Get new inspiration and share knowledge with colleagues - that's possible at these UX conferences made in Germany.
This year it's once again a matter of hoping and worrying whether conferences can take place at all. Nevertheless: These 6 German UX conferences are recommendable every year in my opinion. These are not necessarily German-speaking conferences, partly the presentations are also in English.
Even if a large part of the conferences currently assumes an on-site event, it may be that spontaneous rescheduling is necessary. For this reason, I have added the information on how the 2020 organizers handled the situation.
The evaluation of the conferences is primarily related to the UX focus or how helpful the conference is for UX designers. These are personal assessments.
1. The Classic: Mensch und Computer
The Mensch und Computer is a conference for scientists and practitioners and includes among other things the general meeting of the German UPA. It takes place every year in different cities with a changing motto. The motto in 2021 is "Moving into a new future". There are numerous workshops, tutorials and lectures of varying length at Mensch und Computer.
What makes it unique from my point of view are the numerous scientific presentations, which give a good insight into research work. Practical topics, however, come a bit shorter, so you shouldn't expect the latest UX trends. Nevertheless: Mensch und Computer remains a real UX classic and, above all, a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas in the UX community.
| City and Date | Ingolstadt, 5 to 8 September 2021 (4 days) (the city changes every year) |
| Price | around 400 euro (Students: around 150 euro) |
| Forecast 2021 | In 2020, the conference was held completely remotely at a price of 20 euros. So if it is not possible again on site this year, this would be an alternative again. |
| Evaluation for UX Designer |  (5/5) |
| More information | https://muc2021.mensch-und-computer.de/de/home/ |
2. The responsible: Republica
The Republica offers lectures and discussions around the digital society from very different perspectives such as politics, science, NGOs and companies.
It is not a UX conference in the classical sense. However, in my opinion, it still deserves a place in this list, as it is also interesting for UX designers to also deal with social implications and discussions around the digital society.
| City and Date | Berlin, May 2021 (3 days) |
| Price | from about 130 euro (Early-Bird) |
| Forecast 2021 | In 2020, the conference was held completely remotely and also freely accessible on the Internet. This would theoretically be possible again this year as Plan B. |
| Evaluation for UX Designer | (2/5) |
| More information | https://20.re-publica.com/de/news/soon-possible-republica-berlin-2020-verschoben-auf-mai-2021 |
3. The Interdisciplinary: Beyond Tellerrand
Beyond Tellerrand takes place three times a year at different locations (Düsseldorf, Berlin, Munich). It is aimed at web workers such as web developers, designers and concept developers. In line with the broad target group, the lectures and workshops are also a colorful mix of different topics.
Therefore, one should not expect depth of content with regard to individual UX topics. In any case, Beyond Tellerrand is recommended for UX designers who want to think outside the box and are open to new topics.
| City and Date | Düsseldorf, 10 to 12 May 2021 (3 days) Berlin, 1 to 4 September 2021 (3 days) Munich, 4 to 6 October 2021 (3 days) |
| Price | from about 280 euro (Workshops cost extra) |
| Forecast 2021 | In 2020, the conference was unfortunately cancelled due to Corona. It remains to be seen whether it can take place this year. |
| Evaluation for UX Designer | (3/5) |
| More information | https://beyondtellerrand.com/ |
4. The Practical: UX Day Mannheim
At the UX Day Mannheim there will be presentations and (partly paid) workshops for UX practitioners from well-known companies.
I have not yet been to the UX Day Mannheim myself, but I have heard only good things from colleagues. In particular, the high practical content and the depth of the UX topics make the UX Day Mannheim an event that you should mark in your calendar.
| City and Date | Mannheim, 14 October 2021 (1 day) |
| Price | from about 290 euro (Early-Bird, Workshop costs extra) |
| Forecast 2021 | The conference was held partly remotely (et least the workshops). |
| Evaluation for UX Designer | (5/5) |
| More information | https://ux-day.de/ |
5. The specialized: IA Conference
The IA Conference is a conference for conceptual designers or information architects. This thematic focus as well as a focus on practical relevance makes it very interesting for UX designers.
Unfortunately, I have not yet been to this conference in person either, so I can't give an assessment. However, it was highly recommended to me, so I will make up for this soon.
| City and Date | Berlin, May 2021 (3 days) |
| Price | not known |
| Forecast 2021 | Unfortunately the conference was cancelled last year due to Corona. |
| Evaluation for UX Designer | No evaluation possible |
| More information | https://iakonferenz.org/iak20/ |
6. The Flexible: World Usability Day (WUD)
The World Usability Day takes place every year on the second Thursday in November at different places at the same time. There are primarily presentations about UX and the purpose is to draw attention to the topic of usability and UX.
It always makes sense to check if the World Usability Day is taking place in your own city. It's a good meeting place for UX practitioners and, in addition to presentations, also offers the opportunity to exchange knowledge among (local) colleagues. This is always a good reason to stop by.
| City and Date | Germany wide, 11 November 2021 |
| Price | free |
| Forecast 2021 | The WUD was held remotely last year. |
| Evaluation for UX Designer | (4/5) |
| More information | https://germanupa.de/german-upa-events/world-usability-day |
What are your experiences with the conferences? From your point of view, is there a German conference missing from the list? Feel free to send me an email at christiane@lovely-ux.de.
