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, pros, and leaders who view design as a strategic advantage and a powerful storyteller to engage in sharp conversations and share insightful perspectives.
When
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10 am – 6 pm
At the MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
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.
Experience & Format
One-day In-person / 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Mini shifts—micro presentations of big ideas by local Houston designers
Deep shifts—panel discussions with Texas Design leaders
Workshops
Student Design Exhibition
Networking
Partner booths
After-party
Sponsorship Opportunities
ASCEND $3,000
Exclusivity, prime brand exposure on print, social media, acknowledgement at-event, booth (optional) + event access and VIP seating for 4.
EVOLVE $1,500
Brand exposure on print, social media, acknowledgement at-event + event access and VIP seating for 2.
ADAPT $500
Logo on print and social media + event access and VIP seating for 2.
EMERGE $250
Event access and VIP seating for 2.
FLOW (IN-KIND SPONSORSHIP)
For catering, printing, photography, videography, AV, software, giveaways, swag and more. Enjoy “Evolve” benefits.
For detailed benefits, download our sponsorship brochure.
back the shift!
Be our sponsor!
Email: shift@houston.aiga.org
———–
Code of Conduct For Video Submissions
Quick Reminder:
Keep your “Day in the Life” videos real, respectful, and creative.
Be authentic. Show us your true day.
Respect others. No hate, no harassment.
Use only your own content (or rights-free).
Keep it professional and safe for a public audience.
We want the raw, unfiltered stories—but always with respect.
—–
See the complete Code Of Conduct for Video Submissions.
The full program schedule, speaker lineup, and ticket details are on the way. Check back soon!
