Schedule
We are sooo excited! We are looking forward to two days of single track talks, two workshop days, and loads of side events.
For both the talks and the workshops, we have a good range of topics, varying from UX Design to Web Performance and from AI to Advanced CSS tips and tricks. All talks have this in common: brought to you by amazing speakers and practical takeaways everywhere!
Your conference or bundle ticket also gives you access to all our side events, from a city walk to morning runs, and — of course — our famous Smashing Party! If you’re joining us online, you get backstage interviews, online fun and networking.
Had an amazing couple of days at @smashingconf Freiburg, and learned so much! The best speakers, wonderful content, great audience, even the venue was beautiful. And of course, a huge thanks to the organizers! See you in NY!
Monday, 7th – Workshops
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Workshops
On Monday, we’re running three hands-on workshops. Our workshops offer the opportunity to get to grips with new ideas and techniques in real depth, with a full day spent on the topic of your choice.
It’s a great way to round off your conference experience, and lunch will be provided, too. Our doors open at 9 for a 9:30 start.
6:30 PM
Jam Session
The night before the conference kicks off, we’re hosting a warm-up event with our dear friends from Figma, with drinks and talks from your fellow attendees.
We hope you’ll join us to connect ahead of the main event! We hope to see at the Figma for an evening of talks and meeting new people! Please register so we know you’re coming!
6:30 PM
Jam Session
The night before the conference kicks off, we're hosting a warm-up event, with drinks and talks from your fellow attendees. Join us to have some fun ahead of the main event!
Tuesday, 8th – Conference
7:00 AM
Morning Run 🏃♀️
On both conference days, join speakers and attendees for a 30–40 minutes run. All levels are welcome, we'll meet at 7 AM and run about 5k! We'll be meeting the Main Monument just off of Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park.
9:20 AM
Welcome 🌄
We can’t wait to welcome you for two days of practical talks.
9:35 AM
Is Atomic Design Dead?
Over the last decade, design systems have taken the world of digital design and development by storm, and Brad's helped dozens of organizations create and evolve their design systems. Along the way, he invented a methodology for creating design systems called Atomic Design. In this talk, Brad will reflect on the past, present, and future of design systems, sharing bumps, bruises, and best practices along the way.
Brad will also be running a workshop on Design Systems.
10:25 AM
The Whimsy Potential Of JavaScript Frameworks
Everybody loves whimsical animations and interactions, which are not just cool, but actually add value. In his talk, Josh — known for his amazing explainers — will explain and show why JS frameworks like react are a surprisingly good choice.
11:15 AM
Coffee Break 🍵
Time for a little refresher! Of course, we are taking care of tea, coffee and snacks.
11:55 AM
Moving From Execution To Strategy As A Designer
Designers often find themselves under pressure to create beautiful outputs rather than impact and outcomes. In this talk, Catt Small will share techniques to move herself from execution to a more strategic role over 14 years of in-house work at companies spanning various industries.
You’ll learn to add perspective to subjects including product strategy, growth, and monetization — showing the value of design at every part of the product development process. Before you know it, you’ll be your PM’s best work friend!
12:50 PM
CSS Chronicles
Kevin shines on his popular YouTube channel, where he delivers educational videos. On the Smashing stage, his talk won't be just about syntax and selectors; it's a journey into the heart of CSS. With humor and clarity, he aims to inspire and empower everyone to level up their CSS game.
13:40 PM
Lunch Break 🥗
Let's have lunch, while enjoying DJ Tobi's tunes. What are you going to have? Have you found the Smashing Members stand already?
3:10 PM
Soon!
We hope to announce the fifth talk of the day very soon!
4:05 PM
How AI Ate My Website
The number of websites, articles, videos, images, PDFS and more has grown exponentially since the web started over 30 years ago. In order to use this volume of content, people generally search or browse it. However, the advances in artificial intelligence (AI) models now enable different ways of interacting with websites.
In his talk, Luke will show how these models influence UX behaviour, and what happened when AI ate his website.
5:20 PM
Closing remarks
Awww, time to end the first day. We hope to see you at the Smashing Party!
8:00 PM
After Party! 🎉
Ah, the legendary SmashingConf parties! Bring your team members, or make some new friends, and we’ll have a wonderful night of chats, networking and fun. We'll take care of the drinks and bites.
This party is only for Smashing attendees, please don’t forget to bring your badge
Wednesday, 9th – Conference
7:30 AM
Morning Run 🏃♀️
On both conference days, join speakers and attendees for a 30–40 minutes run. On Wednesday, we'll meet at 7:30 AM and run 5k! We'll be meeting again at the Main Monument just off of Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park.
9:30 AM
Welcome 🌅
A warm welcome to another day of talks and fun!
9:15 AM
Life Is A Mystery
In the realm of secrets, curiosity is your compass …
10:05 AM
Design Systems
Design systems are maturing across organizations, as are the component libraries they contain. Now, expectations of design systems are rising.
During this session, Nathan will share experiences working across design systems as a consultant. Informed by interviews, planning, and leading teams, he’ll explore questions that evolving design systems encounter like.
Nathan will also give a workshop on Design Systems.
10:55 AM
Coffee Break 🧋
Pfew, we hope our first two talks woke you up? To help a little extra we have coffee, tea and more.
10:35 AM
Accessibility
In her talk, Carie will show how to build more inclusive user options in a digital accessible way.
Carie will be giving a workshop on accessibility too!
12:50 PM
Fluent React
Tejas's talk unravels React's complexities without overwhelming jargon, aiming to enhance your understanding and empower you to craft more intuitive React code. Get ready to delve deeper into the world of React!
Tejas will also give a workshop on Fluent React.
1:20 PM
Lunch Break
Time for lunch! We hope you get to meet some new people, have great chats, and maybe visit our partner's booths?
2:50 PM
Designing A Product With A Point Of View
A great digital product is more than usable. It also has a unique personality, voice, and perspective about the world. Every interaction is an opportunity to build a brand.
In his talk, Nick will explain the secrets to designing a product that stands out. With advice about how to structure your UI, how to design your content, and how to write more thoughtfully.
3:45 PM
World of Creativity
Join us for an engaging talk where Jessica will unravel the secrets behind her inspiring designs and share her journey through the ever-evolving landscape of the creative universe.
5:30 PM
Photo Walk 📸
Don't want your conference to end yet? Join our guide after the conference, where she'll be showing you around the neighborhood while sharing her best photo secrets. We'll be meeting at the digital photo walk at the entrance at 5:30 PM.
19:00 – 22:00
Brad’s Jam! 🥁🎸
When Brad Frost suggested to have a little Jam session with some cool people, we thought, let's make this happen! That was last year in Antwerp, and this year in New York, we are doing it again! If you play an instrument, or sing, join us for an evening of jamming and fun!
Thursday, 10th – Workshops
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Workshops
On Thursday, we’re running another three hands-on workshops. Our workshops offer the opportunity to get to grips with new ideas and techniques in real depth, with a full day spent on the topic of your choice.
It’s a great way to round off your conference experience, and lunch will be provided, too. Our doors open at 9 for a 9:30 start.
