PRE-CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE: GAMICON AUSTIN 2026
A Two-Day Deep Dive Into AI + Game-Based Design for Real Learning Experiences
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 9:00 am – 5:00 pm / 7:00 – 9:00 pm
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ready to design differently? Learn to build gamified learning experiences with AI that your learners will actually want to play. In this two-day, hands-on experience at GamiCon Austin 2026, you will:
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Use a variety of AI tools to support the creation of learning experiences that go beyond content delivery.
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Design and test elements, such as narrative-driven scenarios, interactive challenges, feedback systems, and learner-driven pathways.
WHO IS GAMICON FOR?
GamiCon is a hands-on design experience for L&D professionals who are actively building or facilitating gamified learning, game-based learning, or gainful, experience-driven training.
This is not an introduction to AI or gamification — it is an applied workshop for practitioners who want to design better, faster, and more intentionally.
THE GAMICON EXPERIENCE
DAY ONE A full day of immersive design and build. You will begin creating immediately, working on real challenges drawn from your own programs.
That evening, the experience continues with an optional After Hours event inspired by Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit that continues the learning experience through informal gameplay, idea sharing, and the kind of conversations that rarely happen inside a formal training room.
DAY TWO Builds on what was created, with time to test, refine, and expand designs through peer interaction and facilitated feedback. A collaborative Build Challenge anchors the experience, giving you the opportunity to design a gamified or game-based solution and see how it holds up when others play it.
BONUS: Leave with a working gamified or game-based learning prototype designed for your organization. You will receive a collection of AI prompts, design tools, templates, and the GamiCon Austin design card deck. You will leave with a practical implementation blueprint, playtesting feedback, and a clear action plan.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
The experience is structured around short design inputs followed by hands-on creation and peer testing. You will:
- Use AI to generate characters, personas, and storylines aligned to real learning objectives.
- Design game mechanics that drive engagement and behavior change.
- Build simple, playable learning interactions that can be used in their own programs.
- Explore effective prompt strategies for design, facilitation, and assessment.
- Examine ethical considerations, including bias and responsible use of AI in learning systems.
- Leave with tangible outputs, including draft scenarios, interaction models, and reusable prompts that can be applied immediately in your work.
The focus is on practical applications. Every concept introduced will be immediately practiced. This is not a theory-driven event. It is a working design lab, where serious learning design meets Austin’s creative edge. We take the work seriously, not ourselves.
BYOD: WiFi-enabled laptop that allows access to AI tools. Note: When using AI tools, do not input any proprietary data that the tool may remember.
Fee: $1,195. Includes two lunches, beverage/snack breaks, and one evening event.
ATD Certification Institute has approved this program for 11 points toward CPTD and APTD credentials.
