shift Design Symposium

The design world is in motion. Ever-evolving, mesmerizing, perplexing. Join AIGA Houston to examine the “shift,” a one-day design symposium in Houston, where we explore the evolution of the design industry and the constantly shifting role of designers as design disciplines expand, overlap, and converge. We invite students, professionals, and leaders who view design as a strategic advantage and a powerful storyteller to engage in sharp conversations and share insightful perspectives.

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Saturday, February 28, 2026
10 am – 6 pm

MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

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This year’s theme, A Day in the Life, focuses on the lived realities of creative work—the pressure, the pivots, the practice—and how these shifts are shaking up the industry and careers. Through micro presentations of big ideas, and deep-shift panels, you’ll hear from the ones doing the doing, across disciplines and industries. It’s an honest look at how creative careers are shifting, and what collaboration looks like in motion.

Our objective is to showcase the trending career paths for various design disciplines, the professional experiences of practitioners, and the industries that support them.

We have an amazing lineup of speakers. Check back soon for the complete schedule, speaker bios and panel topics.

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MATCH:

Matchbox 2 Auditorium

• Mini shifts—micro presentations of big ideas by local Houston designers
• Deep shifts—panel discussions with Texas Design leaders

Gallery

• Student Design Exhibition
• Networking
• Partner booths

Workshops are hosted in the Rehearsal Room across from Matchbox 2.

After-party (TBD)

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Adam Faust, 5plus8 / Li
Carissa Hempton, Principle / Li
Kirsten Ufer, Houston Zoo / Li
Nida Ali, Global Healing / Li
Oen M. Hammonds, IBM / Li
Philip LeBlanc, Formation / Li
Rowan Gearon, Adcetera / Li
Saad Riaz, Stanford d. School / Li
Sibylle Hagman, UHGD / Li

Carra Sykes, Emberglow Gaming / Li
Chris Robinson, Houston Public Media / Li
Gin Braverman, Gin Design Group / Li
Henry Ngo, App Space / Li
Limbert Fabian, Dress Code NYC / Li
Thomas Guerrero, Skyline Art / Li

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Full shift

AIGA Member: $100
AIGA Student Member: $35

Educator: $85
Non Member: $120
Student Non member: $45

Full shift includes all speaker sessions in Matchbox 2 + Gallery events (except workshops) + lunch / snacks / drinks.

Workshop: $40

Workshops are sold separately. 2 sessions of the same workshop will be offered throughout the day for your convenience. Workshop ticket includes complete access to the gallery. Only 30 spots available.

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Host or Publisher AIGA Houston