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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When & Where

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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Theme

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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Experience & Format

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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shift Tickets

AIGA Member: $100
AIGA Student Member: $35

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

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

Workshop by Letterset: $40

Workshop tickets 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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