Design Groups New York

AIxUX Virtual Summit 2026

2 half days. Real builds. An exclusive, hands-on virtual summit designed for UX professionals who want to master AI integration in their practice. Become an Agentic Designer—one who doesn't just use AI tools, but shapes systems, orchestrates complexity, and builds with intention. **What makes this summit unique?** * You’ll build something real * Make friends & build partnerships * Find your place in the AI landscape * Shift from passive prompting to deploying specialized agents that automate research, accelerate prototyping, and scale your output. * Explore new perspectives: See how different UX designers use AI tools in their workflow. * Spark career momentum: Grow your network and confidence with an active, ambitious community. **Workshops & Agenda Highlights** * Welcome * Keynote: Designer's New Mandate * Create Your Summit Agent * Trust, Transparency, & Control * Multimodal Futures * Orchestrating Complexities * Building Your Process * And more surprise sessions! **Featured Facilitators** [Danny Setiawan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dnystwn/), [Suyen Stevenson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/suyenlyn/), [Volkan Unsal](https://www.linkedin.com/in/volkanunsal/) , [Alexis Brochu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisbrochu/), [Renata Rocha](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rerocha/) , [Silvia Balu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabalu/), [Corey Malone](https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreymalone/), [Esther Greenfield Jakar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-g-j/) **Ready to shape the future of UX with AI?** Reserve your spot, build your network, and get inspired to level up your impact in the UX and tech community! Get your ticket : [https://uxsupportgroup.com/summit](https://uxsupportgroup.com/summit)

Scaling Accessibility with Design Systems

This event will be online on [YouTube](https://youtu.be/_4k16DgOUMA) and in-person (New York City). **The speaker and live stream starts at 7:30 pm ET**. In-person attendees may arrive as early as 7 pm ET. If arriving late, please leave a comment on this page and someone will come down ASAP. **Description** Twenty million New Yorkers. Forty-five agencies. Tens of thousands of web pages, forms, and applications. What does it take to scale accessibility across an entire state? Jesse Gardner leads the Design System and Accessibility teams for the State of New York. He'll share what his teams have learned about scaling accessibility: resources and education to grow team maturity over time, manual accessibility reviews as a service, and a shared design infrastructure with built-in accessibility. He'll spend most of the talk on the design system. It's already helping teams scale accessible design, and it's increasingly serving as a foundation for accessibility in AI-assisted code-generation. This talk is for the full A11yNYC community: engineers, designers, advocates, content strategists, lawyers, librarians, researchers, and anyone who wants to understand where accessibility is headed in the next few years. Topics include: * Why a design system is one of the highest-leverage accessibility investments any organization can make * A live, plain-language demonstration of how AI tools interact with this kind of shared guidance (you don't need knowledge to follow along) * Why AI tools often produce inaccessible work, and what it looks like when you give them clear instructions and accessible building blocks * Honest lessons from coordinating accessibility work across the state * Practical advice for any accessibility program, no matter the size or budget Attendees will gain: * A real-world perspective from large-scale government services * Practical examples for scaling accessibility beyond "just work harder" * Guidance for harnessing AI to ensure accessible output **Presenter bio** [Jesse Gardner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/plasticmind/) is Director of Accessibility and Design Systems at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, where he leads two teams serving more than 45 state agencies and 20 million New Yorkers. He built the New York State Design System from scratch and led the state's response to the DOJ Title II accessibility compliance deadline (recently extended to April 2027). Before joining the public sector, Jesse spent more than two decades in software engineering and design leadership. He speaks regularly on the intersection of design systems, accessibility, and AI (most recently at Into Design Systems 2026) and writes at plasticmind.com. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and four kids. **Accessibility** The presentation will have human captions [CC], not automatic captions. For ASL preferred speakers, learn about the [Aira ASL App](https://aira.io/aira-asl-app/), and download it before the event. For the Blind and Low Vision community, learn about the [Aira Explorer App](https://aira.io/aira-explorer-app/) and download it before the event. To access the online webinar for audio description, use the A11yNYC Access Offer to call, or simply inform your Visual Interpreter that you'd like that offer applied when you connect. For additional accessibility requirements, please email meryl@equalentry.com **two weeks** **before** the event. **Livestream** [YouTube link](https://youtu.be/_4k16DgOUMA) Provided by Internet Society Accessibility SIG. **Location details** The event is on the 4th floor. Everyone must be accompanied to the event on the 4th floor. Because everyone needs to be escorted, please arrive early or on time. When you enter the ground floor, a representative from A11yNYC will be there to provide elevator access. The building is near several transit stops: 6 train * Spring Street (non-accessible stop): 100 feet * Canal Street (accessible stop): 0.4 miles B/D/F/M * Broadway-Lafayette St., 0.2 miles NQRW trains * Prince Street (non-accessible stop): 0.2 miles * Canal Street (accessible stop): 0.3 miles M1 / M55 Bus lines * Broadway/Spring Street stop: 500 feet Cabs and rideshares can let passengers out right near the building entrance **Important note** Google Maps currently incorrectly pins the location around the corner on Crosby Street. The entrance is not on Crosby. The entrance is on Spring Street, inside the Marc Jacobs International building. It is roughly halfway between Crosby and Lafayette, almost directly across Spring Street from the Chipotle restaurant. **Traveling to the event?** We recommend [Hotel on Rivington](https://www.hotelonrivington.com/) or [Crosby Street Hotel](https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/crosby-street-hotel). **Accreditation** All A11yNYC meetups are pre-approved for IAAP Continuing Accessibility Education Credits (CAEC). **Sponsors** Thanks to [Aira](https://aira.io/), [AKQA](https://www.akqa.com/), [Deque](https://www.deque.com/), [Evinced](https://www.evinced.com/), [Equal Entry](https://equalentry.com/), and [Fable](https://makeitfable.com/) for sponsoring. Want to be a sponsor? Contact meryl@equalentry.com

Signs of Creative Minds: "Arts" and Sign: HOST NEEDED!

UX Happy Hour irl (open to all levels)

######## You need to bring a physical Government Issued ID to be allowed to stay. It's the Law. ######## Whether you're a seasoned UX pro, just breaking into the field, or simply curious about design — this is your invite to pull up a chair and join the conversation. UX Happy Hour is a laid-back, no-agenda gathering where designers, researchers, product thinkers, and anyone design-curious can connect over drinks in a low-pressure setting. No slides. No networking theater. **Why attend:** • Meet new connection in organic way • Get feedback and fresh perspectives on your work (i.e. portfolio) or advice for your career • Stay sharp on what's happening in UX, AI, product, and tech right now • Meet potential collaborators, mentors, or future coworkers • Cheap drinks ($5 Guinness) **What to expect:** • Warm, welcoming crowd across all experience levels • Candid conversations about design, careers, tools, and everything in between • A great chill bar in the East Village to do it all in **Where to find us:** We're usually tucked in by the ATM at the back of Mona's. If you're not sure where we are, just ask the bartender — they know us! Come solo, bring a friend, or drag a coworker along. The more the merrier. Interested in sponsoring this event? Reach out to Danny (one of the organizers) for our sponsorship rate card.

NEW HOST NEEDED: Sign & Sing -- Fridays W72nd 4:30 PM

High Line & Hudson Yards Spring Walk (50 & Over Social Stroll)

**\*To Attend Get Tickets At:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-line-hudson-yards-social-stroll-50-over-tickets-1985775141905](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-line-hudson-yards-social-stroll-50-over-tickets-1985775141905) (\*First 5 save $5 by using discount code "5" at checkout. Multiple groups are co-organizing so don't go by the RSVP's Based on previous walks, we'll have around 20.) Kick off the Summer on an invigorating, scenic, and a healthy outdoor walk at NYC's most beautiful locations. Join others in your own age group at our stroll through the High Line & Hudson Yards landscape. It is the perfect location for our popular 50 & Over Social Walk. Get some fresh air, some exercise, and meet some new people in your age range. Plus, enjoy the views, unique architecture & cutting-edge art that is all a part of the High Line and Hudson Yards. Our social walks are an extremely popular way to meet others. This event very casual and non-awkward + our host will help to make introductions. During the walk, you will randomly be paired with others in the beginning then rotate at designated times so that you get to meet everyone participating. Afterwards, you're welcome to hang out and exchange contact info with others. FAQs: **Where to meet?** Exact meeting location with host contact info will be sent to all paid attendees day of the event. **How many will attend?** We will have enough attendees so everyone has enough time to meet and get to know all attending. **What if rains?** We will email attendees a new date. **Can I come alone?** Yes, about 90% come on their own. **Ages?** 50s & Over. Gender balance is not guaranteed but we usually get a good mix. **How much?** $15-$25 depending upon when you get ticket and spots left. For more fun events follow: **[https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)**

Protecting Your Ideas: IP for Makers, Builders & Founders

Join us at Fat Cat Fab Lab for a practical presentation on intellectual property and patent law tailored for makers, builders, hardware/software developers, and early-stage founders. Led by New York patent attorney and inventor Stefan Knirr, this session will explore the fundamentals of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets through the lens of real-world product development and commercialization. Topics will include: • What patents do — and do not — protect • Provisional vs. non-provisional patent strategies • Public disclosure risks and timing • Protecting prototypes, code, CAD files, branding, and creative assets • Common IP mistakes early-stage builders make • Practical considerations around cost, filing strategy, and commercialization The session is designed to be practical, accessible, and directly relevant to creators developing products, launching startups, collaborating with others, or preparing to bring ideas to market. 6:30–6:45 → Arrival / networking 6:45–7:30 → Main presentation 7:30–8:00 → Audience Q&A + project-specific questions Free and open to the community. Limited seating available.

Where Art Meets Machine: Creating Stories That Change How We See

Award-winning directors **[Michaela Ternasky-Holland](https://michaelaternaskyholland.com/?utm_source=luma)** and **[Aaron Santiago](https://aaron.work/?utm_source=luma)** are building worlds at the cutting edge of AI, VR, and immersive media. ​Rather than create for spectacle, their aim is to **collapse the distance between strangers.** ​​In collaboration with the **[National Arts Club](https://www.nacnyc.org/?utm_source=luma)** and its **[Art and Technology Committee](https://www.nacnyc.org/arts-and-programs/committees?utm_source=luma)**, this conversation will reveal how they use **generative AI, motion capture, 360° cinematography, projection mapping, and volumetric capture** to tell stories that cross lines of culture, ability, and lived experience. ​From Emmy-winning VR documentaries screened at **Tribeca and Cannes** to experimental AI films created with OpenAI's SORA, Ternasky-Holland and Santiago work where technology stops being a tool and starts becoming a language. ​They'll discuss their solo projects, their collaborations, and the question at the heart of their practice: **Does technology inspire art, or does art give technology meaning?** ​Whether you're a creator, technologist, or just curious about where storytelling is headed, this is a rare chance to hear from two artists **shaping the future of how we connect.** ​​Reserve your spot and **arrive early**. Space is limited.

ADOBE 99U 2026 Conference

Attending the conference in person requires payment BUT viewing via Livestream access is FREE fun with Adobe, sign up [https://event.adobe.com/adobe99u ](https://event.adobe.com/adobe99u) Make sure to check in at ALLCREATIVE NY (https://www.meetup.com/ALLCNY/) let other AllCreative NY members know that you’re going. Don’t forget to tell your friends to join ALLCREATIVE NY (https://www.meetup.com/ALLCNY/) so they can stay up to date on “All Things Creative” in film, video and the arts.

Free OPEN Passes DeveloperWeek NY 2026

Hi All, > Register here: [https://www.devnetwork.com/registration/?event=DeveloperWeek%20New%20York%202026&utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MU2174&discount=MU2174](https://www.devnetwork.com/registration/?event=DeveloperWeek%20New%20York%202026&utm_source=meetup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MU2174&discount=MU2174) > You must register at the link above (and not just indicate that you are attending here on Meetup). > [DeveloperWeek New York 2026](https://www.developerweek.com/newyork/ "https://www.developerweek.com/newyork/") (June 9-10, New York City, NY) is the East Coast’s largest independent software development conference & expo. DeveloperWeek New York brings together software engineers, architects, dev team leads, and product builders for two days of hands-on sessions, case studies, and conversations focused on production-scale systems. Learn from leaders at IBM, OpenAI, Salesforce, AWS, Google, NBC, Cisco, Tesla, Microsoft, Zoominfo, and many more! > **Choose from sessions across 8 Conference Summits:** > * AI DevSummit > * API & Microservices Summit > * Cloud-Native Summit > * Dev Innovation Summit > * DevExec Summit > * DevOps Summit > * DevSecurity Summit > * Product Summit Make sure to check in at ALLCREATIVE NY and let your fellow AllCreative NY members know that you’re going. Don’t forget to tell your friends to join ALLCREATIVE NY so they can stay up to date on “All Things Creative” in film, video and the arts.

✨ Behind the Curtain: The Metropolitan Opera House Backstage Tour

# 🎭 **New York City Art, Film, Museum, Social Club** ## ✨ *Behind the Curtain: The Metropolitan Opera House Backstage Tour* **Friday\, June 5 \| 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Meeting time is: 2:45pm\.** *** ## 🌟 Event Description Join us for a truly special and rarely available experience—a **behind-the-scenes tour of the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House** at Lincoln Center. This exclusive guided tour takes us far beyond the audience view and into the **working heart of one of the greatest performing arts institutions in the world**. From the moment we step inside, we will explore the **craftsmanship, scale, and precision** required to bring grand opera productions to life. *** ## 🎭 What We Will Experience Led by knowledgeable guides from the Metropolitan Opera Guild, this tour offers a fascinating look into areas typically hidden from public view: ### 🔧 Working Behind the Scenes * Scenic and carpentry shops * Costume and wig departments * Rehearsal rooms where productions take shape ### 🎬 The Stage & Technical Marvels * Stand on the **massive stage itself** * View the orchestra pit * See the intricate **elevator and turntable systems** that allow for rapid and seamless set changes ### 🏛️ The Grand Auditorium * Experience the breathtaking **3,800-seat auditorium** * Admire the iconic **gold-leaf ceiling** * View the famous **Austrian crystal chandeliers** *** ## 🌍 The Scale of the Met The Metropolitan Opera is the **largest repertory opera house in the world**, capable of housing multiple productions simultaneously and rotating them with remarkable efficiency. Each season features over **200 performances**, supported by an extraordinary level of coordination and artistry behind the scenes. *** ## 👥 Our Experience This will be a **guided group tour**, offering an immersive and active experience. Please note: * The tour includes **walking, standing, stairs, and elevators** * Comfortable footwear is recommended *** ## 🗓️ Event Details * **Date:** Friday, June 5, 2026 * **Meeting Time:** **2:45 PM (no later)** * **Tour Time:** 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM * **Location:** Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center * **Meeting Point:** **Opera House Lobby (tour begins and ends here)** *** ## 💲 Pricing * **Group Rate:** **$25 per person** (discounted from $40) *** ## 💬 Why This Event Is Special This is not just a visit—it is an **inside look at the artistry, engineering, and coordination** behind one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. For anyone who appreciates architecture, design, performance, or simply the scale of great cultural institutions, this is a **rare and memorable opportunity**. ## ⚠️ **Important Tour Information – Please Read Carefully** This is a **mid-afternoon weekday event** * Space is limited and expected to fill quickly * Please arrive on time—the tour will begin promptly To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, all members **must review and adhere to the following Metropolitan Opera guidelines:** ### 🕒 **Arrival & Timing** * Tours assemble **15 minutes prior to departure** at the **south end of the Metropolitan Opera House lobby** * Please arrive **no later than 2:45 PM** * Tours depart promptly between **3:00 – 3:15 PM** * **Late arrivals will not be admitted** once the tour has begun *** ### ⏱️ **Tour Duration & Participation** * The tour lasts approximately **75 minutes** * All participants must **remain with the group for the entire duration** * **Early departure is not permitted** *** ### 🚗 **Delays** * If you are delayed, you must message me immediately, but there is no guarantee you will be admitted. * Failure to notify may result in your reservation **not being honored** *** ### 👥 **Group Structure** * Our group will be divided into **two groups of 8 members each** * Each group will have its own **dedicated tour guide** *** ### 🚶‍♂️ **Walking & Accessibility** * The tour includes **considerable standing, walking, stairs, and elevator use** * Members requiring wheelchair access or mobility accommodations must notify me in advance when you RSVP. *** ### 🎒 **Bags & Personal Items** * **Not permitted:** backpacks, briefcases, shopping bags, luggage, or large packages * **Permitted:** small purse/handbag/wallet only * There is **no checkroom available** * Members with large bags may be **denied entry without refund** *** ### 📸 **Photography** * **Photography is strictly prohibited** in the Metropolitan Opera House during the tour *** ### 🚻 **Restrooms** * There are **no restrooms available during the tour** * Please plan to use facilities **before or after** *** ### ❗ **Final Note** * **All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable under any circumstances**

Beers & Data

WE ARE BACK IN PERSON!