Experience the Past, Transform the Future: Everything You Need to Know About Experience 2026

Experience 2026, Configura's annual conference, arrives in Cincinnati this October for hands-on learning, real connection, and a few surprises along the way.

Every year, Configura brings together its global community of users and developers for something we genuinely look forward to: a few days of real conversations, practical learning, and the kind of connection that does not happen on a webinar.

That is Experience. And this October, we are heading to Cincinnati.

What Is Experience?

Experience is Configura's annual user and developer conference. It is not a polished sales pitch or a highlight reel. It is a gathering built around peer-to-peer learning, honest conversations about real challenges, and the opportunity to collaborate with people who do the same work you do every day.

You will hear from Configura experts, yes. But more importantly, you will hear from professionals across industries, representing the full Configura ecosystem, who are navigating the same problems, finding creative solutions, and pushing what is possible with the tools you use.

You will leave more confident, more connected, and with ideas you can actually bring back to your team.

Venue and Location

Experience 2026 takes place at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, a National Historic Landmark celebrated for its Art Deco design, a fitting match for this year's theme, "Experience the Past, Transform the Future."

Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the venue puts you within easy reach of restaurants, entertainment, and riverfront attractions, so there's plenty to explore beyond the conference itself.

For the full Experience, we recommend staying on-site:

• Hotel: Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
• Address: 35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH, USA
• Booking Deadline: September 14, 2026
• Booking Link: group.hilton.com/9mvye2 or call 1-800-HILTONS (group code: 91J)

Rooms are limited, so we'd encourage booking early to lock in your spot.

WORKSHOPS & WELCOME

Before the main event kicks off, get hands-on. Our optional pre-conference workshops, led by Configura experts, are built for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned pros, so you can dive deeper into the tools you use every day.

Then join us for an evening of networking at the historic Union Terminal, a Cincinnati landmark known for its stunning Art Deco architecture. It's the perfect way to kick off the week, meet fellow attendees, and settle in before the sessions begin.

Sessions Worth Building Your Schedule Around

This is where Experience really delivers. Across breakout sessions, you'll dig into workflow efficiency and best practices with people solving the same challenges you are, plus sponsor sessions showcasing the tools and technology shaping what's next in the industry.

Whether you're brand new to CET or you've been in the trenches for years, there's a session built for where you are right now, and a room full of people ready to swap notes.

And yes, we'll be sharing sneak peeks at upcoming Configura technology, so you'll walk away knowing what's coming before anyone else does.

The Time Travelers Ball

Every Experience needs a signature night, and this year's doesn't disappoint. We're closing out the conference day with a Time Travellers' Ball in the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, an Art Deco masterpiece and one of the city's most iconic venues.

At the Ball, we're time hoppin', so pick what iconic era you want to show up in. Whether it's Regency elegance, '80s à la Stranger Things, or something fully futuristic, one thing we've learned from past events: people show up! 
Note: costumes are not mandatory, but of course encouraged.

The Configura Awards

Every Experience closes with one of our favorite traditions: the Configura Awards.

Each year, users from around the world submit their work to show what's possible with Configura products, whether that's CET, Spec, Analytics, Stage, or beyond. It's a moment to step out from behind the screen and be recognized for work that often happens quietly, long before a client ever sees the finished space.

Past winners have told us it's one of the highlights of their year, some have even chosen a trip to Experience as their prize over a cash award, because celebrating in person with the community means more.

If you have a project you're proud of, consider this your invitation: submit your work for the 2026 Configura Awards, and you could be the one recognized on stage in Cincinnati.

Fun Facts About Cincinnati

Before you land in the Queen City, here's a bit of local flavor:

• Cincinnati almost had a different name entirely — the original settlers called it Losantiville before it was renamed in 1790 after Roman general Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus.
• The Cincinnati Reds trace back to 1869, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team in the country.
• Cincinnati chili is a local institution — served over spaghetti, topped with cheese, and unlike any chili you've had before. Worth trying at least once while you're in town.
• Neil Armstrong taught engineering at the University of Cincinnati after returning from the moon, a fun reminder that this city has always attracted people who push what's possible.
• With more than 70 craft breweries nearby, there's no shortage of places to unwind after a full day of sessions.

Ready to Join Us?

Not sure what to expect? Take a look back at Experience 2025 in Orlando for a taste of what's in store, then get ready for even more in Cincinnati.

Spots are limited, and rooms at our host hotel are going fast. Register now and be part of Experience 2026.

Questions? Reach out to us at events@configura.com.

🔔  Stay Informed and Connected

Subscribe to our Community Highlights blog for the latest Configura news, user insights, and updates on internal initiatives.