# Home

Celebrating Information Architecture in LOCATION since 2012

## Welcome to World IA Day Columbus

This is the first year that World IA Day has been hosted in Columbus, Ohio. We celebrate Information Architecture at March 7, 2026

Our celebration brings together a diverse community of information architects, user experience designers, content creators, product managers, developers, academics, and students, all united by a shared interest in shaping the future of Information Architecture in Columbus and beyond.

Because of the ubiquitous nature of information, we hear stories of Information Architecture practiced not only by specialists, but also by people with all kinds of titles, from all walks of life. We celebrate these stories and the many ways IA shows up in real life.

This year’s event takes place on March 7th, 2026, and our theme is **“**[**Design for meaning**](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiaday/events/world-ia-day-2026)**.”**

Are you excited to meet local leaders in the User Experience community, along with guests from outside Columbus?

**But hurry! Tickets are limited!**

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866" class="button primary" data-icon="arrow-right">Get your free tickets</a>&#x20;

***

### Date and time <a href="#date-and-time" id="date-and-time"></a>

[Saturday, March 7, 2026 - Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://columbus.worldiaday.org/events/we-meet-at-columbus-metropolitan-library)

WIAD Columbus 2026 runs from **9:30 AM to 4:00 PM** and features an agenda that celebrates leading professionals in Columbus while also amplifying new voices in the Information Architecture community.

The [full agenda](https://columbus.worldiaday.org/events/agenda) is available for download. You can add sessions to your calendar, access presentation transcripts, and explore detailed information about each presentation.

***

### :e-mail: Contact & connect

**General inquiries:** <columbus@worldiaday.org>\
**Sponsorship:** <columbus@worldiaday.org>\
**Speaking opportunities:** <columbus@worldiaday.org>

***

*World IA Day Columbus is part of the global World Information Architecture Day celebration.* [*Learn more about World IA Day worldwide*](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiaday) *→*


# Columbus 2026

World IA Day Columbus 2026 is on March 7, 2026

{% hint style="success" %}
[The tickets for the WIAD Columbus 2026 are available at Eventbrite.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866) The event is free, but tickets are limited: don’t miss out!
{% endhint %}

Our celebration brings together a diverse community of information architects, user experience designers, content creators, product managers, developers, academics, and students, all united by a shared interest in shaping the future of Information Architecture in Columbus and beyond.

&#x20;This year’s event takes place on March 7th, 2026, and our theme is **“**[**Design for meaning**](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiaday/events/world-ia-day-2026)**.”**

Are you excited to meet local leaders in the User Experience community, along with guests from outside Columbus? Because of the ubiquitous nature of information, we hear stories of Information Architecture practiced not only by specialists, but also by people with all kinds of titles, from all walks of life. We celebrate these stories and the many ways IA shows up in real life.&#x20;

**And for the first time, Columbus will host WIAD, bringing together voices from across the region.**

Learn more about the event, the speakers, and the venue, explore the agenda, and [get your free tickets](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866).

**But hurry! Tickets are limited!**

## Columbus is a city of systems, and full of Meaning

Columbus is a city literally shaped by systems: from its grid-based neighborhoods to the branching loops of its highways, the interlocking Scioto and Olentangy rivers, and the many districts and civic services that organize daily life. These are structures we navigate intuitively, but they mirror the same principles that guide Information Architecture: classification, wayfinding, and meaningful organization.

Columbus is, in many ways, a living expression of IA. A city where structure creates clarity, and connection creates opportunity. It shows how systems can be more than functional: they can be purposeful, human, and connected when you Design for meaning, turning structure into understanding.

Join us at **World IA Day Columbus** and explore how the systems that shape our city also shape the future of information, design, and digital experiences and help us to give clarity, understand, and evolve the Information Architecture practice around the globe.

## Date and time

[Saturday, March 7, 2026 - Columbus Metropolitan Library](https://columbus.worldiaday.org/events/we-meet-at-columbus-metropolitan-library)

WIAD Columbus 2026 runs from **9:30 AM to 4:00 PM** and features an agenda that celebrates leading professionals in Columbus while also amplifying new voices in the Information Architecture community.

The [full agenda](https://columbus.worldiaday.org/events/agenda) is available for download. You can add sessions to your calendar, access presentation transcripts, and explore detailed information about each presentation.

***

Photo of downtown Columbus photo by [Julius Kissinger](https://unsplash.com/@julesks94?utm_source=unsplash\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/body-of-water-between-green-grass-field-and-city-buildings-during-daytime-CgAZYHbKOI8?utm_source=unsplash\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_content=creditCopyText)


# Agenda

The complete program for Design for Meaning

{% hint style="success" %}
World IA Day Columbus 2026 is on March 7, 2026. [The tickets are available at Eventbrite.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866) The event is free, but tickets are limited: don’t miss out!
{% endhint %}

| <p>9:30 am - 10:00 am<br>Registration & Networking</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p>10:00 am - 10:05 am<br>Opening</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| <p>10:05 am - 10:50 am<br><a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/bob-royce">Bob Royce</a> - <strong>Embracing Complexity: How Information Architecture Can Help Your Organization Thrive in a Complex World.</strong><br><br>People often fear complexity and the uncertainty it brings. Science spent centuries developing ever more complicated means of probing the universe in hopes of mastering nature and claiming certainty as a prize. Then last century, science entered a paradigm shift which complemented the reductionist strategy of the Enlightenment with a new, systems-centered view of the world that replaced certainty with a new explanatory power about previously inscrutable phenomena such as weather, pathogen spread, and social networks.<br></p><p>As we struggle to anchor our humanity in the midst of increasingly rapid change, this new science of complexity offers valuable insights for designing and building resilient systems that optimize for people over technology. The overall thesis of this talk is that organizations should embrace complexity as a positive feature of the system. Through a combination of real-world examples and conceptual framing, we will explore both the superpowers IAs bring to complex environments, and what information architects can learn from complexity science.</p><p><br>The world isn’t getting simpler—and that’s good news for information architects. By embracing complexity rather than fighting it, we can help organizations achieve clarity, coherence, and enduring understanding in an ever-changing world.</p> |
| <p>11:00 am - 11:45 am<br><a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/keith-instone">Keith Instone</a> - <strong>Research & Practice in Information Architecture - Revisiting 16-Year-Old Napkin Sketches.</strong><br><br>What is the relationship between Academic Research and Industry Practice in IA? That was a question Andrea Resmini and Keith asked at the 11th annual IA Summit (2010) in a “back of a napkin” collective-thinking exercise. <br><br>Sixteen years later: where are we? Have we addressed all the gaps, or have they gotten wider? Is AI making things better or worse for IA? We will review the old napkins and discuss what they might mean for us in today’s world.<br><br><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vKHrPfKbedaNTBqqxG7IbGZasVhGXu7L7pzQrS4OPVM/edit?usp=sharing" class="button primary">Download Revisiting 16-year-old napkin sketches</a></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| <p>11:45 pm - 12:10 pm<br>Caffeine & connections: a moment to recharge and mingle, digest ideas, connect with fellow IAs.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| <p>12:10 pm - 12:55 pm<br><a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/elizabeth-mitchell">Elizabeth Mitchell</a> - <strong>Designing and Building from the Core: Identifying What Matters Most</strong><br><br>When organizing information, it's important to begin with figuring out what key information matters most. What are the central pieces of information that need to be shared and conveyed?<br></p><p>In website and application design and development, people can jump into visual design and development without first considering what matters and why it matters. Keeping things simple and identifying what is most important helps projects get off the ground faster.<br></p><p>An effective sitemap can become the base for a menu and help identify the most important prototypes needed. Great information architecture can help a project team and stakeholders have a shared understanding of what matters most.<br></p><p>On both new and existing projects, focusing on information architecture can save us time, energy, and money. Information architecture helps us share what's most important more effectively and efficiently. We can share what matters most and know that this core information is at the center of our work.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| <p>1:00 pm - 1:55 pm <br>Lunch break: fuel up and connect. Catering provided for all attendees.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| <p>2:00 pm - 2:40 pm<br><a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/alysson-franklin">Alysson Franklin</a> - <strong>Scaling IA with AI: An Emergent Methodology for Information Architecture Modernization</strong><br><br>Can we accelerate Information Architecture without sacrificing depth? <br>This session shares an emergent methodology refined across multiple projects and validated for World IA Day using one of the largest government websites as an example: USDA.gov and its 44-subdomain ecosystem. <br><br>What happens when you point AI at large datasets like 25,000 URLs and ask, "What patterns do you see?" The answer isn't magic and delivers practical tools into the hands of Information Architects to enhance our practice with accelerated analysis, faster iteration, and insights at a scale we've never considered before. <br><br>This session introduces an emergent six-phase framework for AI-assisted information architecture, validated against government-scale websites. <br><br>You'll learn when AI extends your capabilities, when it doesn't, and how to remain in control while thinking at scale.<br><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rb_9aMrWG1qpj77dx4jqb_sjb-4TqUMU/view?usp=sharing" class="button primary">Download Scaling IA with AI</a></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| <p>2:50 pm - 3:50 pm<br><strong>Panel Discussion - Designing for Meaning in the Age of AI</strong><br><br>As AI systems increasingly shape how information is created, organized, and delivered, Information Architecture faces a new challenge: designing for human understanding while remaining extensible, interpretable, and usable by machines. <br><br>This panel brings together all WIAD Columbus 2026 to discuss how we design for meaning when humans and AI are both users of our systems, exploring intent, structure, ethics, data, and experience in an AI-augmented world.</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| <p>3:50 pm - 4:15 pm<br>Closing and raffle</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |

***


# Become a speaker at WIAD Columbus

We have seasoned voices in the lineup, and we're also looking to bring in fresh perspectives from the community.

{% hint style="success" %}
World IA Day Columbus 2026 is on March 7, 2026. [The tickets are available at Eventbrite.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866) The event is free, but tickets are limited: don’t miss out!
{% endhint %}

This year’s theme, [**Designing for Meaning**](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiaday/events/world-ia-day-2026), challenges us to look beyond structure and explore how information becomes human, helpful, and purposeful. In a city built by systems getting infuse by AI systems, how Information Architecture can support us to have a better, meaningful life?

We invite you to submit a **lightning talk** that highlights how *you* find meaning in your IA practice. Whether you’re mapping journeys, shaping taxonomies, clarifying content, or designing systems that support the people of Columbus, **your perspective matters**. Share your ideas. Inspire the community. Help us design meaning together.

<details>

<summary>Perks by being selected as a WIAD Speaker</summary>

* Direct access to main speakers and the IA community attending the event
* Your work will be showcased at the [WIAD Content Library](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection)
* You’ll receive a certificate and a formal recognition for your talk
* A **$50 USD gift card** as a token of appreciation

</details>

{% hint style="info" %}
Your talk must adhere to our [guidelines and code of conduct](/wiad-2026-columbus-team/code-of-conduct).
{% endhint %}

<a href="https://forms.gle/hePJ78ZFsn5aHKvS9" class="button primary">Start your application →</a>


# We meet at Columbus Metropolitan Library

The World IA Day Columbus takes place in one of the most impressive works of Information Architecture in the state. Explore the content and get your tickets.

{% hint style="success" %}
[The tickets for the WIAD Columbus 2026 are available at Eventbrite.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866) The event is free, but tickets are limited: don’t miss out!
{% endhint %}

## Date and time

Saturday, March 7, 2025 - 10:00am to 4pm

## Location

Columbus Metropolitan Library\
96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215

[Map directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Columbus+Metropolitan+Library/@39.9613828,-82.9894036,16z/data=!3m1!5s0x883888cc4e7df7e3:0xc2f22438d94b9eb5!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x883888cc4eb6b895:0xa2493346795a7147!2s96+S+Grant+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43215!3b1!8m2!3d39.9613828!4d-82.9894036!16s%2Fg%2F11b8v79pry!3m5!1s0x883888cc51ac42df:0xc671ddeb9ef8ba0e!8m2!3d39.9612739!4d-82.9900467!16s%2Fg%2F11h0_pj3nm?entry=ttu\&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEyMC4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3M0gBUAM%3D)

<figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FoYknnThareEg2TObkIXv%2FScreenshot%202026-01-22%20at%2012.51.55%E2%80%AFp.m..png?alt=media&amp;token=2d6e9a38-5ca4-40a9-9724-677b57cdfe12" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Designing for Meaning is this year’s theme

Columbus is a city shaped by systems—streets, rivers, institutions, and communities that connect people to purpose. World IA Day Columbus explores how Information Architecture turns those structures into meaningful experiences. From the Scioto Mile to civic institutions and a growing tech ecosystem, the city is built on connection and intent—and Information Architecture is what ties it all together.

On March 8, you’ll hear from leading voices in Ohio across academia and industry as they explore how Information Architecture is designing for meaning—bringing clarity and understanding to a world increasingly flooded with data.

***

***

## Agenda

| <p>9:30 am - 10:00 am<br>Registration & Networking</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p>10:00 am - 10:15 am<br>Opening</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| <p>10:20 am - 11:00 am<br>First Talk - To be announced!</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| <p>11:10 am - 12:10 am<br>Lightning talks - Four speakers - we are looking for professionals that want to share their experience. </p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| <p>12:20 pm - 1:00 pm<br>Second Talk - To be announced!</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| <p>1:00 pm - 2:00 pm<br>Lunch time</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| <p>2:10 pm - 3:30 pm<br><strong>Panel - Designing for Meaning in the Age of AI</strong><br><br>As AI systems increasingly shape how information is created, organized, and delivered, Information Architecture faces a new challenge: designing for human understanding while remaining extensible, interpretable, and usable by machines. <br><br>This panel brings together all WIAD Columbus 2026 to discuss how we design for meaning when humans and AI are both users of our systems, exploring intent, structure, ethics, data, and experience in an AI-augmented world.</p> |
| <p>3:30 pm - 4:00 pm<br>Closing and raffle</p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |

***

## Sponsors supporting WIAD Columbus

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th>NAME</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">LINK</th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">LOGO</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Base22</td><td><a href="https://base22.com/">https://base22.com/</a></td><td>Base22 partners with organizations to design, build, and evolve digital platforms that turn complexity into clarity and value, driving real impact.</td><td><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FbQsOEpodH6RXHm1ZgzGK%2Fbase22_696x696px.png?alt=media&amp;token=ac77d125-318c-40d5-8765-e8bbb03418e2">base22_696x696px.png</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

***


# Speakers

The talent behind the WIAD Columbus 2026 is looking for your support!

Meet the team bringing **World IA Day Columbus** to life. We’re a group of local designers, strategists, and organizers working together to build an inspiring event for our community. From curating speakers to coordinating logistics, each of us is committed to creating a meaningful experience that celebrates the practice of Information Architecture in our city.

## Our team

<table data-card-size="large" data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Role</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Link</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Alysson Franklin</strong></td><td>Organizer</td><td><a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/alysson-franklin">Alysson Franklin</a></td><td data-object-fit="contain"><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FEua8Hk9xp0yk4LftGk8q%2FAlyssonFranklin-optimised.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=e1279540-bd40-4247-9a8b-5a544d5abc4a">AlyssonFranklin-optimised.jpeg</a></td></tr><tr><td>Guillermo Melicoff</td><td>Match-day logistics</td><td></td><td><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FNpOYgrb4A54iZlODsOV3%2F1516630220156.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=be59f2dc-63eb-4793-9508-0365773200d2">1516630220156.jpeg</a></td></tr><tr><td>Daniel Moroyoqui</td><td>Venue and organization support</td><td></td><td><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FqLGcKD0wjbw8Zx2nn1Uf%2F1713980725768.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=88892f53-a224-4f4f-9e6f-145fb3ca40c5">1713980725768.jpeg</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Get involved

Want to be part of the WIAD Columbus experience? Join our volunteer team and help shape this year’s event. Whether you're interested in planning, logistics, community outreach, or day-of support, we welcome anyone passionate about Information Architecture and the design community.

If you’d like to contribute or learn more, reach out at <columbus@worldiaday.org>

***

Photo of downtown Columbus photo by [Julius Kissinger](https://unsplash.com/@julesks94?utm_source=unsplash\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/body-of-water-between-green-grass-field-and-city-buildings-during-daytime-CgAZYHbKOI8?utm_source=unsplash\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_content=creditCopyText)


# All events

Explore the history of World IA Day since its first edition. Browse past speakers, topics, and community highlights from our IA celebrations.

Since 2012, World IA Day has grown from a handful of locations to more than 70 cities across six continents. This year, [**37 locations**](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiaday/locations) are preparing a remarkable experience focused on [design for meaning](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiaday/events/world-ia-day-2026#global-theme-designing-for-meaning). &#x20;

Since 2012, World IA Day has grown from a handful of locations to more than 70 cities across six continents. This year, 37 locations are preparing a remarkable experience focused on designing for meaning

The celebration unites **practitioners, students, and enthusiasts** in a day of **learning**, **sharing**, and **connection,** always focused on making information more findable, usable, and meaningful.

The World IA Day also spread the word across our global practice through several events, including [World IA Café](https://www.information-architecture.world/worldiacafe) and the [Taxonomy Talk](https://www.information-architecture.world/taxonomy-talk).&#x20;

Browse talks and presentations added most recently to the content library

* [PINK: Evolving Symbolism Across Different Cultures and Eras - Evgeni Minchev - World IA Cafe](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/pink-evolving-symbolism-across-different-cultures-and-eras-evgeni-minchev-world-ia-cafe)
* [QR остановка - WIAD21 Moscow](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/qr-ostanovka-wiad21-moscow)
* [Using IA to Garden Better - Anshul Tewari | WIAD21 New Delhi](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/using-ia-to-garden-better-anshul-tewari-or-wiad21-new-delhi)
* [コンテキスト入門および機関紙の話 | WIAD24 Fukuoka](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/kontekisutooyobino-wiad24-fukuoka)
* [Gentle Change - Peter Morville - WIAD20 Ann Arbor 2020](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/gentle-change-peter-morville-wiad20-ann-arbor-2020)
* [Taxonomies in Content Graphs - Ian Piper - Taxonomy Talk](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/taxonomies-in-content-graphs-ian-piper-taxonomy-talk)
* [Clothing Sizes - Taxonomy Talk](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/clothing-sizes-taxonomy-talk)
* [Everything flows keynote - Andrea Resmini - WIAD25](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/everything-flows-keynote-andrea-resmini-wiad25)
* [Peter Morville keynote - WIAD12](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/peter-morville-keynote-wiad12)
* [Global keynote - Lou Rosenfeld - WIAD12](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/global-keynote-lou-rosenfeld-wiad12)
* [Global keynote - Jorge Arango - WIAD12](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/global-keynote-jorge-arango-wiad12)
* [Agency Life for the UXD - Jod Kaftan - WIAD12 Los Angeles](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/agency-life-for-the-uxd-jod-kaftan-wiad12-los-angeles)
* [Somos Conectándonos - Ferrán Galindo - WIAD12 Panama City](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/somos-conectandonos-ferran-galindo-wiad12-panama-city)
* [Malaysia submission - WIAD12](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/malaysia-submission-wiad12)
* [Colombia submission - WIAD12](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection/colombia-submission-wiad12)

In our [Content Library](https://www.information-architecture.world/content-collection), you can explore in depth some of the most compelling talks on Information Architecture, Content Strategy, and related topics.

\
You can also explore our story in Columbus by browsing talks and presentations by year.

| Event year                             | Date          | Lead                                                          |
| -------------------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026) | March 7, 2026 | [Alysson Franklin](/wiad-2026-columbus-team/alysson-franklin) |


# Copy of Agenda

The complete program for Design for Meaning

{% hint style="success" %}
World IA Day Columbus 2026 is on March 7, 2026. [The tickets are available at Eventbrite.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-ia-day-columbus-2026-tickets-1980695936866) The event is free, but tickets are limited: don’t miss out!
{% endhint %}

| <p>8:30 am - 9:25 am<br>Registration & Networking</p> |
| ----------------------------------------------------- |
| <p>9:30 am - 9:55 am<br>Opening Remarks</p>           |
| <p>10:00 am - 12:00 pm<br>Morning Presentations</p>   |
| <p>12:00 pm - 1:00 pm<br>Lunch</p>                    |
| <p>1:00 pm - 3:25 pm<br>Afternoon Presentations</p>   |
| <p>3:30 pm<br>Closing Remarks</p>                     |

***

## Program schedule

### `HH:MM am/pm`  - Talk title - Speaker(s)

Session description

Presented by SPEAKER NAME with link to bio

<details>

<summary>About SPEAKER NAME</summary>

Author bio

{% hint style="info" %}
Tip: You can create bio pages under Community or you can put bios in a collapsible container.
{% endhint %}

</details>


# Meet our team and get involved

The talent behind the WIAD Columbus 2026 is looking for your support!

Meet the team bringing **World IA Day Columbus** to life. We’re a group of local designers, strategists, and organizers working together to build an inspiring event for our community. From curating speakers to coordinating logistics, each of us is committed to creating a meaningful experience that celebrates the practice of Information Architecture in our city.

If you’d like to contribute or learn more, reach out at <columbus@worldiaday.org>

## Our team

<table data-card-size="large" data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Role</th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Link</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Alysson Franklin</strong></td><td>Organizer</td><td>Alysson has been a seasoned volunteer supporting <a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/alysson-franklin">WIAD since 2013</a>, with events across the Americas.</td><td><a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/alysson-franklin">Alysson Franklin</a></td><td data-object-fit="contain"><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FEua8Hk9xp0yk4LftGk8q%2FAlyssonFranklin-optimised.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=e1279540-bd40-4247-9a8b-5a544d5abc4a">AlyssonFranklin-optimised.jpeg</a></td></tr><tr><td>Guillermo Melicoff</td><td>Match-day logistics</td><td>Guillermo brings its <a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/guillermo-melicoff">expertise in Business Analysis</a>, oriented to IA topics, to ensure the best experience on your <em>"match-day".</em></td><td></td><td><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FNpOYgrb4A54iZlODsOV3%2F1516630220156.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=be59f2dc-63eb-4793-9508-0365773200d2">1516630220156.jpeg</a></td></tr><tr><td>Daniel Moroyoqui</td><td>Venue and organization support</td><td>Daniel is a Product Manager with <a href="/wiad-2026-columbus-team/daniel-moroyoqui">extensive experience in IA and UX projects</a>, supports WIAD within the organization, and also hosts our panel.</td><td></td><td><a href="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FqLGcKD0wjbw8Zx2nn1Uf%2F1713980725768.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=88892f53-a224-4f4f-9e6f-145fb3ca40c5">1713980725768.jpeg</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Get involved

Want to be part of the WIAD Columbus experience? Join our volunteer team and help shape this year’s event. Whether you're interested in planning, logistics, community outreach, or day-of support, we welcome anyone passionate about Information Architecture and the design community.

If you’d like to contribute or learn more, reach out at <columbus@worldiaday.org>

***

Photo of downtown Columbus photo by [Julius Kissinger](https://unsplash.com/@julesks94?utm_source=unsplash\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_content=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/body-of-water-between-green-grass-field-and-city-buildings-during-daytime-CgAZYHbKOI8?utm_source=unsplash\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_content=creditCopyText)


# Code of Conduct

We have seasoned voices in the lineup, and we're also looking to bring in fresh perspectives from the community.

World IA Day is dedicated to the empowerment of local leaders. Our celebrations inspire the global growth of information architecture as a community of practice. We are dedicated to bringing a diversity of thoughts and thinkers.

No matter where in the world you are, we want to make sure that World IA Day is a safe and professional experience for all to volunteer for, attend, and speak at.

The Global Board of Directors of World IA Association have drafted the below code of conduct to be agreed to and upheld by any member of the global and local volunteer teams. This code of conduct applies to all volunteers and organizers, all venues and their hosts, all online meetings and forums, all attendees, and all speakers of World IA Day, World IA Association, and its programs.

### We do not tolerate harassment in any form <a href="#we-do-not-tolerate-harassment-in-any-form" id="we-do-not-tolerate-harassment-in-any-form"></a>

Our local teams are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion (or lack thereof).

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate in any context revolving around World IA Day, including talks, parties, social media and other online media.

If anyone in the World IA Day community engages in any of the aforementioned behavior, the local organizer, venue hosts, or global team may take any action they deem appropriate, from warning the offender to immediately expelling the offender from World IA Day service or attendance.

### We’re listening <a href="#were-listening" id="were-listening"></a>

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns regarding the conduct of our global or local volunteers, presenters, or attendees, please contact <safety@worldiaday.org> where a member of our global team is dedicated to assisting all locations.

The global board is trained in how to address and report any incidents brought to their attention. All reports will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Contact <safety@worldiaday.org>

### Should I report it? <a href="#should-i-report-it" id="should-i-report-it"></a>

If you answer “yes” to any of the following, please let us know.

* Do you feel unsafe or fear that someone else does?
* Do you have prior conduct-violating experience with members of our community that deters your participation in a celebration?
* Are you concerned about the appropriateness of language being used, views being expressed or the materials being shared at any of our events or via our social media channels?
* Did you witness something that you are not sure is appropriate based on our code of conduct?

### What happens if I report something? <a href="#what-happens-if-i-report-something" id="what-happens-if-i-report-something"></a>

* First, we will listen.
* Then, we will help you to determine the options that we have based on the situation. We will also document the details to assure trends of behavior are uncovered across locations.
* Lastly, we will follow the situation to a resolution where you feel safe and you can remain anonymous to the offender if you wish to be.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all times for the benefit of everyone. We value your participation.


# Get involved

Join the World IA Day Columbus volunteer team! Help organize our information architecture community event and connect with local practitioners.

If you're interested in volunteering, contact <columbus@worldiaday.org>


# Alysson Franklin

Organizer

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2F0fNV640Eh6HTh3DyYFOT%2FAlyssonFranklin-optimised.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=b6bd64b0-d361-4158-9f66-3c10cf0b785d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

[More about Alysson on our blog](https://medium.com/worldiaday/meet-alysson-franklin-regional-director-latin-america-of-world-ia-day-head-of-user-experience-ddb0e2a28930)

### Community Involvement

* Volunteer, Sao Paulo 2013
* Organizer, Mexico City 2015
* Organizer, Mexico City 2016
* Organizer, Mexico City 2017
* Co-organizer, Puebla 2017
* Organizer, Monterrey 2017
* Organizer, Mexico City 2018
* Volunteer, São Paulo 2021
* Volunteer, Seatle 2023
* Organizer, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssonfranklin/>
* <i class="fa-x-twitter">:x-twitter:</i> X/Twitter: <https://x.com/alyssonfranklin>
* [World IA Day](https://medium.com/worldiaday/meet-alysson-franklin-regional-director-latin-america-of-world-ia-day-head-of-user-experience-ddb0e2a28930)


# Daniel Moroyoqui

Venue and organization support

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FqLGcKD0wjbw8Zx2nn1Uf%2F1713980725768.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=88892f53-a224-4f4f-9e6f-145fb3ca40c5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

**Daniel Moroyoqui** is a Senior Project Manager, Product and Business Analyst with over 16 years of experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder digital initiatives in regulated public-sector and enterprise environments. He has led large programs supporting State of Ohio agencies and the InnovateOhio Platform (IOP), with proven expertise managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk while translating business needs into clear, executable technical requirements. His work centers on bridging strategy, systems, and people to create usable, sustainable digital experiences.

Beyond his work in digital delivery, Daniel is a Columbus-based content creator, recipe developer, visual storyteller, and art community builder. Born in Sonora, Mexico and now living in Ohio, his creative practice explores food as a powerful medium for information exchange—connecting culture, language, memory, and human experience. Shaped by engineering training, global travel, and a deep appreciation for art and design, Daniel brings an interdisciplinary lens to how information is structured, shared, and felt.

At the intersection of product thinking and storytelling, Daniel is passionate about designing systems—digital or cultural—that help people find meaning, clarity, and connection.

### Community Involvement

* Organizer, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moroyoqui>
* <i class="fa-instagram">:instagram:</i> Instagram: <https://www.instagram.com/danielmoroyoqui>


# Keith Instone

Speaker

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2F8a1CL0pvziGTfFgDWjMN%2F1516242031169.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=355f19a9-2018-44ad-ad29-398de40d9345" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Community Involvement

* Speaker, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)
* An active member of the IA community, supporting WIAD and IA Conferences, since 2011.

### Downloads

* [Revisiting 16-year-old Nakpin Sketches](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vKHrPfKbedaNTBqqxG7IbGZasVhGXu7L7pzQrS4OPVM/edit?usp=sharing)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> Google Scholar: <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lj3xddQAAAAJ&hl=en>
* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> OhioX: <http://ohiox.org/profiles/keith-instone-ohiox>
* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithinstone/>


# Copy of Copy of Daniel Moroyoqui

Venue and organization support

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FqLGcKD0wjbw8Zx2nn1Uf%2F1713980725768.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=88892f53-a224-4f4f-9e6f-145fb3ca40c5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

[More about Daniel in XXXXXX](https://google.com)

### Community Involvement

* Organizer, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> Website: <https://base22.com/>
* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moroyoqui-88539063/>


# Hiral Parekh

Lightning-talk Speaker

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FqLGcKD0wjbw8Zx2nn1Uf%2F1713980725768.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=88892f53-a224-4f4f-9e6f-145fb3ca40c5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Community Involvement

* Organizer, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> Website: <http://g2o.com/>
* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-moroyoqui-88539063/>


# Elizabeth Mitchell

Lightning-talk Speaker

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FTO82bcbrkN3yWshJgK1Q%2Fmitchell_elizabeth_headshot.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=1c1e694d-f6cb-464c-8aeb-3a83e0975d62" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Elizabeth Mitchell (they/she) is software developer, UX designer, information architect, and project manager. They are originally from Detroit, MI and live in southeast Michigan. They work at [Sassafras Tech Collective](https://sassafras.coop/), a unionized worker cooperative that designs and builds technology for justice and joy. She previously helped design, develop, and improve accessibility on Thunderbird Desktop as a Senior UX Developer at MZLA/Mozilla. They are a community member of [DIA Design Guild](https://www.diadesign.io/), an organization that helps UX professionals grow and thrive. They have an M.A. in Literature from Eastern Michigan University and are pursuing an M.A. in Creative Writing from the same school. Outside of designing and building technology, she works as a teaching artist for 826michigan and InsideOut Literary Arts Project.

### Community Involvement

* Speaker, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> Website: <https://sassafras.coop/>
* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> Website: [https://sunny.garden/@emitche](<https://sunny.garden/@emitche&#xA;>)
* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethjmitchell/>


# Bob Royce

Speaker

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2F5sZDbnRc8Sjg6QOE9Z69%2Fbob.webp?alt=media&amp;token=2d82900c-a4cf-4143-b804-00de89ff60f9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

[More about Bob in The Understanding Group](https://understandinggroup.com/bob-royce)

Bob Royce is co-founder and President of The Understanding Group (TUG), a consulting practice based in Ann Arbor, MI. For fifteen years, TUG has made the complex clear, first with information architecture and now with AI. Prior to founding TUG, Bob had an eclectic career, working in digital since the late 1980s as marketer, product manager, solution architect, mergers and acquisitions, and finance.

### Talks

* Embracing Complexity: How Information Architecture can Help Your Organization\
  Thrive in a Complex World. [Agenda](/events/agenda)

### Community Involvement

* Speaker, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-globe-pointer">:globe-pointer:</i> Website: <https://understandinggroup.com/>
* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdroyce/>


# Guillermo Melicoff

Match-day logistics

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2250901245-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8qlgm8zgQsHNFPTBc3Bn%2Fuploads%2FNpOYgrb4A54iZlODsOV3%2F1516630220156.jpeg?alt=media&amp;token=be59f2dc-63eb-4793-9508-0365773200d2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

Guillermo is an accomplished Account Manager with over 15 years of experience partnering across multiple lines of business to understand operational processes, identify areas of opportunity, and translate complex requirements into effective digital solutions. He brings deep expertise in enterprise web content management platforms, including IBM Web Content Manager, supporting large-scale corporate environments.

Known for his ability to bridge technical and business teams, he guides conversations that turn abstract needs into clear, actionable outcomes. His work emphasizes clarity, structure, and collaboration—ensuring that systems, content, and stakeholders stay aligned to deliver meaningful user experiences.

### Community Involvement

* Organizer, [Columbus 2026](/events/columbus-2026)

### Connect

* <i class="fa-linkedin">:linkedin:</i> LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-melicoff-20751917/>