What is a conference talk
These are the bread and butter of a Summit experience: longer format, more depth, exploratory topics. Typically running anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, and often feature one or multiple presenters sharing the stage. It’s the kind of session that lets you really sink your teeth into a topic, perfect for when you want to explore ideas in detail. If you're looking for examples, check out some of our sessions from 2023 here.
What is a lightning talk
Lightning talks are all about delivering big ideas in a short amount of time (only 5 minutes!). They’re punchy, dynamic, and often bring a lot of energy to the room. The fast-paced nature makes them great for sparking new conversations and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration. Every second counts, so presenters get right to the heart of their topic, making it a fun and engaging experience for everyone.
What is a workshop talk
Workshops are all about getting hands-on. These sessions are interactive, practical, and designed to get participants actively involved, whether it's through activities, problem-solving, or small group discussions. Typically lasting between 60 to 120 minutes, workshops are perfect for diving into a specific skill or technique. They’re a great opportunity to learn by doing, ask questions, and collaborate with others in real-time.
1. Before the Ubuntu Summit
Now that you’ve got a clear picture of the style of talk you’ll be giving, it's time to do the prep work before the big event.
To ensure the best possible outcome of your talk and set yourself up for success, we recommend that you read through and follow this document carefully. This document should have all the information you need to run a talk from start to finish.
1.1. Uploading your Slides & Requirements
If you follow each of the steps below you won’t have to think about a single thing before the event starts.
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Upload/create your presentation in Google Slides.
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Press “Share” and set the General access to “Anyone with the link | Viewer”.
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Copy the shareable link.
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Navigate to the 2024 Ubuntu Summit Indico page and find a contribution you are leading.
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Head down to “Presentation materials” and press the
icon.
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Press the "Add link" and add the share URL you previously copied.
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Repeat steps 1-6 for any other talk you are running.
To ensure consistency and prevent possible mishaps during the show we have laid out the following requirements:
- Must be shared as a Google Slides URL - NO PowerPoint, PDF, ODF, or Figma Slides
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BYOD (Bring your own device) is NOT permitted (excluding workshop talks). If that doesn’t work for you for legal reasons or otherwise, please contact us at the email below.
- Demonstrations must be pre-recorded and embedded in your presentation (excluding workshop talks).
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Add your Google Slides URL to your talk's contribution page BEFORE 20th of October 18:00 UTC.
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Ensure all videos are embedded in the slides.
Things that we recommend triple checking:
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Please check all your animations/transitions are correct, auto converting between PowerPoint and Slides can sometimes be problematic.
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Check that your slide permissions are set to PUBLICLY VIEWABLE.
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Check that any embedded videos are also PUBLICLY VIEWABLE.
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Please ensure your speaker notes are at a suitable size that you could comfortably read at a distance of 3m.
1.2. Rehersals and dry runs
The only thing we love more than a riveting talk about open source technology is a speaker who is prepared and comfortable. If you think a rehersal would help you deliever your best, please reach out to the email below and we would be delighted to get this scheduled for you. Even if its as simple as pressing the next slide button or standing in front of the bright stage lights ahead of time, we are happy to make accommodations to help you feel relaxed and ready.
2. On the day of the talk
Before the presentation, you will arrive 30 minutes before your talk and meet with event support at the back of the room. Depending on the amount of people you have presenting, you will be provided with a headworn microphone(s) or handheld microphone(s) and will be shown how to hold/use them. You will also be provided a presentation clicker.
By default, the presentation you previously shared with us will be loaded and opened for you, ready to be presented during your time slot. You will be shown a preview of the slides that will be presented, your allocated time, and briefed on any extra information required.
If you are in the workshop room and you require a live, interactive demo, you will be directed to connect your laptop via the podium on stage BEFORE your talk. This will require connecting a HDMI cable for the projector feed, a USB-A cable for the presentation clicker, and a USB-A cable for any audio out you may have. You will need to use your own charger, compatible with a type C 230v outlet. We will supply DP/USB-C -> HDMI adapters if needed.
An event support member will then lead you to the front of the room and give you your cue to go on stage.
3. During the talk
On stage, you’ll see two monitors: one with a timer [1] showing your remaining time and another displaying your notes and current slide [2]. The clicker has two buttons: advance and go back. The timer will turn orange at 2 minutes and red at 1 minute.
Monitor [1] will show any messages sent from the Event Support team. Typically it's reminders to hold the mic closer, or that you have gone over time.
3.1. If you are giving a conference talk
Feel free to take questions if time allows; support staff will provide microphones to the audience.
Your countdown timer will start automatically when you get on the stage. If you run out of time (or topics), conclude promptly to respect the schedule. Exit the stage the same way you entered. A staff member will guide you to the back of the room and collect your clicker and microphone.
3.2. If you are giving a lightning talk
Due to the fast nature of the talks, you will be handed a microphone and a clicker by the previous lightning talk speaker as they get off the stage. An event support member will be present to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. Your presentation will be loaded for you, ready to be presented during your time slot.
Once you are on the stage your five minute timer will start counting down. If you run out of time, you will hear a coo-koo sound. That is your cue to leave the stage and hand the microphone and clicker to the next speaker. Part of the fun of lightning talks is respecting the almighty cuckoo, that means no audience questions, no finishing your talk, and no shoutouts to mum.
Exit the stage the same way you entered. Remember to hand the microphone and clicker to the next speaker. An event support staff will be present to help. You should take a seat in the front row to cause as little disruption as possible to the lightning talks after yours.
3.3. If you are giving a workshop talk
Your countdown timer will start automatically when you get on the stage. If you run out of time (or topics), conclude promptly to respect the schedule. Exit the stage the same way you entered. A staff member will guide you to the back of the room and collect your clicker and microphone. Another staff member will be responsible for disconnecting any demo laptop and returning it to you.
4. After the talk
Give yourself a pat on the back, and then follow the directions of the event support member waiting at the exit of the stage (same way you came on). They will remove any microphones or equipment and direct you on any additional post talk steps.
Have a question or technical request?
Send us an email at event-support@lists.canonical.com