On February 17–18, 2026, thousands of professionals from across Europe will gather for the E-commerce Berlin Expo. With forecasted 14,000 visitors, over 300 exhibitors, and 4 conference stages, it’s a flagship event for anyone who wants to shape the future of digital commerce.
But did you know that nearly 40% of the conference agenda is created by the community itself?
Through the Call for Speakers contest, experts, innovators, and visionaries from every corner of the industry compete for a chance to step on stage and share their ideas.
This is your opportunity to be part of it. 24 winners will be selected to present in Berlin – and you could be one of them.
Why you should apply
For the past decade, E-commerce Berlin Expo has provided a platform where industry leaders could inspire and connect with one of the most diverse e-commerce audiences in Europe.
The upcoming edition marks a milestone – our 10th anniversary – and for the first time, the event will take place at the iconic Messe Berlin.
With bigger stages, new networking areas, and an even broader international audience, expectations have never been higher. This is the year to step forward.
The contest has always been a highlight of the 10-year history of the E-Commerce Berlin Expo, with winners representing some of the most renowned companies. Just last year, the lineup included industry leaders such as Fielmann, Notino, TikTok, MediaMarktSaturn, Google, TAG Heuer, Amorelie, REWE eCom, Spryker, Statista, Microsoft Advertising, and Zalando.
Selected speakers share their insights with thousands of attendees – and an even wider online community. Beyond the exposure, the contest is a chance to strengthen both personal and company brands.
The value doesn’t end with your talk. Winners gain exclusive invitations to community events throughout the year. These gatherings provide rare networking opportunities and help position speakers as recognized voices shaping the European e-commerce landscape.
For many past participants, the Call for Speakers became a career milestone and a gateway to new collaborations.
How the contest works
The Call for Speakers contest is designed to be open, transparent, and rewarding. Here’s what the process looks like:
1. Submissions (September 8–26, 2025)
There are 9 submission categories to choose from:
- Platforms & Tech
- Logistics & Fulfillment & Optimization
- Acquisition & Growth
- Communication & Engagement
- Conversion, CX & Personalization
- Marketplaces & Multichannel & Omnichannel Integration
- Global Expansion
- Leadership & Strategic Management
- Bold Predictions & Forecasts
Proposals can range from case studies and research-backed strategies to bold forecasts about the industry’s future.
2. Public voting (October 1-17, 2025)
Once submissions close, the public gets a say. Community members cast their votes to highlight the most relevant and exciting topics. This stage helps gauge which ideas resonate with the industry.
3. Top proposals announced
The 5 most-voted entries in each category move forward to the Advisory Board review. At this point, visibility is already high: finalists gain significant recognition simply by making it this far.
4. Advisory Board review & Wildcard selection (October 22-29, 2025)
A panel of respected experts evaluates the top proposals. They look beyond popularity, weighing factors such as originality, practical relevance, and speaker expertise.
To ensure groundbreaking ideas go through, the Advisory Board also selects 15 standout proposals that may not have topped the voting list but still deserve a place on stage.
5. Winners announced (October 30, 2025)
A total of 24 speakers – 9 category winners and 15 wildcards – are revealed. Together, they will cover almost 40% of the entire conference agenda, making this one of the most impactful speaker contests in Europe.
What makes a strong proposal
A winning proposal is all about insight. The Advisory Board looks for talks that solve real problems, inspire new ways of thinking, and equip the audience with actionable takeaways.
Proposals should be:
- Non-promotional → Avoid product pitches; focus on ideas that matter.
- Relevant → Aligned with what’s buzzing in the industry right now.
- Truly grounded in practice → Use case studies and real-world examples to show how your ideas apply in reality.
- Backed by data → Support your arguments with credible research or market evidence.
- Original → Bring fresh perspectives that stand apart from conventional content.
- Clear and structured → Communicate the objectives and takeaways in a way that’s easy to follow.
- Authoritative → Ideally, proposals should be delivered by C-level executives or seasoned experts with deep experience in the field.
Remember: the audience is looking for inspiration they can apply to their own challenges. Make sure that your proposal delivers just that!
Who can apply?
The Call for Speakers is intentionally open. Anyone with a valuable story to share is welcome to participate, regardless of previous involvement with the Expo.
There are no fees or hidden costs either. Participation is completely free of charge, and winners also incur no costs for their speaking slot. This accessibility is part of what makes the contest unique: it’s about ideas, not budgets.
Timeline at a glance
- September 8–26, 2025 → Submissions open
- October 1-17, 2025 → Public voting
- October 22-29, 2025 → Advisory Board review & wildcard selection
- October 30, 2025 → Winners announced
Submit your proposal
If you’ve ever wanted to share your expertise with one of the most engaged and largest e-commerce audiences in Europe, now is the time. The 10th edition of the Call for Speakers contest is your chance to influence the conversation and inspire thousands of peers.
Submit your proposal by September 26, 2025, and take your place on stage at the E-commerce Berlin Expo 2026.
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