Say Cheese! Meet SmashingConf Amsterdam 🇳🇱 — Smashing Magazine

SmashingConf Amsterdam 2026: Where Dutch Gezelligheid Meets Modern Web Design

It's official: Smashing Magazine is bringing its signature conference experience to the Netherlands for the very first time. SmashingConf Amsterdam 2026 will take place April 13-16 at the legendary Pathé Tuschinski cinema, and we're already counting down the days.

Why Amsterdam? Why Now?

After years of publishing articles on design systems, accessibility, UX research, and front-end development, we felt it was time to bring our community together in person. Amsterdam offers the perfect blend of creative energy, technical innovation, and that special Dutch concept called gezelligheid.

You might be wondering what "gezelligheid" actually means. This quintessentially Dutch word (pronounced guh-ZELL-uhk-hyde) encompasses coziness, conviviality, and that warm, inviting atmosphere you feel when you're surrounded by good people in a comfortable setting. It's more than just a word—it's a way of life, and it's exactly what we're bringing to SmashingConf Amsterdam.

What Makes This Conference Different?

Since launching our first SmashingConf in 2012, we've always focused on how industry professionals actually work, fail, and succeed. We encourage speakers to share real lessons learned and demonstrate their workflows live.

Expect the unexpected. You might see speakers coding live on stage, designing in Figma with audience participation, or troubleshooting problems in real-time. This "live-work" philosophy means you'll walk away with actionable insights rather than abstract theories.

The Lineup: 10 Practical Talks You Won't Want to Miss

We've curated a fantastic roster of speakers who are as approachable as they are knowledgeable:

• Kevin Powell - CSS wizard and YouTube educator
• Nick DiLallo - Design systems expert
• Sara Soueidan - Accessibility specialist
• TJ Pitre - AI-driven product design consultant
• Calvin Robertson - UX researcher and strategist
• Christine Vallaure - Figma and design systems pro
• Nathan Curtis - Component architecture authority
• Nadieh Bremer - Data visualization artist
• Chris Kolb - Front-end development specialist
• Mystery Speaker - You'll have to wait and see!

All speakers are committed to sharing practical, real-world knowledge you can apply immediately.

Beyond the Main Stage: Immersive Workshops

Why attend just a conference when you can dive deep into hands-on learning? We're offering seven full-day workshops on April 13 and April 16:

• Figma Deep Dive with Christine Vallaure
• Building Context-Based Design Systems for AI-Driven Product Teams with TJ Pitre
• Front-End Accessibility Workshop with Sara Soueidan
• Designing For Complex UIs, 2026 Edition with Vitaly Friedman
• The New CSS Toolkit with Kevin Powell
• Architecting Component Anatomy, Props and Slots with Nathan Curtis
• How To Measure UX and Design Impact with Vitaly Friedman

Bundle your conference ticket with a workshop and save €100—because why not maximize your learning investment?

The Venue: Pathé Tuschinski

We don't choose venues randomly. The magnificent Pathé Tuschinski, opened in 1921, offers the perfect contrast between historical beauty and digital craftsmanship. Walking into this art deco masterpiece feels like stepping into a living work of art, with ornate ceilings, glowing wall sconces, and plush, spacious seating that ensures everyone gets a perfect view.

Side Events That Make It Unforgettable

What happens outside the conference room is just as important as what happens inside. Here's what we have planned:

Friedman's Fabulous Fries Feestje 🍟

Join Vitaly for a pre-conference neighborhood tour featuring Dutch fries, bitterballen, and ice cream. It's the perfect way to connect with fellow attendees before the main event.

Smashing Sloep (Canal Tour) 🚤

Enjoy a 2-hour cruise through Amsterdam's iconic canals. Share a sloepje (small boat) with 6-7 attendees and choose your own route. €30 fee not included in your ticket.

Jam Session 🎸

Lightning talks, drinks, and snacks the night before the conference. Pick up your badge early and skip Tuesday morning lines.

Sports & Morning Rituals 🏃‍♀️✨

Join speakers and attendees for a 5k run, followed by mindfulness sessions with functional stretches and guided meditation.

Bitterballen & Beer 🍺

Embrace local culture with breaks featuring crispy Dutch meat snacks paired with cold beer.

Practical Details

In-person conference: €724.79 (Save up to 25% with Smashing Membership) Online access: €200.00 (includes live talks and video recordings)

Team discounts available! Bring your entire team and save on your training budget. Need to convince your manager? Download our "Convince Your Boss" PDF or use our letter template.

Join Us in Amsterdam

SmashingConf Amsterdam is more than a conference—it's a community experience where design meets development, theory meets practice, and Dutch gezelligheid meets modern web technology.

Ready to boost your design and UX skills while enjoying Amsterdam's best views, fun, and gezelligheid? Get your ticket now and join us April 13-16, 2026.

We can't wait to see you there!