Call for Speakers

Call for
Speakers

Call for Speakers

Hana hou! The UXHI Conference is back for its third year, and we are calling on you to share your manaʻo with the rest of the design community. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a brand-new designer, we want to hear from you. We invite you to apply to be part of this growing tradition that uplifts the future of UX in Hawaiʻi. Please be sure to review all the speaker expectations below before submitting your interest.


Mahalo for considering this awesome opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Hana hou! The UXHI Conference is back for its third year, and we are calling on you, our community, to share your manaʻo with the rest of the design community. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a brand-new designer, we want to hear from you. We invite you to apply to contribute your insights in uplifting the design community. Please be sure to review all the speaker expectations below before submitting your interest

Mahalo for considering to apply. We can’t wait to hear from you!

application deadline

51 Days

Fri Aug 18, 2025

event

Sat Oct 25 at the Sandbox

conference theme

UXperience 'Āina

Speaker Expectations

Speaker Expectations

Application Deadline

August 18, 2025
Submit the application below ; no late submissions will be considered.

Time & Location

Speakers should be physically present on O’ahu on Saturday, October 25, 2025 to attend the conference at Entrepreneur’s Sandbox.

Audience

Designers, researchers, writers, students/career changers, educators, freelancers, product managers, developers, and enthusiasts.

Sessions

Must fall under one of the following session formats, and ideally draw a connection to this year’s theme (below). Some possible topic ideas include case studies (especially with local companies), trends and innovation, designing with/for the community, promoting and advocating for design, etc.

PRESENTATION (30 minutes)

Share ideas and experiences, ideally within the realm of design, that will inspire and feed our UXHI audiences

PRESENTATION (30 minutes)

Share ideas and experiences, ideally within the realm of design, that will inspire and feed our UXHI audiences

PRESENTATION (30 minutes)

Share ideas and experiences, ideally within the realm of design, that will inspire and feed our UXHI audiences

WORKSHOP / INTERACTIVE SESSION (45 minutes)

Demonstrate a research or design technique with audience participation

WORKSHOP / INTERACTIVE SESSION (45 minutes)

Demonstrate a research or design technique with audience participation

WORKSHOP / INTERACTIVE SESSION (45 minutes)

Demonstrate a research or design technique with audience participation

PANEL (45 minutes)

Present ideas and experiences in groups of 3-6 people with a session moderator You can either apply with other speakers in mind (a full panel team including a host or only a partial team) or propose a session and we can help you fill open positions if your proposal is selected. If you already have other confirmed speakers for your panel, please have them fill out their own application.

PANEL (45 minutes)

Present ideas and experiences in groups of 3-6 people with a session moderator You can either apply with other speakers in mind (a full panel team including a host or only a partial team) or propose a session and we can help you fill open positions if your proposal is selected. If you already have other confirmed speakers for your panel, please have them fill out their own application.

PANEL (45 minutes)

Present ideas and experiences in groups of 3-6 people with a session moderator You can either apply with other speakers in mind (a full panel team including a host or only a partial team) or propose a session and we can help you fill open positions if your proposal is selected. If you already have other confirmed speakers for your panel, please have them fill out their own application.

Speaker Selection

First-time speakers are welcome and encouraged to apply! Sessions will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Relevant to the goals and interests of the UXHI community - to connect and elevate the field of human-centered design for the people of Hawaiʻi

  • Fits within the theme and other selected sessions

Timeline

Sessions will be evaluated after the application deadline on August 18, 2025, and speakers will be notified of decisions as soon as possible.

Compensation

Speakers will receive:

  • One free admission to attend the full conference

  • Complimentary guest passes to watch the speaker's session (full conference access requires a ticket)

Conference Theme

UXperience ʻĀina

UXperience ʻĀina

UXperience ʻĀina

This year’s UXHI Conference celebrates aloha ʻāina, love for that which feeds.

Many huaʻōlelo (words) in the Hawaiian language have no satisfying direct translation. As in the case of ʻāina, we often equate the term to mean “land.” But in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian), the translation is closer to “that which feeds.” That broadens the definition tenfold. That which feeds is also that which cares for us and that which enables us to thrive. Aloha ʻāina is grounded in practices of regeneration and reciprocity. What feeds us? And how do we feed it in return?

This year’s theme calls on us to embrace our kuleana as designers—to care not only for the people we design for, but also for the resources we ourselves rely on. As thoughtful creators, we strive for solutions that are sustainable, collectively beneficial, and in harmony with the world around us.

Some Food for Thought

  • How might good design contribute to sustaining ʻāina?

  • What does sustainable design mean and look like for teams and end-user communities?

  • As designers, how do we ensure that our products do net good over the long term?

E Malama ‘oe I ka ‘Āina, e Malama ka ‘Āina ia ‘oe.

Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you.

Apply to Become a Speaker

Apply to Become
a Speaker

Are you able to attend the UXHI Conference on Saturday October 25, 2025?

Speakers must be physically present at the event and UXHI will not be providing any subsidies for out-of-state travelers. 

Which session format are you interested in hosting?

Select up to 2. See more details on each format on the website. 

If you selected "Panel", please select the option that best describes your situation. 

If you're applying with others for a Panel discussion, please ensure that every person applying submits their own application. You may all use the same session description.