Lightning Talks at SOTN 2025 - State of the Net

Lightning Talks return to SOTN this year. While we have traditionally hosted long-form and structured sessions featuring keynote speakers, fireside chats, and panel discussions, we are excited to bring back this latest format that provides a unique opportunity to share information and ideas.

The addition of lightning talks at the State of the Net will add more voices to the conversation and allow for a broader range of topics and more interactive dialogue. We encourage you to contribute concise, powerful lightning talk proposals that spotlight innovative ideas or critical takeaways in Internet policy and will foster meaningful, expert-led conversations on the nuanced challenges and opportunities in today’s digital landscape.

Successful proposals will help inform policymakers who work on Internet policy in Washington, in state capitals, and in international governance fora. Choose from a list of categories or submit a proposal on your own topic.

The proposal deadline for lightning talks is Thursday, December 12, 2024. Use the submission form below to send in your proposal.

If you have any questions, please read the below FAQs or email [email protected].

Submission Form for Lightning Talks

Use this submission form to send in your proposals for a lightning talk.

FAQs

What are Lightning Talks?

Lightning Talks are returning to SOTN this year. While we have traditionally hosted long-form and structured sessions featuring keynote speakers, fireside chats, and panel discussions, we are excited to re-introduce this latest format that provides a unique opportunity to share information and ideas.

Lightning Talks

Lightning Talks are brief presentations (5-10 minutes), which may be accompanied by slides. Lightning talks are ideal for discussing emerging or niche ideas. Successful lightning talks usually consist of 1-3 key ideas and/or takeaways and feature slides with charts and images rather than text.

Session proposers can submit a general category proposal or choose from the below program categories.

General Category: Submit a proposal on any topic related to Internet policy you like.

Free Expression & Social Media: Social spaces are central to the Internet. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, we invite you to contribute your perspectives on shaping the future of these digital realms.

Creator Economy: Delve into the nuances of the creator economy, focusing on how digital artists, influencers, and content creators are rewarded for their online contributions. Share your insights on shaping a more equitable and sustainable Internet landscape.

Artificial Intelligence: AI is ushering in a new epoch of Internet policy. How should policymakers balance the opportunities and challenges presented by powerful AI tools? How will widespread use of AI tools present challenges to existing governance structures and existing law?

Internet Geopolitics: Multistakeholderism defined the first era of Internet policymaking. How will governments, multinational corporations, and citizens resolve differences and achieve shared goals over the next twenty years.

Equitable Broadband: With programs like BEAD and the ACP the US faces a historic opportunity to ensure that all Americans can participate in the digital economy. How can we achieve this critical goal either here or in the world?

Cybersecurity: How can policymakers ensure that systems, networks, and data are secure? What approaches best actualize cybersecurity in the next 20 years?

Privacy: The privacy of personal information has long been a goal of policymakers in Washington. States and enforcement agencies have forged ahead with actions. What is the best way to safeguard the privacy of citizen data?
What if my proposal isn’t accepted?
What happens after I submit my proposal?

The Programming Committee, made up of IEF staff and volunteers, will review all proposals during the last two weeks of December.
If your submission is incomplete and/or does not meet the criteria outlined above, it will be rejected without further review.
Before the end of December, we will email you to let you know whether your proposal has been accepted.
If your proposal is accepted, members of the Programming Committee will follow up with you in the coming months to ensure we have your bio, headshot, slides (if applicable), and any additional information needed for a successful conference program.
If my proposal is accepted, will I receive a registration discount?
What if my proposal is accepted, but I can’t attend?
How do I submit a proposal?
When is State of the Net?

The State of the Net Conference returns on February 11, 2025 for its 20th annual Internet policy conference. Save the date, add it to your conference budget, and make your travel plans. It will be held at Convene, 600 14th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20005.

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About State of the Net

The State of the Net Conference is the largest Internet policy conference in the US. It fosters a dialogue between civil society, nonprofits, government officials, research institutions and the business community.

With Artificial Intelligence and content moderation in the news daily, it’s a critical time for our issues. We’ll dive into the most pressing policy issues. Congressional and federal leaders will engage with stakeholders on issues such as AI, content moderation, broadband, consumer privacy, content moderation, cyber security, and many more.

As always, State of the Net will be your first look at the players and the issues that will take center stage in 2025. This conference is unique for its diverse blend of perspectives and provocative thinkers.