Holding a session takes time in its elaboration and preparation. When submitting your proposal, you agree to meet the Session Guidelines’ minimum requirements for the development and organisation of a session. We do not recommend you take part in the Call for Participation (CfP) if you are not ready or able to enter into this commitment.
Spelling, grammar and proper punctuation are important. You wouldn’t send off an application with unfinished sentences and typos either. It’s therefore advised to have your submission proofread before handing it in.
Here are a few key points:
A couple more points on the length of the texts:
Sure, funny titles are catchy. On the other hand, your title will be up against many other titles, vying for the attention of the visitors. The more straight-ahead and descriptive your title is, the better. “All you need is love: Social media strategies for confronting hate online” is better than “Why all you need is love”.
200 characters is the maximum. While we don’t have any automatic restriction, the title will end up being automatically shortened when it gets to the programme flyer and the upload of the session video. And you don’t want your great title cut off, do you?
It really should be “short”, up to 500 characters. Only state your basic proposition and how you will be discussing / covering it.
No longer than 2,000 characters. Even though we haven’t set up an automatic restriction, we only assess the first 2,000 characters. There isn’t any time for the evaluation of long essays. This will be the text that is published should your idea be accepted. It should be as concise and easy to understand as possible.
No, you shouldn’t do that. While it is technically possible, we can see when you’ve made changes in the backend. The additional editing complicates the curatorial work for us and the programme committee. For this reason, we do not accept changes made after the end of the CfP deadline without prior consultation! Only make changes to your submission if and when we ask you to do so (for example, with suggestions for improvements) or let us know ahead of time that you want to change something, and we will decide on a case-to-case basis.
While it is possible to edit and submit multiple proposals, we will only be taking the most recent submission into account and, only with exception, will we consider a second proposal following the expiration of the final deadline (7 January 2018, 11:59 pm, CET). Quality, not quantity!
The most interesting sessions offer space for different perspectives. When putting together a panel, remember to keep the fundamental characteristics of a diverse panel in mind:
DIVERSITY and GENDER BALANCE should be understood as a key commitment and component for an empathetic and inclusive community – they represent our stance as event organisers.
All panels should comply with the following guidelines:
As the listed speakers influence the selection process, we’d like to urge you to have confirmed the panellists by the end of the Call for Participation (CfP) phase. You can still enter the desired speaker into the comment field, plus your relationship to them or why you assume they will confirm. If you are that they'll be part of your panel it is better to submit a solo talk.
Each format has a maximum number of possible speakers. Please keep GENDER BALANCE in mind – each session should have a 50% female line-up (the presenter does not count as a speaker).
Your co-speaker must already be registered, have set up an account and have given themselves a username. You will need those before proceeding. When creating a session in the CfP form you will find the “Speaker(s)” box further down. Click "Add item" to creat a new speaker box and fill in the user name of one co-speaker. Make sure to wait for the autocomplete that verifies the speaker name with our database. You can add the further speakers once we accepted you proposal. Enter the first letters of the co-speakers username, auto-complete will show the correct person should they exist in the system. Save. Done.
Only add people you have confirmed and who have agreed to participate in the CfP! Unsolicited adding of people can lead to exclusion.
The presenter/moderator is a neutral party in a conversation or a panel discussion. They keep the conversation on-topic and guarantee a balance of viewpoints. You should have both your presentation and your speakers already confirmed. If you have difficulties finding the right person, the programme team will be happy to help. We know lots of competent presenters. Contact us at programme-usa@re-publica.de.
Helper registration will be available starting 15 March at 3pm.
1) Now you can start filling out your helper profile. Make sure to fill out all required fields.
2) Choose a username. Please note: this username will be visible to all registered users. Choose a pseudonym (ex. “helper42”) if you prefer not to use your real name.
3) All other data (age, name, etc.) can only be viewed by our helper management team. Enter a valid email address. After submitting you'll be redirected back to our home page and receive an activation link via email. This could take up to 15 minutes. Remember to check your spam filter.
4) Follow the link and create a password. Go to “User Account” in the menu (black bar at the top of the page): here you can view your information, make changes or change your password.
5) In the menu you'll find “Dashboard → Helpers” featuring the following: “Shift Schedule”. Sign up for your shift here. (Please sign up for one shift only!)
6) “Work Areas”: here you'll find descriptions of all the different work areas at re:publica 2018.
7) In your user dashboard you'll see: “My Shift Registrations”: here you can see what shift you have signed up for (in case you signed up for more than one shift, you can use this area remove yourself from those you won't be able to do).
8) If you have further questions: go to “Contact” in order to reach us.
If you are 18 or above and are keen to support re:publica 2018 then you can register on our sign-up portal and sign up for a shift. Registration opens around February 2018. We will notify you about the exact start date in advance.
Yes! We assume that the #rp18, like it’s predecessors, will again qualify for educational leaves in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, Berlin and Hamburg. We will publish a how-to guide on our website.
We are constantly checking whether we could add more federal states to our list. Unfortunately, since educational leave is a state matter, the procedures and requirements differ considerably from each other
No.
Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the programme team for late submissions if these relate to important current events. The program team may also request these.
Submissions for the section "Off Stage Action" are accepted until 2020-02-28.
A session can be either 30 or 60 minutes long. Workshop sessions last either 60 or 120 minutes. Make sure to plan in time for a Q&A when preparing:
The re:publica continues to grow, and with it our responsibility to put together a high-quality programme. This is something we take very seriously. We, the core programme team, successfully collaborated with a programme committee for the first time in 2016, helping us ensure the programme stays as diverse as possible.
The programme committee is made up of professionals, community leaders and speakers who have accompanied us on our way for many years now and who know the re:publica and its guiding principle well. They gain insights into the re:publica programme, so as to evaluate the submitted sessions and help ensure that diverse perspectives and voices are well represented.
This is done by giving the members of the programme committee carefully selected sessions to evaluate which fit their respective thematic focus. Your sessions are submitted to them anonymously, to make sure that the content of your proposal remains the focus. The members of the programme committee can then issue an assessment of the session and leave a written comment. The re:publica programme team subsequently take these evaluations and comments into account when compiling your talks, workshops, discussions and diverse activities.
We don’t want to keep members of the programme committee from submitting their own proposals during the Call for Participation. We therefore closely monitor exactly who we submit which session to for evaluation, so as to prevent bias in the assessment.
Programme decisions are not made by individuals, but by a team! Our programme team is made up of people who work with the utmost care and integrity and we stand behind them.
“Topics” are thematic focuses which you can assign your submission to, for example “Blockchain”. This year’s selection consists of:
Read more about our #rp18 topics here:
Tracks and Topics
re:publica 2018 will take place from 2-4 May 2018.
You can submit your proposal in German or English. Note: your submission must be written in the language in which you will be holding your session (talk, discussion, workshop, off stage action, etc.).
Please understand that we do not have unlimited space in the program. We read each submission carefully and, because of their abundance, reject even excellent sessions. Sometimes despite them currently being highly relevant. The reason may be that your topic has already been submitted multiple times and we need to select from the huge number of great sessions. Please keep in mind that we reject sessions only with heavy hearts and it is logistically not possible for us to send individual reasons.
If you still have specific questions or feedback for us - they’re always welcome! programme-usa@re-publica.com
“Tracks” are general categories which you can assign your submission to, for example “Politics”. This year’s selection consists of:
Read more about our #rp20 tracks here:
Tracks and Topics
“Topics” are key themes for 2020 that help us set a specific focus. Some have become so important that they return every year, like the “Global Innovation Gathering (GIG)” or “re:learn” for all things concerning education and digitisation. Another example of a topic is “science:fiction”, which we integrated into the programme in 2017, with the aim of examining utopias for our future coexistence. Some “Topics” have already been formulated for the CfP, others are added over the course of the CfP phase and the programme planning. We assign your submissions to specific “Topics”.
You must select a “Track” (category) for your submission in the form. “Topics” are optional.
Read more about our #rp20 topics here:
Tracks and Topics
“Tracks” are general thematic fields which you can assign your submission to, for example “Politics”, “Work” or “Culture”.
“Topics” are key themes which help us set a specific focus.
All “Tracks” (categories) are already set when the Call for Participation (CfP) is launched. We have already defined the concept for some “Topics” for the CfP, others are added over the course of the CfP phase.
Read more about our #rp20 tracks and topics here:
Tracks and Topics
The MEDIA CONVENTION Berlin (MCB) is one of Europe’s pioneering media congresses. It is organised by the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and the Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg and will be taking place in cooperation with re:publica for the seventh time in 2020.
While the MCB is the most important and closest partner of re:publica, both the MCB and re:publica plan and curate their programmes independently. We keep each other informed of the program planning and exchange information. However, the MEDIA CONVENTION Berlin is an independent event and not a re:publica track.
If you are interested in submitting proposals for the MEDIA CONVENTION, please continue reading I want to participate in the MEDIA CONVENTION Berlin. Is that possible?
re:publica offers different formats. You can select between the following in the CfP form:
Of course. The re:publica has a huge archive. You can find all the videos and audios with session descriptions on the re:publica websites. By using the keyword search or looking up the website of the respective year directly, you can either find the main themes.
For re:publica 2019 "tl;dr" visit http://19.re-publica.com, for re:publica 2018 "POP" visit https://18.re-publica.com/, for re:publica 2017 “Love Out Loud” you can head to: https://17.re-publica.com/, re:publica 2016 “TEN/NET” is over at: https://16.re-publica.com/, with re:publica 2015 “finding europe” at: https://15.re-publica.com/, and so on.
You can also find all the videos on the re:publica YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/republica2010/
Look up the re:publica image archive on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/re-publica
A session can last 30 or 60 minutes. Workshop sessions last 60 or 90 minutes. There should also be time left for Q&A at the end of sessions.
The programme team curates the content from the community's proposals submitted via the Call for Participation (CfP), but also specifically invites speakers* and advises partners. It also cooperates with external co-curators. Since the programme team and the co-curators* have the greatest influence in this process and ultimately make the decision on acceptance and rejection, the CfP is a modified form of crowdsourcing.
The CfP is a good barometer to identify topics of interest to the re:publica community. At the same time, the CfP leads to bringing new ideas and surprises to the re:publica.
The call for rp20 runs from Oct. 15 2019 until Dec. 15 2019 (23:59, CET )
The programme team and the programme committee will evaluate all proposals from Dec. 1 2019 until mid-February 2020.
We will be contacting all submitting parties beginning mid-February 2020, sending out confirmation of acceptance or notices of rejection.
Off Stage Actions will be evaluated until the end of March.
Anyone and everyone with a good idea can take part in the CfP.
Yes, the planned speakers should all have at least been informed and invited. They should also be confirmed and added to the session by the time the Call for Participation (CfP) deadline expires (please note: each speaker needs their own speaker account, see FAQ "How do I add co-speakers?").
If you organize a panel it is your responsibility that all speakers add information to their profile and manage these themselves – see also: person responsible for session. Only propose a panel that can actually be realised in that constellation of participants.
Yes.
The account allows you to register yourself as a speaker, manage your information and submit a proposal for the CfP. You can edit your proposal at any time—even after it's submitted but only until the deadline! Account registration and setup is free and only takes a few minutes. Just head over to https://20.re-publica.com/en/user/register.
Yes.
If you've registered for re:publica after 2014, you can continue to use your account. Please log in on the website for your rp-event using your old login details and simply update your profile.
To see what the form looks like, check out the PDFs below.
All fields marked with a red star (*) must be filled out.
Download Session Form | Download Off Stage-Action Form
Important: You can only submit a session and/or Off Stage action if you are registered as a speaker.
Go to the registration page.
1. You were already a speaker at a re:publica and have a profile? Then you can log in here with your login and just need to update your update your profile.
2. If you want to create a new speaker profile then follow these steps:
2.1 After completing registration, you will receive an activation link via your submitted e-mail address. (Please note that this might take up to 15 minutes depending on your e-mail provider – and please also check your spam folder... Click the link and set a password.)
2.2 When you're logged in for the first time you need to complete your speaker profile. You can only save your speaker profile once you have filled in all fileds marked with a red star. Ideally, you already have the following at hand:
Now you can submit your session and/or off stage action.
3. When you log in, you will find a menu bar. Click the cog wheel to open a dropdown on the left side of the page. You will find the items "Home", "My Dashboard" and "Add content".
4. And now the most important: You want to add a session and/or off stage action.
5. If you are planning a session with several speakers or performers, each speaker must register with a profile and provide you their username.
Finally: Please remember to log out.
Please also note again your submission can only be accepted only if your speaker profile is completed until the deadline.
No.
We use your information from the form in order to assess and categorize your proposal. Should your proposal be accepted, we will then publish the submission. However, only information relevant to the visitors will be made public. Your contact details and similar information will not be published.
Video material from a conference or event you have already spoken at helps us a great deal in our assessment. It allows us to better understand, evaluate and categorize your submission, while also giving us an impression of your public speaking skills and your ability to communicate your topic. Don’t worry, these videos are not made public. You should, however, own the rights to use them.
Not necessarily, but it can help us better understand your submission. If your video doesn’t have to do with your topic, but can help convince us of your qualities as a speaker, then feel free to use it.
The more precise and specific a submission, the better. Specificity requires a convincing initial idea as well as good research and planning. Moreover: a concise phrasing.
Example: “How surgeons train for difficult operations in virtual reality” is better than “Virtual reality as a training tool”.
Use your description to elaborate how you will approach the topic and which methods you will be using. The re:publica audience, the programme team and the programme committee are looking for engaging and well-founded content that takes on the challenges and potential solutions for challenges facing our digital society. They are not interested in marketing pitches disguised as informative sessions.
Take a look at a couple of examples from re:publica 2019 with the motto "tl;dr".
Yes, of course. We want the re:publica to be colourful and exciting. It’s wonderful when everyone pitches in so that we can celebrate a great event each year. Unfortunately, we have quite a tight budget so please be resource-friendly in your planning. We’re only able to help out in exceptios and only to a limited degree. But don’t hold back, we’ve had lots of creative ideas for the realisation of great installations and activities in the past.
How: Login, click "Add content", select "Off Stage Action", enter your short thesis and description and select from one of the following formats: actions, pop-up, installation or music. At the end of the form you can add more performers.
In order to streamline our planning, we will already require some basic details for the implementation of your action.
Do you already have a tech rider? Then please submit it to us.
A good Off Stage Action
The more action, the better! In order for you not to outshine each other we take care that each idea gets enough space. Since space is however limited, we have to carefully select from your submissions.
Sessions at re:publica are generally open for anyone to attend but are segmented into three levels of difficulty in order to provide better guidance.
Our suggestions:
Yes. Even though the MEDIA CONVENTION Berlin curatorial team plans its programme independently they are still happy to receive input from the re:publica community.
You can select “MEDIA CONVENTION” as a “Topic” in the CfP form if you would like to apply. The MCB team will then decide on the acceptance or rejection of your submission (and not the re:publica programme team).
Each person has to first set up a speaker account (see FAQs). Only then can they create a session for which they will be solely responsible. If you won’t be participating yourself, then you will have to enter the speaker and contact information and forward them the password. A valid email address is necessary as we will be sending important information for the speakers to the listed email address via our system.
Obvious advertising and marketing pitches do not stand a chance in the Call for Particiation (CfP). The re:publica audience, the programme team and the programme committee wish to have inspiring and well-researched content that deals with the challenges facing our digital society and presents potential solutions. There is no interest in marketing pitches disguised as educational sessions.
This does not mean that the visitors of re:publica are not interested in the newest digital products or services. In case you want to present or pitch your innovation, please get in touch with our colleagues from Partner Management, who are happy to help out with more information of how to get involved: partner[at]re-publica.com
While it is possible to edit and submit multiple proposals, we will only be taking the most recent submission into account. Only in exceptional cases will we consider a second proposal. Quality over quantity!
Yes.
The CfP form can be edited up until December 15, 2019. After the end of the deadline, your submission will be final and you should make changes to it only in consultation with the programme team (we are able to see when and by whom a submission was edited in our system).
Neither. We’re just as happy to see new faces as old acquaintances. The only difference is that we already know if you are good speakers if you have participated in the event before.
We use the same assessment standards for everyone. Someone who has already been at the re:publica has to meet the same criteria and go through the same formalities as a newbie. So don’t rest on your good name or connections!
As long as you can access your session from the dashboard while logged in, it is saved and submitted correctly. You don't need to do anything else.
Your session will be published once it is accepted for the conference programme and we will inform you via email before we publish it.
Please thoroughly check your username and password and make sure that you chose the right domain (use the rp20 website, not the global landingpage). If that doesn't solve the problem: Don’t worry. Our team is happy to help you with any technical problems (that you haven’t been able to solve yourself after several attempts) via info[at]re-publica.com.
Should you not have found any answers in our extensive FAQs (please, please, PLEASE read through them carefully and thoroughly) feel free to contact the programme team via programme[at]re-publica.com.
After the CfP deadline, we will contact you to tell you if your session has been accepted or not. Please be patient, we usually receive over 1,000 submissions.
Yes. You will receive a 3-day ticket and yummy catering on the day of your talk.
Yes. Co-speakers will also receive a 3-day ticket as well as catering on the day of your talk.
No, unfortunately not.
Tickets are not refundable in general. You may resell your ticket or gift it to someone. There will be more information available soon in our ticket FAQ.
No. We do not cover any travel and accommodation costs. But you will receive a 3-day ticket and catering on the day of your talk.
In general, you should submit an idea that you can execute yourself. That said, if you have a great idea that may require our help for its implementation, we suggest you get in contact with the programme team as soon as possible via programme[at]re-publica.de. We will then evaluate whether we will be able to help out or can find others to help you.
No.
You are responsible for your session. That said, should there be any urgent issues, we are happy to offer advice.
Yes, please. We look forward to your voluntary commitment, dedication and your curiosity! Please reach out to the programme team via programme[at]re-publica.com.
Every stage at the re:publica is attended to by a stage host. Meaning, that he/she announces the sessions, leads through the Q&A at the end of a session, and then moves the programme on to the next item. Our stage hosts also inform the audience about important changes to the programme and other last-minute features – the stage hosts are in constant communication and consultation with the programme team during the re:publica.
Presenters/moderator generally lead the discussion or conversations in a session. This requires thorough preparation. We will put the presenters in contact with the speakers – should they not have already been contacted by the person responsible for the session – so that they can hold preparatory talks.
Yes.
That's because they will be added to the respective sessions. Just like speakers, presenters/moderators and stage hosts will also be accredited at the entrance to the conference. Please note that presenters should only be added to a session after prior consultation and confirmed availability.
The re:publica feeds off of creativity and a wealth of ideas. The big societal, political and technological challenges don’t change overnight. But don’t worry: we always leave a few slots open until April so that we are able to include current events in the programme.
Generally speaking, the sooner we select the sessions, the better we can bundle them together into topic tracks, consult with the speaker, fine-tune—and, last but not least, allow for visitors to start planning early.
Although there will be meetups taking place on-site, these may no longer be proposed. Please follow our blog and social media channels in order to receive updates regarding the programme.
