Call for Main Track Speakers

The main tracks host high-quality seminars for a broad and technical audience. Every track is organized around a theme (security, kernel, collaboration, ...). They are held in the two biggest auditoria (800 and 1400 seats) and last 50 minutes. Each of the talks is given by a speaker who gets their travel and accommodation costs reimbursed.

You can propose a main track talk through our submission system. We will select the main track themes and accompanying talks based on the submissions we received.

Before applying, be aware that:

A speaker is given exactly 50 minutes time, include questions and answers. A moderator will be there showing you signs of 15, 10 and 5 minutes left.

The subject should be about free or open source software development.

The proposed lecture should be technical. Our visitors do not come to FOSDEM for a marketing talk or a simple overview of the features of some product.

All main track talks will be recorded. The recordings and slides will be made available freely, shortly after the event.

Further practical considerations:

By sending in your abstract you acknowledge that you keep the FOSDEM dates free in case your proposal gets selected.

The travel expenses and hotel bookings of main track speakers are covered by FOSDEM. Speakers are kindly asked to book their travel themselves while FOSDEM manages the hotel. Bringing your partner is encouraged but his/her costs are not covered by FOSDEM. (except the hotel)

You will need to keep proof of your expenses, reimbursement will be done after the event.

If you are interested in doing a Main Track talk at FOSDEM 2013, log into our submission system.

Questions or issues? Contact us at program@fosdem.org

Key Dates