This Spring at UChicago: TEI’26 Unites Technology, Art, and Design on Campus
This March, the University of Chicago will become a crossroads for researchers, designers, artists, and technologists from around the world as it hosts the 20th ACM Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, TEI’26, from March 8–11, 2026. For UChicago students, faculty, and staff, it’s a chance to engage with leaders at the forefront of human-computer interaction and help celebrate two decades of innovation in tangible, embedded, and embodied technologies.
‘Tide + Tied’: Connecting the Past, Present, and Future
TEI’26’s theme—‘Tide + Tied’—captures the feeling of resurgence and convergence at the heart of the TEI community. Marking the conference’s return to North America for the first time in seven years (and its first-ever Midwest edition) TEI’26 aims to spark interdisciplinary collaborations and catalyze new research partnerships. As General Chair Ken Nakagaki from the Department of Computer Science notes, “I’m thrilled to bring the TEI Conference to UChicago—a conference that has deeply inspired me since my time as a PhD student. I hope many members of the UChicago community will attend and be inspired, just as I was. I especially recommend the Demo and Art Reception on Monday evening (a limited $120 ticket event at MSI; registration required), which is a highlight and centerpiece of the conference and a unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge research firsthand.“
UChicago at the Center of Interaction
All main conference sessions and panels will take place in Ida Noyes Hall on the UChicago campus, with the vibrant Demo & Art Exhibition Reception and hands-on Studio workshops hosted at the renowned Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. These venues will bring interactive art, research, and technology to life—offering UChicago participants an uncommon opportunity for hands-on exploration and cross-disciplinary learning.
Special highlights include keynote talks (featuring Prof. Heinrich Jaeger of UChicago Physics), an anniversary panel envisioning the future of tangible interaction, and exhibits designed to inspire everyone from computer science majors to art history buffs.
Bridging Communities—Across UChicago and Beyond
TEI’26 showcases a collaborative spirit, with contributors from top research universities across Chicago and the Midwest. Partners include Northwestern, DePaul, Notre Dame, University of Illinois, and Carnegie Mellon, but the event’s heart will be right here at UChicago. It’s a rare moment to connect with major HCI, design, and digital arts voices—all on your home campus.
The 20th anniversary of TEI also brings a larger, more energized community than ever, with record paper and exhibit submissions reflecting the field’s exciting growth.
Registration—Your Front Row to Innovation
All UChicago students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to join—whether for the full conference, a studio, or just the Demo & Art Exhibition Reception. Registration is required, with options for every level of participation. Early bird registration rates are available through February 11, offering significant savings:
Full Conference Pass:
Student ACM/SIGCHI Members*: $450 (early), $550 (standard), $650 (late)
Student Non-Members: $550 (early), $650 (standard), $750 (late)
ACM/SIGCHI Members: $850 (early), $1000 (standard), $1100 (late)
Non-Members: $950 (early), $1100 (standard), $1200 (late)
Retiree: $500 (early), $600 (standard), $700 (late)
*$10/year for Student and $30 for professional SIGCHI membership – link
Demo & Art Exhibition Reception: Single-event access on March 9 at Griffin MSI—perfect for those new to TEI ($120)
Studio Program: Add-on or single-day hands-on workshops on March 8 at Griffin MSI ($100+)
To lock in the best rates, register by February 11. For the latest details and a full overview of registration options, visit https://tei.acm.org/2026/attend/registration/.
Why TEI—Why Now?
TEI’26 is about more than research; it’s about building community, sparking new ideas, and exploring our collective future with technology. Whether you want to see cutting-edge demos, attend panels with international thought leaders, or join in hands-on workshops, TEI’26 offers the UChicago community a front-row seat. Mark your calendar for March 8–11, 2026—and be part of the conversation, right here at home!
