SmashingConf Heads to Amsterdam for a Design & UX Focus
Smashing has announced a new event for designers and UI engineers: SmashingConf Amsterdam, running April 13–16, 2026, at the Pathé Tuschinski cinema. The conference builds on Smashing's long coverage of design systems, usability, inclusive design, and product design, bringing those threads together in a single-track, in-person event alongside online attendance options.
The conference program covers UX and front-end topics, including design systems, accessibility, Figma, UX writing, modern CSS, and AI. Attendees choose between an in-person ticket (€724.79, with up to 25% off for Smashing Members) or an online pass (€200.00) that includes live talks, behind-the-scenes sessions, and video recordings.
A Conference Built Around Live Work
Since the first SmashingConf in 2012, the events have asked speakers to show how they actually work: what fails, what succeeds, and what lessons come out of the process. The Amsterdam edition keeps that "live-work" philosophy. Rather than polished slide decks, expect speakers to demonstrate real workflows—building in Figma, coding live, troubleshooting on the spot—so attendees leave with practical insight rather than high-level theory.
The event is designed to feel friendly and inclusive. Organizers note that many attendees are known by name, and side events are shaped to encourage respectful, meaningful conversation. Ten talks are scheduled. The speaker list includes Kevin Powell, Nick DiLallo, Sara Soueidan, TJ Pitre, Calvin Robertson, Christine Vallaure, Nathan Curtis, Nadieh Bremer, Chris Kolb, and a still-unannounced Mystery Speaker.
Speakers are expected to remain approachable after their sessions; time is built in for 1:1 questions and round-table discussions.
Workshops and Venue Details
Beyond the main stage, seven full-day workshops run on April 13 and April 16, each focused on hands-on skill building. Offerings include a Figma deep dive with Christine Vallaure, a front-end accessibility workshop with Sara Soueidan, and Nathan Curtis's session on architecting component anatomy, props, and slots. Kevin Powell teaches a New CSS Toolkit session, and Vitaly Friedman leads two workshops: one on designing for complex UIs and another on measuring UX and design impact. TJ Pitre covers context-based design systems for AI-driven product teams. Bundling a workshop with a conference ticket saves €100.
- Figma Deep Dive with Christine Vallaure
- Building Context-Based Design Systems for AI-Driven Product Teams with TJ Pitre
- Front-End Accessibility Workshop with Sara Soueidan
- Designing For Complex UIs, 2026 Edition with Vitaly Friedman
- The New CSS Toolkit with Kevin Powell
- Architecting Component Anatomy, Props and Slots with Nathan Curtis
- How To Measure UX and Design Impact with Vitaly Friedman
The conference takes place in the Pathé Tuschinski, a cinema opened in 1921. The venue is a deliberate contrast to the digital work on stage: ornate ceilings, glowing wall sconces, and a main auditorium with spacious seating and unobstructed views. Both conference days are held entirely inside the theater.
Side Events Around the Conference
A series of optional side events extends the experience beyond the theater. A fries and bitterballen walk with Vitaly Friedman kicks off ahead of the main program. A two-hour canal cruise ("Smashing Sloep") costs €30 and is not included in the conference ticket; attendees share a boat with six or seven others and choose their own route, with friends and family welcome to join. A "Jam Session" the night before the conference features lightning talks and snacks open to attendees only, including early badge pickup to skip Tuesday's registration queues.
- Friedman's Fabulous Fries Feestje — a neighborhood walk with food stops
- Smashing Sloep (Canal Tour) — a guided 2-hour canal cruise, €30, separate registration
- Jam Session — attendee-only lightning talks with early badge pickup
- Sports & Morning Rituals — a 5k run and mindfulness/stretching session
- Bitterballen & Beer — breaks with Dutch snacks and drinks
Team discounts and bundle tickets are available; for larger groups, organizers can be reached by email. Smashing also provides a "Convince Your Boss" PDF and a letter template for attendees who need approval. Full pricing and registration details are on the conference site.
