🌟 Call For Proposals / Lightning Talks At SOTN25

SOTN

We are issuing a Call for Proposals for the State of the Net Conference (February 11, 2025) in DC.

The addition of lightning talks at the State of the Net will add more voices to the conversation and allow for a broader range of topics and more interactive dialogue. We encourage you to contribute concise, powerful lightning talk proposals that spotlight innovative ideas or critical takeaways in Internet policy.

Successful proposals will help inform policymakers who work on Internet policy in Washington, in state capitals, and in international governance fora. Choose from a list of categories or submit a proposal on your own topic. For inspiration, view all of the lightning talks from the 2024 conference.

The proposal deadline is Thursday, December 12, 2024. Use the submission form below to send in your proposal.

Submission Form

Please use this submission form to submit proposals for either a Lightning Talk or a Salon Discussion.

Please read the FAQs below before you submit.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

FAQs

What are Lightning Talks and Salons?

Lightning Talks and Salons are new to SOTN this year. While we have traditionally hosted long-form and structured sessions featuring keynote speakers, fireside chats, and panel discussions, we are excited to introduce these two latest formats that provide unique opportunities to share information and ideas.
Lightning Talks & Salon Discussions
Lightning Talks are brief presentations (5-10 minutes), which may be accompanied by slides. Lightning talks are ideal for discussing emerging or niche ideas. Successful lightning talks usually consist of 1-3 key ideas and/or takeaways and feature slides with charts and images rather than text. Salons are 30 minute discussions facilitated by one or two experts.
Session proposers can submit a general category proposal or choose from the below program categories.
General Category: Submit a proposal on any topic related to Internet policy you like.
Free Expression & Social Media: Social spaces are central to the Internet. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, we invite you to contribute your perspectives on shaping the future of these digital realms.
Creator Economy: Delve into the nuances of the creator economy, focusing on how digital artists, influencers, and content creators are rewarded for their online contributions. Share your insights on shaping a more equitable and sustainable Internet landscape.
Artificial Intelligence: AI is ushering in a new epoch of Internet policy. How should policymakers balance the opportunities and challenges presented by powerful AI tools? How will widespread use of AI tools present challenges to existing governance structures and existing law?
Internet Geopolitics: Multistakeholderism defined the first era of Internet policymaking. How will governments, multinational corporations, and citizens resolve differences and achieve shared goals over the next twenty years.
Equitable Broadband: With programs like BEAD and the ACP the US faces a historic opportunity to ensure that all Americans can participate in the digital economy. How can we achieve this critical goal either here or in the world?
Cybersecurity: How can policymakers ensure that systems, networks, and data are secure? What approaches best actualize cybersecurity in the next 20 years?
Privacy: The privacy of personal information has long been a goal of policymakers in Washington. States and enforcement agencies have forged ahead with actions. What is the best way to safeguard the privacy of citizen data?
Salons
Salons are small gatherings where participants engage in in-depth discussions on specific topics. These discussions are often led by a facilitator who can help guide the conversation. These sessions will take place towards the end of our conference and last around 30 to 40 minutes. Salons are ideal for exploring complex topics that benefit from the sharing of diverse viewpoints. Salon participants will receive a brief “Conversation Catalyst” ahead of the discussion. Your proposal should include the topic of the salon, the scope of the discussion, who the facilitator(s) will be, and an outline of the “Conversation Catalyst.”
What if my proposal isn’t accepted?
What happens after I submit my proposal?

The Programming Committee, made up of IEF staff and volunteers, will review all proposals during the last two weeks of December.
If your submission is incomplete and/or does not meet the criteria outlined above, it will be rejected without further review.
Before the end of December, we will email you to let you know whether your proposal has been accepted.
If your proposal is accepted, members of the Programming Committee will follow up with you in the coming months to ensure we have your bio, headshot, slides (if applicable), and any additional information needed for a successful conference program.
If my proposal is accepted, will I receive a registration discount?
What if my proposal is accepted, but I can’t attend?

About State of the Net

The State of the Net Conference is the largest Internet policy conference in the US. It fosters a dialogue between civil society, nonprofits, government officials, research institutions and the business community.

With Artificial Intelligence and content moderation in the news daily, it’s a critical time for our issues. We’ll dive into the most pressing policy issues. Congressional and federal leaders will engage with stakeholders on issues such as AI, content moderation, broadband, consumer privacy, content moderation, cyber security, and many more.

As always, State of the Net will be your first look at the players and the issues that will take center stage in 2025. This conference is unique for its diverse blend of perspectives and provocative thinkers.