What happens when you combine the passion, experience, and expertise of accessibility practitioners across the globe with world-changing regulatory momentum and transformative breakthroughs in technology?
The answer is: Progress!
What we are experiencing in this new era is unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed. Today, we have the power, the opportunity, and the technology to accelerate digital accessibility in ways that have never been possible before.
This, as they say, is a moment.
To experience the excitement firsthand, there’s only one place you need to be: axe-con 2026! Axe-con is the world’s largest digital accessibility conference, and you’re invited to register for free right now. Axe-con will run online from Tuesday, February 24, through Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Last year, over 35,000 people attended our virtual conference, representing more than 12,000 organizations. 75 expert presenters shared insights and strategies with our global community of developers, designers, business users, and accessibility professionals of all experience levels, and our keynotes included legends such as Alice Wong, James LeBrecht, Tammy Duckworth, and Tony Coelho.
Speaking of keynotes, we’re elated to announce our first two keynotes for axe-con 2026: Rana el Kaliouby and Haben Girma!
Axe-con 2026 keynote: Rana el Kaliouby
Rana will be debuting at axe-con 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited, as she was right at the top of our wish list for axe-con presenters.
A pioneer in Emotion AI, Rana el Kaliouby, Ph.D., is Deputy CEO at Smart Eye and formerly, Co-Founder and CEO of Affectiva, an MIT spin-off and category-defining AI company. She is the bestselling author of Girl Decoded: A Scientist’s Quest to Reclaim Our Humanity by Bringing Emotional Intelligence to Technology. A TED speaker, and co-host of a PBS NOVA series on AI, Rana has been recognized on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list and as one of Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech. As one of few women leading an AI company, Rana cares deeply about her role as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech and leadership.
Axe-con 2026 keynote: Haben Girma
Haben is a returning axe-con presenter, and we’re elated to have her back. Her 2021 presentation, “Difference Drives Innovation & Disability Inclusion Benefits All of Us,” remains one of our most popular sessions ever, and she has been one of our most requested returnees.
The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma is an award-winning advocate, author, and keynote speaker. She earned the Helen Keller Achievement Award, reached Forbes 30 under 30, and President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change. Haben travels the globe teaching organizations how to build stronger, resilient, and more connected communities. In 2023, she became one of the first leaders appointed to serve as a Commissioner for the World Health Organization’s new Commission on Social Connection.
Register today for axe-con 2026
Whether you’re brand-new to digital accessibility or a lifelong champion, axe-con offers a feast of information and insight. Plus, it’s really fun! Our presenters are renowned not only for being highly informed experts but also for being captivating presenters.
Want to experience some memorable highlights from last year’s conference? As soon as you’re registered, you’ll gain access to the axe-con 2025 archives and can watch sessions like these:
- The Digital Accessibility Legal Landscape, with Lainey Feingold
- All aboard! A trip through Europe’s 7½ accessibility standards, with Shadi Abou-Zahra and Wilco Fiers
- Influencing Without Authority: A Pep Talk for Accessibility Advocates, with Kai Wong
- Shift Left: Crafting a Rock-Solid Accessibility Workflow for Beginners, with Ben Allen
Register for free today, and join us for this two-day, multi-track conference focused on accelerating digital accessibility. Registrants from all time zones are welcome! All sessions are free, recorded, and available on demand following the conference.
Call for presenters
One last reminder: axe-con is community-powered, and representation matters. Everyone is welcome to submit an application to present at axe-con 2026. If you’re interested in sharing your passion, advocacy, and expertise, submit today. We’ll be accepting presenter applications until Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM PT. We will notify you about the status of your submission by Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Et maintenant ?
In the coming days, weeks, and months, we’ll have loads more to tell you about what to expect at axe-con 2026. We’ll be announcing new presenters and sessions and providing deeper dives into some of the topics and themes we’ll be highlighting. We’ll also be sharing more information about sponsorship opportunities, virtual entertainment sessions, and the always highly coveted Deque event swag!
Please join us as we come together to shape the future of digital accessibility. Register today!
