The E-commerce Berlin Expo is back and bigger than ever, set to take place on February 19-20, 2025. With around 290 exhibitors and 11,000 visitors expected, the upcoming event will span two exciting days, offering attendees a chance to explore a vibrant show floor and engage in a diverse five-track conference.
As part of this dynamic event, the organizers are excited to announce the opening of the annual Call for Speakers contest, providing e-commerce professionals a unique opportunity to take the stage and share their insights with one of the largest industry audiences in Europe.
Read on to learn how you can participate and what it takes to stand out in this prestigious competition.
What is Call for Speakers?
Renamed and redefined to better reflect its focus, the Call for Speakers contest (formerly known as the Call for Papers contest) is designed to discover innovative and relevant topics that address current challenges in the industry as well as increase visibility for thought leaders and innovators in the e-commerce space.
The previous edition of the competition saw an overwhelming response, with hundreds of entries and over 20,000 votes cast. It’s clear the contest generates a lot of interest and engagement, resulting in a competitive yet rewarding experience.
Celebrating Last Year’s Winners
Last year’s contest showcased exceptional talent, with brands like CASIO Europe, Channel Pilot Pro, Zalando, MIELE, Criteo, or flaconi standing out for their innovative contributions.
The caliber of participants continues to elevate the event year after year.
Diverse Contest Categories
The 2025 Call for Speakers spans a wide range of e-commerce categories:
- AI in E-commerce: Using AI for personalization, analytics, and automation.
- FutureTech: Exploring the impact of AR/VR, Web3, and other emerging technologies.
- Shop Systems & E-commerce Software: Innovations in platforms, integrations, and optimization.
- Supply Chain & Logistics: Optimizing supply chain and logistics for efficiency and sustainability.
- Fintech: Advancements in payments, fraud prevention, and seamless transactions.
- Cross-border & International Expansion: Strategies for prospering in global markets.
- Marketing: Cutting-edge approaches to driving traffic and conversions.
- Customer Journey: Improving customer experiences and loyalty across channels.
- Leadership & Strategic Management: Leading teams and driving growth through disruption.
Check the categories in detail here.
Conference Focus
As businesses navigate today’s rapidly changing landscape, facing rising costs, evolving consumer behaviors, and intense competition, the upcoming conference will focus on differentiation and innovation in challenging times. The primary focus will be on providing our audience with the insights, strategies, and tools needed to not only survive but also excel in a competitive marketplace.
Don’t miss your chance to educate and inspire the e-commerce community. Submissions close on September 27th!
The Selection Criteria
The Call for Speakers seeks submissions that provide actionable insights:
DO:
- Focus on providing valuable, educational insights that benefit the audience.
- Ensure your proposal touches the upcoming conference’ theme of differentiation and innovation in challenging times.
- Include real-life examples to illustrate your points. If you’re a service provider, collaborate with clients to present a case study for added credibility.
- Back your ideas with research and data to add weight to your proposal.
- Present original ideas that stand out and offer new perspectives to the audience.
- Organize your proposal clearly, ensuring it communicates your topic, objectives, and key takeaways effectively.
- Make sure your proposal is delivered by C-level executives or industry leaders whose experience aligns with the topic.
DON’T:
- Promote products or services. The audience values insights over self-promotion.
- Be vague. Proposals lacking real-world examples or concrete evidence will fall flat. Make sure your ideas are grounded in practical experience.
- Ignore structure. A disorganized proposal makes it harder for the recipients to grasp your message. Ensure clarity and a strong narrative.
- Be conventional. Proposals that recycle common ideas without offering anything new won’t stand out. Aim for originality and innovation.
The Selection Process: How It Works
This year, the competition introduces an improved selection process designed to ensure that the very best ideas get the attention they deserve.
- Submissions: Proposals are collected across 9 categories. The deadline for submissions is September 27th, 2024.
- Public Voting: The public votes on their favorite proposals. Each user can cast one vote per category. Public voting begins on October 1st and ends on October 18th.
- Top Proposals of Finalists Announced: The top 5 proposals in each category are announced on October 23th, 2024, and move on to the final review.
- Advisory Board Review: The Advisory Board evaluates the finalists and selects one winner per category based on merit and relevance. This edition of the Call for Speakers features an expanded Advisory Board with more than 20 industry experts.
- NEW: Wildcard Selection Track: Separately, up to 20 standout proposals are selected by the Advisory Board, regardless of the number of public votes received. This means even more participants can present their ideas on stage so that the best insights aren’t overlooked due to voting numbers alone.
- Winners Announced: The final winners are revealed on October 30th, 2024, via E-commerce Germany News website and invited to present on stage at the E-commerce Berlin Expo 2025.
With the updated selection process, up to 40% of the conference agenda will feature submissions from the contest, opening the door for more speakers to share their stories.
Submit Your Proposal
Ready to share your expertise with the world? Submit your proposal today through the Call for Speakers form and take the first step toward becoming a speaker at the E-commerce Berlin Expo 2025. Don’t miss your chance to shine. Enter the contest by September 27th and let your voice be heard.
Submit your proposal here.
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About E-commerce Berlin Expo:
The E-commerce Berlin Expo is a leading industry event that brings together e-commerce professionals, retailers, and brands from around the world. With a rich history of successful editions, the expo offers unparalleled networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and a platform to showcase the latest trends and innovations in the e-commerce sector
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