Call for speakers

Speaking applications opened on our website on the 3rd September 2024 through our form. by selecting the option “Submit a proposal”. You can submit your application at any time until the deadline, 30th October 2024. However, we recommend that you submit your application before that, to ensure that any issues that may arise are sorted in time. We recommend you prepare your application in an external document and then copy it into our form. That way, if there is an issue with submission, you will not lose your work. How do I apply to speak at 4YFN?⌃

Speaking applications opened on our website on the 3rd September 2024 through our form. by selecting the option “Submit a proposal”. You can submit your application at any time until the deadline, 30th October 2024. However, we recommend that you submit your application before that, to ensure that any issues that may arise are sorted in time. We recommend you prepare your application in an external document and then copy it into our form. That way, if there is an issue with submission, you will not lose your work. 

In the submission form, we ask for basic information about the speaker/s, as well as a suggested presentation topic. When the content managers review the submissions, they look for speakers who will fit in with our themes. Similarly, we ask that you select whether you want to present, moderate, or participate in a panel. It is worth noting that whilst we do sometimes take submissions in their entirety and place them in a session, we also often use the submission as a source of inspiration but adapt how it is delivered, in terms of topic and format.   

If the submitter and speaker are not the same, please ensure you submit the email addresses for both individuals. Only the submitter will be contacted by the GSMA.  

If you have speaking examples, please feel free to add links.  

We receive thousands of submissions to speak at 4YFN. Therefore, anything that can differentiate you from the crowd will help with your application.  

Some areas that could help make your submission stand out:  

• GSMA has an unwavering commitment to diversity. We are proud that at 4YFN24 we had more than 40% female speakers across the conference. We continue to strive to amplify diverse voices from all genders, regions, backgrounds and industries.  
• We love to hear what you feel passionate about, how your submission is unique and crafted specifically for 4YFN and what you are doing differently to the rest in the tech and mobile industry. 
• Real life, practical, scalable use-cases and success stories stand out. Especially with a partner on stage with you. As well as successful examples of partnerships and synergies across all verticals.  
• Examples that lend themselves to great photography or strong images and social benefit narratives (sustainability, diversity, etc), will also capture our (and the audiences) attention.
• Strong statistics of the ROI or wider societal impact are always a powerful way to communicate value.  
• Can I submit multiple applications?⌃

Yes, you can make as many submissions as you like. 

You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully completed your submission. 

Once submissions close, the content team will review all the submissions and select the ones they are interested in.  

Firstly, please check your spam folder, as emails can sometimes end up there.  

In the case that you can’t see it in your inbox or your spam, please complete the form again and resubmit. This is why it’s very important to prepare your application in an external document and then copy it into our form. That way, if there is an issue with submission, you will not lose your work.  

If you once again do not receive a confirmation email, please contact [email protected]

There will be no cost associated with becoming a conference speaker. The speaking engagements at the 4YFN Conference are editorially independent.  

Unsuccessful submissions will receive an email in the week commencing 4th November. The email will only be sent to the ‘submitter’s’ email address. If you did not receive an email on that date, that means your submission is under further review by the team.  

For submissions that are still under review by this date, in the weeks following, you will be contacted by a member of the team with more information about the status of your submission.  

• Will I be paid to speak at 4YFN?⌃

No, we do not provide payment for speaking at 4YFN. 

• Will I receive feedback on my submission?⌃

Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, we cannot provide individual feedback.  

• Tips to make your participation stand out: ⌃

Unique content: We are looking for content that has been exclusively created for 4YFN. Fresh content that is planned with the event themes in mind is what will make you stand out from the crowd. If you are selected to speak at 4YFN, you will work with your session manager and moderator to curate your speaking content in new and exciting formats to avoid predictability.   

Audience Engagement: Involving the audience is a key element of an immersive and engaging experience. We will be providing tools to enable this before, during and after your session. We also encourage you to simply ask for a show of hands for example. Don’t talk to the audience, engage them, be generous and showcase your expertise.  

Understanding the Purpose of Conference: Conference is about thought leadership, it is not a sales pitch opportunity. All the feedback supports this. It is about convincing your audience of your expertise and credibility, through your clear vision, insights and understanding of the current and future trends. Try to be original and memorable, through your use of examples. Paint pictures through your words and on screen.  You should leave them wanting more, interested and engaged, so they contact you off stage, possibly at your stand, where you may then engage in a more detailed sales pitch.  

In the form, there’s also the option to nominate a speaker. By nominating a speaker you are just sending an idea of someone you believe that would be a great fit to speak at 4YFN. 

All nominations are reviewed by the content team, but only speakers considered a good fit will be contacted.