Call for Sessions for IFA 2026
Shape the conversations defining the future
IFA 2026 is looking for voices with something to say – and the experience to back it up. If you have insights, case studies or a strong perspective on technology and society, this is your invitation to bring it to the stage.
Stage sessions are built for exchange. Think sharp talks, lively panels and hands-on workshops that move beyond headlines and leave the audience with clear takeaways.
On this page, you’ll find what we’re looking for, the content tracks to choose from, the session formats you can submit, and everything you’ll need to prepare before you apply.
Ready to take the stage? Submit your session proposal now – open from 5 February to 27 March 2026.
A global audience, in one place
Stage sessions reach a mixed audience of industry, media and people who care about technology in everyday life. You’re speaking to decision-makers, storytellers and curious consumers at the same time.
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Choose your content track
All stage sessions sit within the same five IFA 2026 content tracks. Pick the one that best matches your topic.
World of AI &
Future of Tech
Future of Tech
From human intelligence × AI to robotics, wearables, smart & connected home ecosystems, quantum computing and spatial computing – this track covers frontier tech in real motion, including the hard questions around data governance.
Retail &
Future of Commerce
Future of Commerce
How commerce evolves when AI & smart retail meets customer behaviour and data & insights – across omnichannel, social commerce and the physical as well as digital experiences, all the way to delivery, logistics and fulfilment.
Marketing &
Creativity
Creativity
Where digital marketing meets the creators landscape from creation to economy – powered by generated design, virtual production and next-gen brand storytelling.
Culture &
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
A view on tech through entertainment, gaming and Berlin culture, alongside the future of diversity and inclusion and the shifting reality of worklife.
Smart &
Sustainable Living
Sustainable Living
A practical look at regenerative tech and sustainable products, shaped by circularity, repairability or ecodesign – as well as the challenges of raw materials, components supply and delivery chains.
Pick a format
Choose the format that fits your idea, your speakers and the kind of interaction you want on stage.
Inspire
Solo
A short solo presentation focused new and emerging ideas. (1 speaker)
Conversation
An in-depth interview, fireside chat, or debate offering clear perspective and insight on a specific topic. (2 speakers)
Discover
Panel
A moderated discussion bringing together multiple perspectives on a specific topic. (3 to 6 speakers)
Live podcast
For media organisations and established podcasts or bloggers, a conversation on key topics across the tech landscape, recorded in front of a live audience. (2 to 4 speakers)
Engage
Workshop
An in-depth, instructional session featuring hands-on activities and clear takeaways. (1 to 3 speakers)
Masterclass
An expert-led session focused on advanced skills and professional insights, offering practical knowledge and techniques. (1 to 2 speakers)
What to prepare for your submission
The form is designed to keep things simple. You don’t need finished slides. A clear idea and a solid outline are enough to apply. You’ll be asked for:
Session title
A clear, punchy snapshot of what people will get on stage. Keep it concise and easy to understand. Around 60 characters is ideal.
Short description
Summarise the core idea in plain language: the main question, tension or point of view, and why it belongs on the IFA stage right now. Insight over promotion.
Chosen content track
Select the track that best matches your topic. If it spans more than one, choose the closest fit and explain the angle in your description.
Chosen format
Pick the format that suits your idea and how you want to deliver it on stage. Make sure the format supports engagement and clear takeaways.
Intended audience
Tell us who the session is for (consumers, industry professionals, experts, press/media). You can choose more than one, but prioritise the most relevant.
Speaker details
List who will be on stage and why they’re the right voices for this topic. Relevant experience, clear perspectives and diverse viewpoints strengthen proposals.
Supporting material
Share anything that adds context beyond the form: a simple concept deck, links, references, examples or a short intro video.
How proposals are reviewed
We curate sessions for relevance, clarity and audience value. We look for proposals that bring a clear point of view, real experience and a strong reason to be on stage.
Programme fit
Does the topic match IFA 2026 and clearly sit within one of the content tracks?
Idea and flow
Is the core idea easy to grasp, with a structure that will work well on stage?
Audience value
Will the session give the audience something useful – insights, context or practical takeaways?
Speaker expertise
Are the speakers credible for this topic, with perspectives that add depth and ideally contrast?
Important dates
Plan ahead and keep these milestones in mind – from the opening date to notifications after the review period.
Call opens: 5 February 2026
Submission deadline: 27 March 2026
Review period: 30 March to 10 April 2026
Notifications: from end of April 2026
Submission deadline: 27 March 2026
Review period: 30 March to 10 April 2026
Notifications: from end of April 2026
What great sessions look like
Here are a few stand out sessions from IFA 2025 to show the range of formats and the kind of ideas that work well on stage.
Use these as inspiration. We’re looking for sessions with a clear point of view, real experience and strong audience takeaways.
Solo talk by Lindsey Kelt Zikry from TikTok
A clear look at how platform tools shape discovery, strengthen audience connection and open up new routes to monetisation.
Live podcast with Daria Suvorova-Konstandin
A live recording of Women Authors of Achievement with an intimate conversation on leadership, creativity and connection.
A solo presentation by Frank Azor from AMD
A talk forecasting how local AI will transform retail operations and customer experiences, by AMD.
Creator masterclass by Leo Keller
A practical walkthrough of creating visual stories solo – from concept to final production – and how tech supports creative independence.
Call for Sessions – Frequently asked questions
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What is the Call for sessions for IFA 2026?
The Call for Sessions invites proposals for Stage sessions at IFA 2026. Submit your idea via the form to be considered for the curated programme.
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Which Stage session formats can I submit?
You can submit a solo, conversation, panel, live podcast, workshop or masterclass. If selected, we may suggest small format adjustments to suit the stage and audience.
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What are the IFA 2026 content tracks?
All sessions sit within five tracks: World of AI & Future of Tech, Retail & Future of Commerce, Marketing & Creativity, Culture & Lifestyle, and Smart & Sustainable Living. Choose the track that best matches your topic.
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Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes. Please submit each proposal separately so we can review them fairly.
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Can I submit a product-focused presentation?
You can reference products or solutions, but the session should not be a sales pitch. We’re looking for insight, lessons learned and clear takeaways.
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Will speakers receive compensation?
Stage sessions are not paid speaking slots. If your session has been selected, you'll receive event access for IFA 2026. Travel and accommodation are arranged by speakers.
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Are all speaking slots complimentary?
Due to limited stage capacity, we offer both curated complimentary slots and sponsored speaking opportunities. Curated slots are reserved for sessions that strongly align with IFA's strategic content priorities. Sponsored slots guarantee placement and include enhanced promotional benefits. Both options maintain our editorial quality standards.
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Can I present remotely?
No. Stage sessions are delivered on site during IFA happening from 4 to 8 September 2026 in Berlin.
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In which language should I submit?
You can submit your proposal and any supporting material in English or German. The session itself can be delivered in English, German, or bilingually.
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When will I hear back?
We’ll contact selected speakers directly after the review period. We recommend keeping an eye on your inbox after the submission deadline.
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I’m not sure my topic fits a track. Should I still apply?
Yes. Choose the closest track and explain your angle in the proposal. If selected, we’ll refine the positioning together.