Speak at Ecsite 2027

1. Decide on a topic

We are looking for a critical view on a variety of current topics relevant to our field in:

• exhibitions and collections; 
• learning and education; 
• public programmes and outreach; 
• research and evaluation; 
• marketing and business development;  
• strategy, leadership and operations.

Within these areas, you can talk about anything you'd like, but if you are short of ideas, please see the list we've prepared.

We are looking for a range of different formats which, when combined, create a varied programme of:

a. Content focussed sessions - Sessions with a strong focus on sharing knowledge, research, ideas, case studies and perspectives where participants are primarily receiving and reflecting on content, with limited audience activity or interaction.

b. Content & discussion balanced sessions - Sessions that combine delivered content with opportunities for participants to respond, question, discuss or apply what they are hearing. The balance between content and audience activity is relatively even.

c. Co-creation sessions - Sessions where participants actively work together around a shared question, challenge, problem or opportunity. Rather than primarily receiving content, participants bring their own knowledge, perspectives and experience to the process, with the group collectively exploring possibilities, developing ideas, solving problems or creating outcomes.

d. Experimental sessions - Sessions that break the mould and challenge traditional formats, using creative, unconventional or experimental approaches.

3. Familiarise yourselves with the application form

Read through the form from start to finish so you are sure to prepare all of the necessary information to be included. 

You can start and come back to the form at any time using the link you will receive when you click on the save button on any page. You can also share that link with your group and you can all add information to the form.

4. Ensure you comply with the requirements

Session submissions are evaluated by the Programme Committee, who are experts in the field of science engagement, using the assessment rubric. This scores according to compliance with the requirements outlined above. Give yourselves the best chance for success and make sure you check off the basics!

5. Submit you application 

Open the application form via the link, select your preferred speaking opportunity and complete all of the required fields. Please make sure all of your intended speakers are included. Whilst we understand that AI is useful to create proposals, please make sure you edit it to be compelling, unique to you and appealing. 

All speakers and the co-ordinator will receive a confirmation email on receipt of the submission. If you submit multiple applications, you will receive an email for each. Please file them each carefully to refer to later.

Be sure to check out our tips for saving your application here.

2. What's New in Travelling Exhibitions showcase 

REQUIREMENTS

• One person should speak for 4 minutes to promote a travelling exhibition which has not been presented before.
• The content of the travelling exhibition should be relevant to our sector.
• We welcome in-person only presentations and 1 speaker per organisation.
• Trade show Exhibitors & Ecsite members will be given priority to present.
• Other new travelling exhibitions may be mentioned but the majority of the presentation should focus on just one.
• Please note that all speakers must register for Ecsite 2027 and pay the registration fee.
  

STEPS TO SUBMITTING

• Gather together the details of the exhibition and the person who will be presenting (listed in the form as the Co-ordinator). 

• Open the application form via the button on the right.

• Select your preferred speaking opportunity and complete all of the required fields.

• The speaker and the co-ordinator will receive a confirmation email on receipt of the submission. 

• Once finished with your application, please be sure to press 'Submit'. 

• If you submit multiple applications, you will receive an email for each. Please file them each carefully to refer to later.

• Be sure to check out our tips for saving your application here.

3. The Bazaar 

REQUIREMENTS

• We are looking for enthusiastic contributors who have a resource, a project or run an activity and want to share it with the world. 
• Or for those who have developed a hands-on activity and are ready to show off their ways to engage the public in making, building, playing and experimenting.
• Each activity and presenter is allocated their own table and must be present for the full duration of the 75-minute showcase.
• We are particularly interested in seeing new and practical ideas & tools which participants can take home and implement.
• All ideas shown must be replicable by participants in their own organisations.
• We welcome in-person only presentations.
• Promotion of commercial products or services is strictly forbidden.
• This is a great chance to speak as an individual if you haven't yet developed your network.
• This is an ideal opportunity to present EU or other funded project results.

STEPS TO SUBMITTING

• Gather together the details of the activity, photos (in either JPG, PNG or GIF format) and the person(s) who will be presenting. You can present together with a colleague from your organisation.
• Open the application form via the button on the right.
• Select your preferred speaking opportunity and complete all of the required fields.
• The speaker and the co-ordinator will receive a confirmation email on receipt of the submission. 
• Once finished with your application, please be sure to press 'Submit'. 
• If you submit multiple applications, you will receive an email for each. Please file them each carefully to refer to later.

• Be sure to check out our tips for saving your application here.

REQUIREMENTS

• We are looking for 4-hour long, varied format Deep Dives for audience sizes up to 30 people, excluding speakers.
• Deep Dives require a minimum of 3 different presenters working in 3 different countries.
• The proposal should address a compelling topic that is highly relevant to the interests and challenges of Ecsite participants.
• It should offer in-depth learning which brings fresh insights or practical innovations that can enrich participants' professional practice.

• The workshop must have sufficient appeal to attract the audience and target people in specific organisational job roles, especially those at mid to expert experience levels.

• The workshop is based on active participation, including new and innovative activities that challenge the way participants learn and engage.

• The learning outcomes focus on concrete skills, knowledge or competencies.

• Each speaker's contribution should be clearly described, complementary to the other speakers', and directly aligned with the Deep Dive content, including demonstrating relevant expertise to address the proposed topic.
• The proposal should be described well and in full detail.
• It should be written attractively, be highly readable, clear and consistent.
• There is no more than 1 speaker from a commercial company.
• Please note that all speakers must register for Ecsite 2027. Four speakers will receive free passes for the morning of their workshop; any additional speakers are required to pay the registration fee.

STEPS TO SUBMITTING

1. Decide on a topic

We are looking for an in-depth, critical view on a variety of current topics relevant to our field in:

• exhibitions and collections; 
• learning and education; 
• public programmes and outreach; 
• research and evaluation; 
• marketing and business development;  
• strategy, leadership and operations.

Within these areas, you can talk about anything you'd like, but if you are short of ideas, please see the list we've prepared.

2. Prepare a draft scenario

Please prepare an order of play for a 4-hour workshop. This should include target group and detailed learning outcomes.

Feel free to use the Format ideas document as inspiration to choose multiple ideas for the scenario.

3. Familiarise yourselves with the application form

Read through the form from start to finish so you are sure to prepare all of the necessary information to be included. 

You can start and come back to the form at any time using the link you will receive when you click on the save button on any page. You can also share that link with your group and you can all add information to the form.

4. Ensure you comply with the requirements

Deep Dive submissions are evaluated by the Programme Committee, who are experts in the field of science engagement, using the assessment rubric. This scores according to compliance with the requirements outlined above. Give yourselves the best chance for success and make sure you check off the basics!

5. Submit your application

Open the application form via the link, select your preferred speaking opportunity and complete all of the required fields. Please make sure all of your intended speakers are included. Whilst we understand that AI is useful to create proposals, please make sure you edit it to be compelling, unique to you and appealing.

All speakers and the co-ordinator will receive a confirmation email on receipt of the submission. If you submit multiple applications, you will receive an email for each. Please file them each carefully to refer to later.

Be sure to check out our tips for saving your application here.

6. Networking - find colleagues to speak with

We know it can be challenging to find enough speakers for Sessions and Deep Dives, so we've put some activities in place to help.

Why not join the Ecsite Speakers Lounge on LinkedIn? With over 900 active voices in our field, you are sure to find co-speakers interested in a topic of your choice. Post a message with your ideas and keep an eye out for other opportunities.

Prefer to find colleagues in a webinar? Join Ecsite Event Manager Wiktor for the Speakers networking webinar on 30 September 2026 - an interactive webinar featuring a blend of speed networking, collaborative brainstorming, and a Q&A, to connect with peers, identify potential co-submitters, whilst exploring opportunities to contribute as a speaker at Ecsite 2027.

7. Find the right opportunity - use our handy tool