Welcome to TEI '26

TEI'26 is the 20th annual conference that presents the latest results in tangible, embedded, and embodied interaction. The ACM TEI conference has gained substantial visibility and activity over the past decade, resulting in outstanding works from past conferences. TEI brings together researchers, practitioners, businesses, artists, designers and students from various disciplines, including engineering, interaction design, computer science, product design, media studies and the arts. TEI'26, will take place March 8-11, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Theme - 'Tide + Tied'

As TEI'26 marks the 20th TEI conference and its return to North America after seven years, the theme 'Tide + Tied' captures the essence of resurgence and convergence at the core value of the TEI community. Set against the backdrop of Chicago, where towering architecture meets expansive lakeshores, the conference explores the seamless integration of the digital and physical, the interplay of technology and humanity, and the urban intermingling with the natural environment. By becoming a venue to bring multi-folded 'Tides' across diverse, interdisciplinary fields, the conference aims to bring researchers, designers, and artists with different backgrounds and interests together to be 'Tied,' weaving the future of the TEI community together.

About Chicago and Hyde Park

Chicago is located in the Midwest of the United States, along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. Known for its striking skyline, Chicago blends historic architecture with modern design, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower and the Cloud Gate sculpture. The city is also a cultural hub, famous for its deep-dish pizza, jazz and blues heritage, and world-class museums. Visitors can explore the vibrant neighborhoods, stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, or enjoy a performance at one of the city's many theaters.

Within the greater Chicago area, TEI2026 will take place in Hyde Park, a historic and vibrant neighborhood just 15 minutes from downtown. Home to the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is known for its intellectual and cultural significance, with landmarks like the stunning Rockefeller Chapel and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House. It also features the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, one of the largest science museums in the world, offering interactive exhibits and awe-inspiring displays.

More information on what to do in and around Chicago can be found on the tourism office’s website: https://www.choosechicago.com/

Planned Venues

University of Chicago

TEI programs, including the main talk session and doctoral symposium, will take place at the University of Chicago, where a striking blend of neo-Gothic and Brutalist architecture provides a fitting backdrop for the TEI research community—one that transcends technology, art, design, and culture.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (or Griffin MSI) is one of the planned venues for the programs for TEI2026 (more information will be available for specific programs). Griffin MSI, one of the world's largest science museums, has an illustrious history and a focus on the future of science and science education, best suited as one of the primary venues of TEI2026.