Makesensemess is the nerdiest party of the year.

Get Your Ticket for Makesensemess 2025 taking place November 7th

Every year, sensemakers gather to reflect on how hard, yet rewarding sensemaking work is.

This year we’re talking about the brave stuff. The moments when a sensemaker had to stand up and say something.

In a world buzzing with chaotic energy, we’re making space for stories that remind us change is possible, and that it often takes one person’s courage to shine a light into a dark corner.

But don’t get it twisted, neat and tidy case study results are NOT what our speakers have planned!

We wanted to showcase the journey, and what it takes to make sense of real messes over time — with all the bumps and (ego)bruises along the way.

Some stories you will hear are set at work, while others were set in a less professional setting. Some tackled topics that are incredibly niche to their interests, while others were more common experiences many of us share.

When all these stories were told together we hope they speak to how critical it is that you keep shining your light on the messes you face.

We work hard to make sure each brave sensemaker who takes the virtual stage feels confident, and warmly welcomed. If you want to virtually cheer them on, I hope you will buy a ticket and attend in support.

Below is the growing list of organizations we are proud to have had past speakers of Makesensemess support with their storytelling over the last five years.

2025 Agenda

November 7th 2025

12:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern

Sara Wachter-Boettcher

Sensemaking Through the Storm

Does any of this even matter? I’ve been asked this countless times over the past year. It hardly matters what the “this” in question was: building inclusive design systems, trying for a promotion, advocating for user research, building influence with stakeholders.

Who can worry about leadership, or personal growth, or career goals, at a time like this? We’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and more than a little scared. Maybe we should just hunker down. Stop asking hard questions. Stop striving. Stop everything.

Why try to make sense of a world that’s senseless?

That’s the question this talk will answer. We’ll look at why staying a sensemaker and a truth-teller still matters—and how it can help you hold onto your values, and your self, in the darkest of times.

ABBY COVERT

When did you stop learning to make sense?

In this keynote, you’ll learn how to recognize the seven signals that you’re outsourcing your own sensemaking—and why that’s dangerous. You’ll see how these signals show up in everyday life, from media headlines to corporate failures to global crises. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of sensemaking as a skill you can practice, and why building that skill in community with others is key to navigating a world that often feels overwhelming.

STORIES FROM

Brave Sensemakers

This year we’re asking for stories of bravery—moments when a sensemaker had to shine a light on a mess, no matter how big or small, no matter how neat or unfinished the outcome. We can’t wait to see what this community brings forward.

From first-time storytellers to seasoned speakers, the lineup will be a mix of voices and perspectives. What unites them is the courage it takes to point at the messes many would rather ignore, and to share openly what it means to wrestle with them.

Illustration of person with many stories

Jasmine Ibrahim

Productivity isn't a Virtue

Our newest Sensemaker in Residence this year is Jasmine Ibrahim. She will be joining us to share her journey into making sense of herself, and share some of the more mind blowing revelations she wants to teach other sensemakers.

AND THEN ...

We Mingle

Through the magic of break out rooms you will be placed in small groups and given discussion prompts. Last year this was marked as a highlight, so we are thrilled to bring it back. It is 100% optional.

RSVP to the Nerdiest Party of the Year

We offer two ticket prices to accommodate a more diverse audience. Both ticket levels provide the same experience for attendees. Including LIVE access to Makesensemess on November 7th from 12 to 3 PM Eastern and access to the video after the event.

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SECS

Students, Teachers, Un(der)employed or Limited Purchasing in USD

$30

No proof required to be eligible
Includes LIVE Access
Includes Video Access After Event

Comfortably Self-Funding Sensemakers

$40

62% of sensemakers who have attended in the past have paid for their own full-price ticket. We consider it the biggest compliment.

Paying full price helps us subsidize others who cannot
Includes LIVE Access
Includes Video Access After Event

Sensemakers Seeking Community

$50

Includes a month of club membership that starts TODAY!

Includes LIVE Access to Makesensemess
Includes Makesensemess Video Access
Includes a month of membership to the Sensemakers Club, including our daily discussion groups. Your access will start as soon as you purchase
Offers you our discounted rate of $50/month after 30 days

Setup Membership w/Ticket

...because sensemakers need community the other 364 days.

We believe there is a critical lack of community in the fields adjacent to the skill of sensemaking. We created a membership club full of nerds, some of whom are probably into the same nerdy stuff you are into (especially if you are buying a ticket to this!)

This ticket level includes a ticket to Makesensemess, as well as video access afterwards. It also unlocks access to our clubhouse and to our daily discussion groups starting today.