A Return to the Stage

SmashingConf San Francisco, held June 20–21, 2022, marked a significant milestone: the team's first in-person conference since 2019. After years of perfecting postponements, the return to a physical stage brought a palpable sense of relief and excitement. Speakers opened with heartfelt acknowledgements of being back in front of a live audience, and attendees helped ensure a smooth check-in by providing proof of vaccination.

The event was a dual-format affair, combining an offline experience at the historic Fort Mason with a live online stream for remote participants. For the all-remote Smashing team, the conference was also a reunion after two and a half years apart, offering a chance to reconnect with colleagues and the broader community.

Conference Structure and Highlights

The program spanned two days of single-track talks, framed by four days of immersive workshops. The content intentionally bridged design and front-end development, with sessions covering CSS, Design Systems, UX Writing, and even how to approach public speaking again. A highlight was the mystery speaker slot, filled by Addy Osmani, who pivoted from his usual web performance topics to share personal life lessons.

Beyond the main stage, the agenda included evening events like Jam sessions and the traditional Smashing party. Early mornings offered a 5K run across the Golden Gate Bridge. All sessions were recorded, with video releases planned for the following weeks.

Workshops and Venue

The workshops took place in Fort Mason's light-filled meeting rooms, allowing smaller groups to engage in deeper, classroom-style learning. The main talks were held in the Cowell Theater, with attendees enjoying scenic views of the San Francisco Bay.

The online component was hosted via a virtual hub, giving remote attendees access to a high-quality live stream with chat functionality and behind-the-scenes interviews. This hybrid format is something the organizers plan to continue offering. One remote attendee, Ted Boyer, documented his experience viewing the conference online.

Looking Ahead

Following the event, the team is focusing on the next offline-plus-online conferences in Freiburg (September 5–7) and New York (October 10–13). The energy and success of the San Francisco event have inspired the organizing team to continue refining their hybrid event experiences.