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, we have a format built for it.
All speaker formats draw from the same content tracks for IFA 2026: World of Al & 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 the conversation on our biggest stage.
At IFA 2025, keynotes take place on the Innovation Stage – our biggest platform and the heartbeat of the programme.
We’re looking for bold voices with ideas, leadership and foresight that inspire change, shift markets and move the world forward.
IFA keynote speakers set the tone for what’s next. They capture global attention and ignite the conversations that will shape the future of technology, innovation and society.
Format
IFA keynotes take place on the Innovation Stage – our most prominent platform. Designed for major announcements, strategic storytelling or bold leadership messages, these sessions are built to make waves. Keynotes may be delivered as solo talks or moderated conversations, and serve as anchor points within the overall programme.
With space for up to 1,000 attendees, the stage offers a powerful mix of scale and spotlight – the ideal setting for high-impact visibility.
Themes
All keynote content must align with one of IFA’s four official content tracks: Future of Intelligence, Future of Smart Society, Future of Connectivity or Future of Sustainability. These sessions are among the most visible moments at IFA – drawing trade professionals, consumers and media on-site, and reaching global audiences via livestream and digital platforms.
It’s a platform built for thought leadership, future-facing narratives and global resonance.
Who is it for?
Keynote slots are for individuals whose work shapes industries, ideas and conversations. Whether you're a founder, C-suite executive, technologist or creative pioneer – we’re looking for leaders who spark change and inspire progress.
You should bring a clear vision, a strong track record and the kind of perspective that drives meaningful dialogue across sectors and cultures.
Press conferences
Your moment in the global media spotlight.
At IFA 2025, press conferences give brands a high-impact platform during official media days – 3 and 4 September – to make announcements that matter.
Whether you’re launching a new product, unveiling bold ideas or showcasing your leadership, this is the stage to connect directly with international media, industry decision-makers and influential voices across tech and innovation.
Designed for organisations ready to make headlines, this format puts your message where the world is watching.
Format
Press conferences at IFA are scheduled, on-site sessions designed for direct engagement with global media. Hosted in fully equipped venues with professional AV support, they provide a focused environment for announcements, product launches and Q&As with accredited press.
For 2025, all press conferences will be integrated into the official IFA agenda. Exhibitors can apply to host theirs on stage, using a high-visibility platform with multiple media formats to amplify impact. This year also introduces enhanced reporting tools to track media coverage and audience engagement – ensuring your message travels far beyond the room.
Audience
IFA draws hundreds of accredited journalists, analysts and media outlets from across the globe – from major international press and tech publications to trade titles and business platforms. New for 2025, we’re also welcoming a wider mix of creators, bloggers and specialist tech voices, expanding your reach beyond traditional media.
A press conference gives your company direct access to this highly engaged audience – with the chance to shape the narrative and drive real-time news momentum during one of tech’s biggest media weeks.
Who is it for?
This format is ideal for companies with timely, newsworthy announcements – product debuts, strategic moves, leadership updates or market entries. Whether you’re a global brand or a fast-moving scaleup, the opportunity is best suited to those with a clear story and high media relevance.
From the Innovation Stage to the Dream and Creators Stage, all venues are designed to deliver coverage that lands – onsite and online. It’s more than a press event – it’s your global news moment.
Call for sessions
Shape the conversation. Spark what’s next.
IFA 2025 is calling on creators, thinkers and innovators to join the dialogue shaping the future of tech and society. Through sessions, talks, panels and podcasts, we’re building a platform where new ideas take the spotlight, bold perspectives are welcomed and meaningful exchange drives progress.
Whether you aim to spark debate, inspire action or bring fresh insight – we’re looking for proposals that connect, challenge and energise a global audience ready to discover what’s next.
Format
IFA’s call for sessions welcomes proposals across a variety of formats – from solo talks and panels to workshops, masterclasses and live podcast recordings. All sessions are curated for impact: interactive, content-rich and relevant to IFA’s wide audience of media, trade visitors and consumers.
Each format is designed to share insights, encourage dialogue and spark meaningful engagement in a dynamic setting.
Themes
All sessions must align with one of IFA’s four official content tracks: Future of Intelligence, Future of Smart Society, Future of Connectivity or Future of Sustainability.
Proposals should speak to both industry professionals and curious consumers – contributing to the broader conversations shaping innovation, tech and society.
Who is it for?
This opportunity is open to creators, researchers, technologists, startups and companies of all sizes with fresh ideas and a strong point of view.
It’s ideal for those presenting original concepts, case studies, research or creative work that informs, challenges or inspires. We’re looking for speakers with relevant expertise, a clear message and something meaningful to contribute to the IFA programme.
Speaker opportunities – Frequently asked questions
- 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.
- 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.
- What are the content tracks for IFA 2026 and what do they cover?
All speaker sessions at IFA 2026 sit within five content tracks:
- World of AI & Future of Tech: human intelligence and 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.