. Another session that stood out was Anyi Sun’s presentation on entrepreneurship, which offered practical advice for those considering that path.

Connecting with Industry Leaders and Peers

A major highlight was meeting industry leaders like Jeff Sauro, PhD, and Carol Barnum. Having extensively referenced their textbooks throughout my career, it was rewarding to meet them in person and express my gratitude for their contributions to the field. Equally meaningful was connecting with Janelle Estes, the new Director of Bentley’s MSHFID program, and Chris Hass, who is head of Bentley’s User Experience Center. As someone who completed much of my program remotely, these in-person meetings provided invaluable opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

The conference was well-paced, providing ample time between sessions for decompression, reflection, and networking. The social and networking events were thoughtfully organized, which created a welcoming environment that made it easy to connect with others, even for those who are typically more reserved. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of attendees, not only in terms of countries and industries but also in the range of professional backgrounds—including product designers, researchers, art directors, digital designers, doctoral graduates, professors, entrepreneurs, and a UX futurist. Reconnecting with fellow South Florida UXPA members, such as my former boss and mentor Andrew Schall, Shane McWhorter, PhD, and former chapter leader Lauren Schaefer was especially rewarding. From casual breakfast conversations to lively evening activities—like a memorable karaoke session where Jen Romano gave a spirited performance of “Bust a Move”—the atmosphere remained light and fostered genuine interaction.

A Perfect Ending with a Beachfront View

The final networking event, set in a room overlooking the beach, was complete with food stations and high tables and provided a fitting conclusion to the conference. It gave me the chance to solidify new connections, reconnect with others, and reflect on the enriching experiences throughout the event.

Overall, the UXPA International conference was a professionally rewarding experience. It provided meaningful opportunities for learning and growth and reinforced the importance of staying connected with peers in the UX field. I look forward to participating in future UXPA events and my continuing engagement within this vibrant community.