Volunteering with UXPA
Volunteering with UXPA
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Volunteering at the UXPA Boston 2024 Conference, held on May 10, 2024, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, turned out to be far more rewarding than just a free ticket. The event brought together user experience professionals from New England and beyond, creating an inspiring space to network, learn, and grow.
Twas the night before UXPA.
Twas the night before UXPA.
Although the conference was a single-day event, volunteers were encouraged to attend an orientation the evening prior. After three bus rides and a drizzly commute from my office, I arrived at the hotel. Rich Le, a UXPA board member and volunteer coordinator, welcomed us with a briefing and a tour of the venue. Equipped with volunteer t-shirts, lanyards, and access to a shared Slack channel for coordination, we got to know our roles and each other.
Meeting fellow volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds was an unexpectedly profound experience. Conversations were natural and energizing, reflecting a shared passion for UX that made me feel both seen and empowered. By the time I got home, I felt prepared and excited for the day ahead.
Conference day began early.
Conference day began early.
Returning to the Sheraton the next morning, I joined other volunteers at the registration desk. We organized guest lanyards and ensured a seamless check-in process. Between tasks, I gained invaluable insights from fellow volunteers about their UX work, challenges, and achievements. These conversations gave me fresh perspectives and actionable ideas for my own projects.
Encountering the greats, face-to-face.
Encountering the greats, face-to-face.
Every part of the day felt present and engaging. I passed the mic around for sessions that ranged from practical techniques to big-picture discussions:
Jon Farrell shared strategies for embedding accessibility into design systems, fostering cultural change within teams.
Matthew Belge and Vanita Verma drew fascinating parallels between mental frameworks in urban design and software navigation.
Erica Gunn explored designing interfaces for human-AI collaboration, emphasizing the balance between technical capabilities and human insight.
Meeting professionals that I admire, like Shanae Chapman, aka the Nerdy Diva, was a highlight. Her energy and expertise were both inspiring and relatable.
A high-hopes cocktail hour.
A high-hopes cocktail hour.
By the time cocktail hour rolled around, the buzz of ideas and connections was palpable. Handing out drink tickets gave me a chance to interact with attendees ranging from eager graduate students to seasoned professionals. Conversations spanned favorite talks, mentoring opportunities, and shared hobbies.
As the day wrapped up, I caught my train home with a heart full of gratitude and a head buzzing with ideas. Volunteering not only deepened my appreciation for the UX community but also enriched my professional and personal perspective.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
This unforgettable experience reinforced the value of stepping outside my routine to give back. Volunteering allowed me to connect with a vibrant community, learn from brilliant minds, and contribute to an event that celebrates the evolving field of user experience. I look forward to the next opportunity to be part of this journey.
Browse my UX case studies.
Browse my UX case studies.
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