Call for speakers

Each year Something Digital brings together headline thinkers, national & international voices and bold ideas shaping the future of technology in Australia.

 

But the heart of our program is not built on big ideas and provocations alone.

 

It is built on lived experience. On leaders, operators and teams navigating change in the real world.

 

From AI adoption and digital transformation to culture, capability and governance, Something Digital is where big thinking meets the practical reality of delivery.

 

Our 2026 program will again feature leaders at the forefront of their fields from Australia and abroad, alongside practitioners sharing what is actually happening inside organisations right now.

 

If you are doing the work, not just commenting on it, we want to hear from you.

Our program first approach

Something Digital exists to build digital capability and strengthen the ecosystem around it.

 

We design the program around the real challenges organisations are facing, from growth and AI adoption to ethics and societal impact. Every topic is explored through a digital lens and grounded in practical application.

 

We do not build the agenda around who applies.

We build it around what the audience needs.

That means we curate deliberately.

 

We work with industry and community to shape a balanced program of keynotes, case studies and panels, aiming for diversity across disciplines, roles and lived experience.

 

If you apply, your submission will be assessed primarily on program fit. 

 

Not every strong proposal will make the final program. Sometimes that is about balance, sometimes theme, sometimes the overall story we are trying to tell.

 

As the program evolves, we may reconnect closer to the event or in future years.

What we are looking for

We are seeking two types of contributors:

 

Session speakers
Practitioners who can deliver a compelling 20 minute talk grounded in real experience.

 

Panellists
Leaders and operators ready to contribute to thoughtful, robust conversations on the issues shaping digital practice.

 

Whether you are an established leader or a first time speaker with a strong, experience led perspective, we want to hear from you.

 

If you have insight others can learn from, and the ability to engage a room, we encourage you to apply.

Why speak at Something Digital

Because you are not just presenting. You are contributing.

 

As a speaker, you will:

  • Join a curated program alongside leaders at the forefront of their fields
  • Share your experience with digital practitioners, leaders and decision makers
  • Play a key role in strengthening Queensland’s digital ecosystem
  • Expand your network
  • Receive complimentary access to attend Something Digital 2026

 

Many of our speakers tell us the value extends well beyond their session. The conversations, connections and ideas continue long after the stage lights dim.

Eligibility

This open call is for:

  • In-house digital, technology and transformation leaders
  • Public sector practitioners
  • Startup founders and operators
  • Marketing, customer, product, design, engineering and delivery professionals
  • Academics and researchers with applied, real-world work

 

Commercial service providers, including creative agencies, consultancies, training providers, SaaS companies, systems integrators and similar businesses, must participate through a partnership package to speak at Something Digital 2026.

 

Speaking roles are not allocated to commercial service providers through this open call.

 

If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please contact hello@somethingdigital.com.au before submitting your application

Application Overview

A few important things to keep in mind:

 

Our audience is experienced.
They work in digital every day. Please avoid introductory or 101 content.

 

They come from diverse industries and roles.
Some sessions may be broad, others highly specific. Both are welcome, as long as the insight is strong.

 

They are there to learn, not to be sold to.
All sessions must be experience led and non promotional.

 

If you apply, please be available.
Our audience expects speakers to show up. Ensure you have availability and any required approvals before submitting.

 

Logistics: 

  • Something Digital 2026 takes place on 25–26 August 2026. Please keep both days free.
  • Session times and stage allocations will be confirmed closer to the event.
  • Interstate speakers are welcome, however travel and accommodation are at your own expense.
  • Speakers receive complimentary access to attend Something Digital 2026.
  • We are unable to offer speaker fees.

Apply to speak