DDX

Speak at DDX

Give your best talk yet.

Every edition is capped and sells out, and the room is made of the people you want in it — design, product and innovation leaders who came to argue, not to watch. Four ways to take part, one application, no fee.

A DDX keynote, a side-stage talk and the speaker banners in the venue

The formats

Pick the one that fits what you have to say.

Four ways to be on the programme. Each one says what it is, what you send us beforehand and what happens on the day — pick the one that fits what you have to say.

01

Talks

30 minutes · 20 for you, 10 for Q&A

A speaker on the DDX stage in front of a seated audience

Step up as a conference speaker and share your ideas with the audience in a 30‑minute slot — 20 minutes for your talk, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A moderated by the session host.

Before the event

  • Submit your slides in PowerPoint format in advance.
  • On the main stage your talk runs from the house computer, and a speaker monitor shows your slides.
  • On a side stage, bring your own laptop and connect via HDMI.

On the day

  • Be at the stage 10 minutes before your session to set up your microphone and prepare.
  • Keep within your allocated time, so the schedule stays smooth for everyone.
02

パネル

45 minutes · three to five people · no slides

A DDX panel on stage: The Future of Design Leadership in the Age of AI

Take part as a panelist and share your insights in a 45‑minute session alongside two to four other experts. The panel host guides the conversation and sends you the questions in advance, so you can prepare your thoughts — no slides needed.

Before the event

  • The host sends you the questions beforehand, so you can think them through.
  • Nothing to upload, nothing to submit.

On the day

  • Be at the stage 10 minutes before to meet the other panelists and test microphones.
  • The discussion is moderated, so everyone gets the chance to contribute.
  • Respect the allocated time so the overall schedule runs smoothly.
03

Workshops

60 minutes · side stage · hands‑on

A DDX workshop in progress: participants at tables with sticky notes

Take a deep dive into practice. Workshops are 60‑minute, hands‑on sessions hosted on the side stage, designed to give participants the chance to learn, experiment and walk away with practical skills. They can be open to all attendees or limited to a smaller group for an intimate, focused experience. As the host you guide participants through exercises, tools or frameworks they can apply in their own work immediately.

Before the event

  • If you want to limit attendance, let us know in advance — we handle registration and cap the group.
  • Bring whatever the session needs: slides, handouts or digital tools.
  • We provide AV support for screen sharing.

On the day

  • Arrive 15 minutes before your session to set up and test equipment.
  • Allow time for Q&A and group discussion, so participants leave with clear takeaways.
04

Table Talks

30 minutes · 10 to 20 people · during the breaks

A DDX table talk: a small group around one table during a break

Informal 30‑minute sessions during the breaks, bringing together small groups around topics that spark fresh thinking on the future of innovation, design and product strategy. As the table talk speaker you lead the conversation: most hosts start with a five to ten minute introduction, then invite participants to share their own experiences. These conversations tend to flow by themselves. We usually host two to four table talks per break.

Before the event

  • Pick your topic. A short introduction or simply an open floor — both work.
  • Nothing to upload.

On the day

  • We promote your table talk on the official agenda and give a shout‑out before the break.
  • A dedicated table or spot at the venue is marked, so people find you.

Not a format — it finds you

A camera, four questions, no prep.

Through the day we film short interviews with selected speakers. There is nothing to apply for and nothing to prepare — we find you during a break, and you can always say no.

  • One interviewer, one person filming, a few minutes.
  • Each one is cut into the conference recap article and into social snippets, so your session reaches the people who were in the other room.

What you get asked: what impact means in your role · what excites you about the future of innovation and digital experiences · what will challenge design and innovation leaders going forward · the future of innovation in one word.

A speaker being interviewed in front of the DDX backdrop

Who you will be speaking to

A room that came to take part.

01
UX・デザインマネージャー
02
デジタルプロダクトマネージャー
03
イノベーションマネージャー
04
デザイナー、リサーチャー、ストラテジスト
05
カスタマーエクスペリエンス担当
06
投資家・起業家
07
UX/UI・プロダクトデザイナー
08
イノベーションを進めるすべての人
0
シニア・管理職
0
平均年齢
0
完売率
0
DDXのために来場
0
ジュニア・学生
0
女性参加者

What speakers say

“Speaking at the DDX stage created unforeseen value backstage. I built valuable relationships and sparked widespread interest in my business. You will be speaking to an audience hungry to make a difference.”
Leopold AjamiSpeaking and Thought Leadership Coach, Novel Philosophy Academy
「デザイナー、ストラテジスト、多様な思考の持ち主が集まり、革新的なテクノロジーと、本当に大切なもの——人——との隔たりを埋めていく。」
ForbesPaqui Lizana — Global Head of Technology Strategy, IKEA

Why people love DDX

The room you will be standing in front 立つのか。

At the DDX photo wall
A guest between sessions
Guests at the entrance
A speaker presenting to the room
Rows of white chairs, filling up
A panel at San Diego Design Week
A handshake in the crowd
The audience, mid-applause
A conversation outdoors
A presentation in a modern building
Two guests in conversation
The speaker board
In the lobby

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Speaker FAQ

Everything you asked last time.

Who should apply to speak at DDX?

We are open to applications from individuals who have expertise in the field of User Experience or Innovation. We encourage designers, leaders, professionals, product managers, and researchers to apply.

Does it cost anything to submit a proposal or speak?

No. Submitting proposals and speaking at DDX is completely free.

Do I need to register for the conference if I have been selected?

As a speaker, we handle the registration for you and provide a complimentary ticket. You also have the opportunity to bring a guest (+1) who can accompany you during the event.

Do you support travel and accommodation for speakers?

You are responsible for your own travel and accommodation. We are happy to provide recommendations and guidance on nearby accommodation and transport options to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Is there a deadline for speaker applications?

We have an ongoing process for speaker applications, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible — it highly increases your chances of being selected.

When and how will I be notified if my proposal is accepted?

If your proposal is selected, we will contact you with the next steps.

What is the duration of a typical session?

A talk is 20 minutes on stage plus 10 minutes of Q&A. Panels run 45 minutes, workshops 60, table talks 30. You get the exact slot in your speaker confirmation.

What language should my talk or workshop be in?

The official language of the conference is English. This includes all talks, sessions and workshops. Please submit your proposal and speaking samples in English as well.

Do I have to submit my presentation before the event?

Yes. We ask speakers to submit their presentation at least two weeks before the event date, and you will receive specific instructions closer to the deadline.

What should my professional bio include?

A short bio introduces your professional background to someone deciding whether to attend your session. We recommend 150 to 200 words.

Can I promote my participation in the conference?

Absolutely. We will promote you and your talk, and you can share the content once it is available.

Can I promote my business or services during my presentation?

No — promotional activity for your own business or services is not allowed during a session. If you want brand visibility, look at the partnership options instead.

No fee, no deadline, no deck required.

2026–27年ツアー

7つの都市、ひとつのコミュニティ.