Frequently asked questions.

Top questions

General questions

• MAX overview

  What is Adobe MAX?

  The world’s leading creative conference will be held November 10–12, 2026. Whether you’re a designer, illustrator, photographer, social media content creator, video pro, or want to know more about generative AI tools, join us in Miami or online. Learn new skills, be inspired, and connect with other creatives during three days of sessions and labs, keynotes, Sneaks, and more. Preconference courses provide in-depth training and will be held November 8–9, in person only. Bring your whole team to MAX and get a group discount. Make plans to join us!

  When and where is MAX 2026?

  The in-person event will be held in Miami at the Miami Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the Hotels and Travel page.

  • November 8–9, Preconference
  • November 10–12, Conference

  The online event will take place November 10–11.

  Is space limited?

  Passes for the in-person event in Miami will be available for purchase until they are sold out. Space is limited, so we recommend registering as soon as possible to secure your spot for the in-person experience.

  Attendance for the online MAX experience is unlimited and free for everyone.

  What are the session tracks?

  • Accelerating Creativity with AI
  • Branding
  • Creative Leadership and Innovation
  • Creator Economy
  • Design, Imaging, and Illustration
  • Photography
  • Video, Audio, and Motion

  View the track descriptions here.

  What is the session catalog?

  The session catalog(opens in a new window) is a listing of all sessions available as part of MAX. Choose from 200+ in-person and online sessions to discover the latest Creative Cloud tools and techniques. You can filter by format (in person or online), session type, track, product, technical level, audience, and more. Note: preconference courses, photowalks, labs, and certification exams are available for in-person attendees only. Due to limited space, in-person attendees can sign up for one photowalk and up to three labs.

  Where can I find the MAX speakers?

  Visit the speaker catalog(opens in a new window) to learn more about our 2026 in-person and online speakers. You will be able to filter by craft, track, product, and region.

  What does my experience level need to be for sessions?

  Sessions range from beginner to advanced. We recommend attendees have a solid knowledge and proficiency of Adobe Creative Cloud tools and services.

  To help select sessions that are appropriate for your skill level, MAX technical levels are defined as follows:

  • Beginner: This product or topic is either new to you or you’d like to brush up and focus on basic and essential skills, techniques and industry standards.
  • Intermediate: Take your skills to the next level with content geared to refining and expanding your mastery of basic skills of the featured product.
  • Advanced: You live in this featured product every day and consider yourself a master of its tools. These sessions will provide the latest and most advanced techniques to enhance your workflow.

  What is the AI Focus filter?

  This filter allows you to narrow your search results based on the level of AI that you’re looking for by selecting one of the following values:

  • AI Forward: AI is present throughout — whether generating your creative direction or powering your workflow from start to finish
  • AI Supported: You’re in the creative driver’s seat, with AI handling some tasks and streamlining your workflow
  • Traditional Techniques: You drive every decision with traditional tools — minimal to no AI involved.

• Adobe MAX Creativity Awards

  General program information

  What are the Adobe MAX Creativity Awards?

  The Adobe MAX Creativity Awards celebrate exceptional creative work from individuals and teams around the world who are using Adobe tools in bold, inspiring, and innovative ways. Finalists and honorees are recognized at Adobe MAX.

  Who can enter?

  Anyone age 18 or older who lives in an eligible country and meets the project requirements can enter. See the eligibility section for details.

  What are the award categories this year?

  The 2026 categories are:

  • Design – Innovation in Design and Branding
  • Motion – Expressive Movement
  • Video – Cinematic Storytelling
  • Image Making – Bold Expression
  • Photography – Captured Perspectives

  What are the award levels and how do I know which one to choose?

  Submissions are accepted in two levels:

  • Creative Professional – Projects created by professional creators, including both client/commercial work and personal, self-initiated work.
  • Young creators – Projects created by someone age 18–22 at the time of the work.

  Is there a cost to enter?

  No, submission is free.

  What are the prizes for honorees?

  Honorees will receive:

  • Two MAX 2026 conference passes
  • Roundtrip airfare, for one traveler
  • One hotel room near the MAX venue, for up to four nights
  • One custom designed trophy
  • Access to an exclusive reception in Miami during the MAX conference
  • Recognition at Adobe MAX and project featured on the Adobe MAX website
  • One 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription

  Deadlines and timeline

  When do submissions open and close?

  Submissions open on June 9, 2026, and close on August 24, 2026, at 11:59pm PT.

  When will winners be announced?

  Winners will be publicly announced at Adobe MAX 2026.

  When will I be notified if I’ve been selected?

  Honorees will be contacted in September. Please ensure your contact info is accurate during submission.

  Eligibility

  Can I enter if I’m under 18?

  No, all entrants must be 18 or older at the time of submission.

  Can I enter if I live outside of the eligible countries?

  Unfortunately, only residents of eligible countries may participate. If your country is not listed in the dropdown, you are not eligible this year.

  Can I enter if I’m an Adobe employee or contractor?

  No, current Adobe employees, contractors, and anyone submitting on behalf of Adobe or affiliated entities are not eligible.

  Can I submit team work or collaborative projects?

  Yes. One person should submit on behalf of the team, and all contributors should be credited in the submission.

  Can I submit for multiple awards?

  Yes, you may submit multiple entries, but only one project may be submitted per category. Choose the category that best reflects the core focus of the work.

  Can I submit work that was done for a client if they own the rights to it?

  If the client has granted you the rights and permissions to submit the project in this context, you may submit that work.

  Submission requirements

  What file types and formats can I submit?

  You can share your work via links to cloud-hosted files (e.g., Dropbox, Behance, Google Drive, Adobe Portfolio, Vimeo). Please ensure that all links are public and accessible.

  For still images:

  • Please provide files that are 4K or 3840pixels on long edge.
  • Accepted image types include png, psd, jpeg, and TIFF.

  For video:

  • Please provide files that are a min of 1080p or 1920x1080.
  • Accepted file types include Apple ProRes or H264.

  Instructions for submitting files via links:

  • Upload files to a secure cloud storage service. Ensure that files are properly organized and named for easy identification.
  • Adjust the sharing settings to allow access. Ensure the sharing link is set to "Anyone with the link can view" to avoid any access issues.
  • Copy the sharing link and paste into the designated field on the submission form.
  • Before final submission, test the link yourself to ensure that it opens correctly and that all files are accessible without any additional permissions required.

  Do I need to include process work or documentation?

  It’s optional but encouraged. Judges appreciate insight into your creative process when available.

  What Adobe tools must be used?

  At least one Adobe Creative Cloud product or service must have been used in the creation of the project.

  Can I use non-Adobe tools in my project?

  Yes, but Adobe tools must have played a significant role in the creative process.

  Judging and selection

  Who will judge the awards?

  A panel of respected creative professionals, industry experts, and Adobe team members will evaluate submissions.

  What are the judging criteria?

  Each category has its own set of criteria, but all entries are judged on creativity, execution, originality, and alignment with the category focus.

  How are winners selected?

  Finalists are selected by reviewers and judges through a scoring process. Tie-breakers may include additional evaluation of emotional impact, execution, or originality.

  Will I receive feedback on my submission?

  Due to the volume of entries, we’re unable to provide individual feedback.

  Submission process

  How do I submit my work?

  Visit the official submission form, select your category and level, and complete the required questions. Provide links to your work and submit them before the deadline.

  Can I edit my submission after it’s been submitted?

  You cannot edit a submission once it’s been finalized, so please double-check everything before submitting.

  Will I receive confirmation when my submission is complete?

  Yes, you will receive an email confirmation once your submission is successfully received. Also, a notification should appear on the page underneath the nomination button.

  What if I have technical issues with the submission form?

  If you encounter any problems, contact our support team at maxsupport@adobe-events.com.

  Recognition and promotion

  Will winners be announced publicly?

  Yes, winners will be recognized live at Adobe MAX, featured on the event website, and across Adobe’s social channels.

  Can I share that I’ve been selected before the announcement?

  If you’re selected, you’ll be asked to keep the news confidential until the official announcement at MAX. After the official announcement is made, you may share freely.

  Will my work be promoted by Adobe?

  Selected honorees may have their work featured in Adobe blogs, social channels, and promotional materials.

• Agenda

  Which MAX experience is right for me?

  In-person MAX:

  • 200+ sessions, labs, and photowalks
  • Mainstage presentations (Keynotes and Sneaks)
  • Featured sessions
  • Networking opportunities
  • Welcome Reception
  • MAX Bash
  • Creative Park
  • Meet product experts
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Preconference courses (additional fee)

  MAX Online:

  • Attend 50+ online sessions for free
  • Mainstage presentations (Keynotes and Sneaks)
  • Featured sessions

  What if I registered for online MAX and would like to attend MAX in-person?

  You can upgrade your online registration to a paid in-person registration through the Attendee Dashboard(opens in a new window).

  Is the MAX schedule final?

  Our session schedule may change all the way up to the conference. We aim to make final changes a couple of weeks before the conference; however, sometimes unforeseen circumstances can necessitate a last-minute time change or cancellation.

• Sessions and speakers

  What are the session tracks?

  • Accelerating Creativity with AI
  • Branding
  • Creative Leadership and Innovation
  • Creator Economy
  • Design, Imaging, and Illustration
  • Photography
  • Video, Audio, and Motion

  View the track descriptions here.

  What does my experience level need to be for sessions?

  Sessions range from beginner to advanced. We recommend attendees have solid knowledge and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud tools and services.

  To help select sessions that are appropriate for your skill level, MAX technical levels are defined as follows:

  • Beginner: This product or topic is either new to you or you’d like to brush up and focus on basic and essential skills, techniques and industry standards.
  • Intermediate: Take your skills to the next level with content geared toward refining and expanding your mastery of basic skills of the featured product.
  • Advanced: You live in this featured product every day and consider yourself an expert of its tools. These sessions will provide the latest and most advanced techniques to enhance your workflow.

  Will on-demand content be available?

  The majority of online sessions will be available on demand after they premiere. Select in-person sessions will be available on demand by mid-November. On-demand content will be available at no cost for all registered attendees to watch over the coming year. Note: Labs and photowalks will not be available on demand.

  Where can I find MAX speakers?

  Visit the Speakers page to learn more about our 2026 in-person and online speakers. You will be able to filter by craft, track, product, and region.

  How do I apply to be a session speaker at MAX 2026?

  Currently, we are not accepting applications for MAX 2026. To apply for MAX 2027, please reach out to event support to be added to our interested speakers list. We'll contact you when the call for topics form opens early 2027.

• Sponsors

  How can I learn more about sponsors?

  Learn more about any of our sponsors by visiting the MAX Sponsors page and clicking on a sponsor’s logo. Our sponsors are offering amazing products and services for the creative industry. Plus, they have hot deals and giveaways available exclusively to the in-person MAX audience during the event.

• Accessibility, General questions

  What is Adobe’s accessibility commitment?

  Adobe welcomes the participation of individuals with disabilities and will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to enable equitable participation at Adobe MAX.

• Code of conduct

  Does Adobe MAX have a code of conduct for the event?

  The Adobe MAX conference is dedicated to providing a fun, engaging, and safe event for everyone. All Adobe MAX participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, and Adobe staff (“participants”) must comply with the Adobe MAX Code of Conduct. Adobe reserves the right to deny the purchase of a ticket or deny admission to Adobe Summit at any time, to anyone seeking to attend. Further, by purchasing a ticket and/or attending Adobe MAX , you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Anyone found to be violating this Code of Conduct may be denied admission to, or expelled from, the event at the discretion of organizers without warning or refund. Adobe has a zero-tolerance policy and will not tolerate any harassing or abusive behavior towards any participant or any disruptive behavior that interferes with the event. Examples of unacceptable behavior or content include, but are not limited to:

  • Displaying or sharing hateful or highly offensive content, including making statements that attack or dehumanize a person based on gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, or political affiliation
  • Engaging in disruptive behavior such as assembling for the purpose of or resulting in breaching the peace, interrupting events, or engaging in unlawful behavior