Speaking formats at IFA 2026
Three ways to take the spotlight
IFA brings together the people shaping tomorrow’s tech and society, from global brands and retailers to media, creators and communities. If you have an idea worth sharing, there’s a format built for it.
All speaker formats draw from the same content tracks for IFA 2026: World of AI & Future of Tech, Retail & Future of Commerce, Marketing & Creativity, Culture & Lifestyle, and Smart & Sustainable Living. Your topic sets the track. Your goal sets the format.
Choose your route into the programme: Keynotes for big visions, Press conferences for news and launches, or Stage sessions for dialogue, debate and depth.
Keynotes
Lead from the front on
IFA’s biggest stage.
IFA’s biggest stage.
Keynotes are where IFA looks ahead. They focus on breakthrough trends, long-term shifts and the bigger question of where the world is going – and how technology, business and society are responding. These talks define the intellectual and strategic tone of IFA.
Format
Taking place on the Innovation Stage, IFA’s largest platform, these sessions offer space for up to 900 attendees. They are delivered as solo talks or moderated conversations and are positioned as central moments within the official programme.
Intended for
Keynotes are for founders, C-level executives and senior leaders with a strong point of view and the authority to shape industry conversations across technology, business and society.
Press conferences
Launch news where
the world is watching.
the world is watching.
Press conferences are built for news – from product launches, brand news and strategic updates. They’re designed to create media momentum and put your announcement directly in front of international press and media stakeholders.
Format
Press conferences are scheduled, on-site sessions during the official press-first IFA Media Days programme and are integrated into the IFA agenda. They take place in fully equipped venues with professional AV and are structured for presentations, demonstrations and media Q&A.
Intended for
Choose a press conference if your goal is media coverage and news momentum – and you have a clear, timely story that benefits from direct engagement with journalists and creators.
Stage sessions
Shape the conversations
defining the future.
defining the future.
Stage sessions are where ideas are explored, discussed and challenged. Through panels, talks, workshops and live formats, they create space for dialogue around current developments, practical insights and emerging perspectives across technology and society.
Sessions are interactive and multi-voiced, focused on exchange rather than statements and on depth rather than headlines.
Format
Formats range from panels and talks to workshops, masterclasses and live podcast recordings. All Sessions are curated for relevance, engagement and clear takeaways, and are designed to work for both industry professionals and interested consumers.
Intended for
Sessions are open to creators, researchers, startups and companies with expertise, case studies or ideas that add perspective to ongoing conversations within the IFA programme.
Speaker opportunities – Frequently asked questions
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What speaker opportunities are available at IFA 2026?
IFA 2026 offers three ways to take the stage: Keynotes, Press conferences and Stage sessions. Each format is built for a different outcome, from leadership perspective to news moments to discussion-led sessions.
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Which speaking format at IFA 2026 should I choose?
Choose based on your goal:
- Pick a Keynote if you want to set direction and share a strong point of view.
- Pick a Press conference if you have news to announce and want media attention.
- Pick a Sessions if you want discussion, exchange and clear takeaways.
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What are the content tracks for IFA 2026 and what do they cover?
All speaker formats at IFA 2026 sit within five content tracks:
- World of AI & Future of Tech: human intelligence × AI, robotics, quantum computing, data governance
- Smart & Sustainable Living: smart and connected home ecosystems, circularity, right to repair, supply chains
- Retail & Future of Commerce: AI and smart retail, customer behaviour, omnichannel, logistics and fulfilment
- Marketing & Creativity: digital marketing, creator economy, generated design, next-gen brand storytelling
- Culture & Lifestyle: entertainment, gaming, Berlin culture, diversity and inclusion
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Do the content tracks change depending on the format?
No. The tracks stay the same across Keynotes, Press conferences and Stage sessions. Your topic determines the track, and the format determines the angle: vision, news, or dialogue and depth.
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What do I need to include in my speaking submission?
To apply, you’ll typically need: a working title, a short summary of your idea, the most relevant content track, speaker details and the format you’re applying for. For press conferences, be clear on what’s new and why it matters now.
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Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes. You can submit more than one idea, and you can apply for more than one format. Make each submission focused, and choose the strongest primary track for each topic.
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How are speaker applications reviewed, and when will I hear back?
All submissions are reviewed by the IFA team and curated for relevance, fit and audience value. If your proposal is selected, you’ll be contacted directly with next steps and any format refinements needed.