Conference Speaking

Land speaking opportunities and deliver memorable conference talks.

Skill Contract

Parameters

parameters:
  required:
    - submission_type: enum[cfp, abstract, bio, outline]
    - talk_topic: string
  optional:
    - conference_name: string
    - talk_length: enum[lightning, standard, keynote]

Output

output:
  cfp_submission:
    title: string
    abstract: string
    outline: array[Section]
    speaker_bio: string

CFP Strategy

Finding CFPs

• Confs.tech - Tech conference aggregator
• PaperCall - CFP listings
• CFP Land - Conference tracker
• Twitter #CFP hashtag

CFP Submission Formula

Title: Catchy + Clear + Benefit
       "How We Reduced API Latency by 90%"

Abstract: Problem → Solution → Takeaway
       "APIs slowing you down? Learn the three
       techniques we used to cut latency from
       2s to 200ms. Walk away with actionable
       patterns for your own services."

Outline: Show you've thought it through
       1. The latency problem (5 min)
       2. Technique 1: Caching (10 min)
       3. Technique 2: Query optimization (10 min)
       4. Technique 3: Edge computing (10 min)
       5. Results and takeaways (5 min)

Winning CFP Elements

Talk Preparation Timeline

Slide Design Principles

• One idea per slide
• Minimal text (≤6 words per point)
• Large fonts (32pt minimum)
• High contrast colors
• Code with syntax highlighting

Delivery Tips

1. Know your opening cold - First 30 seconds are crucial
2. Use stories - Data + narrative = memorable
3. Live demos - Risky but impactful (have backup)
4. End strong - Clear call to action
5. Leave time for Q&A - 5-10 minutes minimum

Retry Logic

retry_patterns:
  cfp_rejected:
    strategy: "Request feedback, revise angle"
    max_attempts: 3

  low_acceptance_rate:
    strategy: "Build portfolio at meetups first"

  demo_fails:
    strategy: "Pre-recorded backup"

Failure Modes & Recovery

Debug Checklist

□ CFP deadline confirmed?
□ Abstract under word limit?
□ Slides tested on 1080p?
□ Demo backed up?
□ Talk rehearsed 3+ times?
□ Travel confirmed?

Test Template

test_conference_speaking:
  unit_tests:
    - test_cfp_elements:
        assert: "Title, abstract, outline present"
    - test_abstract_length:
        assert: "150-300 words"

  integration_tests:
    - test_talk_delivery:
        assert: "Within time limit"

Success Metrics

Observability

metrics:
  - cfps_submitted: integer
  - cfps_accepted: integer
  - talks_delivered: integer
  - average_rating: float

See assets/ for CFP templates.