Save Your Spot for World IA Day
World IA Day 2026 will take place in Akron on Friday, March 6th, 2026.
Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as breaks and opportunities for networking with the local tech & design community.
We’re planning a full day of speakers and activities — check back here for the schedule of events. This year’s global theme is Designing for Meaning. Learn more about the global event at worldiaday.org.
Registration is open
Seats are filling fast for WIAD26: Register now and save your spot!
Location
Goodyear Heights Lodge – West Room
2077 Newton Street
Akron, OH 44305
Directions to the lodge:
Take I-76 east and exit at Gilchrist Road. Turn west (left) and go one block to State Route 91, (Canton Road). Go north (right) on Canton Road approximately 1⁄2 mile (second light) to Newton Street. Turn west (left) on Newton Street and go
approximately 1⁄2 mile to the park entrance on the right.
Schedule
9:45 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday, March 6th, 2026.
9:45 – 10:15 – Registration and Breakfast
10:15 – 10:30 – Welcome/Announcements
11:15 – 11:45 – Stephen Morrissey
11:45 – 12:00 – Break
12:00 – 12:30 – Anne Guzzi
12:30 – 1:45 – Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 – RJ Thompson
3:00 – 3:15 Break
3:15 – 3:45 – James Warnken
Speakers and Presentations
Selena Bryant on Taxonomy as the Human Anchor in AI Systems
As AI systems generate, classify, and connect information at unprecedented speed, the primary challenge for information architects is no longer scale; it is accuracy and meaning. How do we ensure AI-driven systems remain reliable, understandable, and grounded in human context? In this landscape, taxonomy serves as a critical semantic layer connecting organizational goals, machine interpretation, and real user experience.
This presentation will explore how core taxonomy principles, controlled vocabulary, hierarchical structure, and governance can be intentionally applied within AI-enabled information architectures. Drawing on Indeed’s UK labor market taxonomy initiative, it will examine how taxonomy has evolved from a static classification system into a dynamic semantic framework that supports large language models and automated classification.
Anne Guzzi on From Rows to Relationships: How Graph Thinking Expands UX Possibilities
Information isn’t flat, and its structure doesn’t have to be either! Taxonomies and ontologies use graph databases to represent information as concepts, relationships, classes, and associated metadata. In contrast to the constraints of traditional relational tables, information graphs introduce a lot of flexibility downstream, giving UX professionals new opportunities to design richer navigation and more intuitive user experiences.
As a recent product manager of taxonomy, ontology, and master data at Nike, Anne will draw on examples from both everyday and large enterprise business systems to explore how graph databases can store and centralize meaning. Anne will also discuss the current state of the industry, the challenges organizations face as they incorporate AI, and practical ways that UX and IA practitioners can apply graph thinking to create systems that are both flexible and meaningful.
Stephen Morrisey on Designing Your Design Process
Chaos should not be a pillar of the creative experience. Regardless of your team’s size, you want to replicate success and avoid making mistakes twice.
Documented processes allow us to do that and more. In this talk Stephen will discuss what he learned throughout his professional career to create processes that consistently produce the results you want.
RJ Thompson on The Architecture of Belonging: How a Small Community Designs for Meaning
How can information architecture transform a town? This talk explores how Bellevue Forward, a nonprofit in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, uses intentional design, storytelling, and inclusive communication systems to connect people, promote local businesses, and build community identity. By structuring information around shared values and lived experiences, Bellevue Forward demonstrates how IA can foster belonging, guide action, and empower civic engagement, even in the smallest of places. These lessons are highly transferable to communities throughout Ohio and beyond.
From digital marketing and community websites to social media, economic development campaigns, and inclusive public events, Bellevue Forward’s approach shows how small towns can use IA to make information approachable, relevant, and actionable.
James Warnken on How Individuals and Organizations Are Using AI To Unlock Accessibility
James will demonstrate some of the ways individuals and organizations are leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to unlock new layers and levels of accessibility. Let’s explore the user side of AI and how it can convert inaccessible materials into accessible alternatives.
But the fun doesn’t stop there; let’s also explore how organizations are leveraging AI to explore brand new solutions that provide a more seamless, accessible experience for everyone, especially users with disabilities who use assistive technology.
Be a sponsor
World IA Day is an annual event under the World Information Architecture Association.
It’s a one-day global celebration with locations all over the world, and serves to:
- Build and connect a global community of IA advocates and practitioners
- Promote the role of IA in different fields
- Provide resources for learning and professional development
- Engage IA academics and professionals in research and development
Sponsorships are a great way to communicate your organization’s value and attract visibility to your brand, products, or services.
Interested in sponsoring WIAD 2026? Visit our Sponsors Page to explore opportunities, or use our Contact Us form to connect with UX Akron. We’re happy to reply promptly and answer any questions you might have.
Be a Volunteer
Want to help out on the day of the event? Let us know you’d like to volunteer.
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