Dignified Futures

March 18-19, 2026 | Institute of Design at Illinois Tech | Chicago

Register

How might dignified futures be coaxed from the present?

How might design be a force for dignity?

The pace of change isn’t slowing — and the “now” feels heavier than ever. Political shifts, scarce resources, and constant urgency short-circuits our best intentions to collaborate, listen, and create with care. In the rush, it’s easy for dignity to get lost in the noise.

But what if we chose a different rhythm? What if we designed the updraft together - one that lifts possibility, connection, and shared purpose?

Dignified Futures 2026 is a space to explore that question. A call to reimagine how we design systems for social impact - grounded in dignity, powered by community, and moved by curiosity. Let’s learn, experiment, and build forward… together.

Keynote Speakers & Featured Artists

  • Kim Erwin

    Kim Erwin, MDes

    Director, Equitable Healthcare Lab
    Associate Professor, Institute of Design
    Visiting scholar, UChicago Medicine

    Keynote
  • George Aye

    George Aye

    Co-Founder & Co-Executive, Greater Good Studio

    Keynote
  • Chris Conley

    Chris Conley

    Founder, Abundant Professional

    Keynote
  • Adán Bean

    Adán Bean

    Spoken word poet, emcee, writer, host, storyteller, and creative director

    Featured Artist
  • Zayna Khayat

    Zayna Khayat

    Chief Program Officer & Managing Director for the History and Future of Healthcare, AMS Healthcare 

    Keynote
  • Amy Heymans

    Amy Heymans

    Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Beneficent
    Assistant Professor, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

    Keynote

Workshops

Ignite Talks

A smiling man with light skin, dark hair, and a beard wearing a black shirt, against a white background.

“We need to aim higher. The work we do isn't only impactful – it's essential. The people we serve need and deserve it..”

Juhan Sonin, CEO @ GoInvo

Agenda

The 2 day conference will feature workshops, inspirational keynotes, informative talks and an open space agenda designed by conference attendees. There will also be networking, surprises as fun. You will make some new friends for life.

Full Schedule

  • 8:00 Registration
    8:30 Future-Forward Workshops
    10:50 Welcome & Keynotes
    11:55 A Hearty Lunch with Strangers

  • 1:10 Ignite Talks
    3:05 Randomized Coffee Trial
    3:30 Art Experience and Open Space Keynotes
    4:20 Opening the Open Space

  • 8:30 Final Open Space Schedule Posted
    8:50 Keynote
    9:15 Open Space Sessions
    12:25 A Hearty Lunch with New Friends

  • 1:40 Making Sense of it All
    2:40 Closing Keynote and Wrap Up
    3:15 Hang out with friends and snacks and/or head to the airport

2024 Conference Glimpse: Songs for Social Justice

At the 2024 conference in Boston, we were joined by students from Berklee School of Music as they performed songs and poetry on health topics and gave us a strong reminder why we do the work we do.

Conference Organizers

  • Chris McCarthy

    Chris McCarthy

    Founder, ILN Coaching & Consulting

    Co-Host & Co-MC

  • Amy Heymans

    Amy Heymans

    Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Beneficent

    Co-Host & Co-MC

  • “We honor the dignity of our fellow human beings by acknowledging each person’s infinite value, equality, and uniqueness.”

    Davie Jaffe Changing the World from the Inside Out

Contact Us

Have a question about the conference? Want to stay informed or collaborate in some way? We can’t wait to hear from you!