<p>Pick a Speaker is our open call for meaningful voices and industry-defining debates. Submit a talk you want to give, propose a panel, or nominate someone you think should be on stage at Web Summit Vancouver.</p>
<p><strong>Please note: Applications are closed. Discover our successful applicants below and join them in Vancouver.</strong></p>


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Joey Camire, Chief Strategy Officer, SYLVAIN on Marketing Summit Stage during day one of Web Summit 2024

Meet the Pick a Speaker voices at Web summit Vancouver 2026

COO and CFO

Helen Riley

Founder and CEO

Mahesh Krishnaswamy

James Delorme

<p>You didn’t just suggest topics – you identified the leaders who are actively shaping the future. You told us who needs to be heard, and we listened.</p>
<p>The response was overwhelming, and the caliber of the final selection is a testament to the depth of our community’s insight.</p>


Get to know our successful applicants

<p>The people driving meaningful change are often found far beyond the corner office. They are experts in their fields, asking and answering the questions that will define the next decade.</p>
<p>With <strong>Pick a Speaker</strong>, we want to ensure they have access to our global stage by opening up applications to our community. Don’t let vital discussions stay in the hallways.</p>


The voices we want to elevate and spotlight

<p>Whether it is your voice or the voice of a mentor, Pick a Speaker gives you the chance to:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pitch a talk you are ready to give</strong><br />
Share a bold idea, breakthrough, or perspective shaping your industry.</li>
<li><strong>Propose a panel tackling the tough questions</strong><br />
Bring together voices that challenge assumptions and spark meaningful debate.</li>
<li><strong>Nominate a visionary the world has not heard from yet</strong><br />
Put forward someone whose work deserves a global stage.</li>
</ul>


How you can take part

<h2>Pick a Speaker FAQs</h2>
<h5><strong>When does Pick a Speaker open and close?</strong></h5>
<p>Submissions open 10 February at 9:00am (Vancouver time) and close on 26 February at 11:00pm (Vancouver time). We recommend getting your submission in early to avoid any last-minute rush.</p>
<h5><strong>When will selected speakers be announced?</strong></h5>
<p>We’ll announce the selected talks, panels and nominated speakers the week commencing 13 April.</p>
<h5><strong>What can I submit?</strong></h5>
<p>You can choose from three routes:</p>
<ul>
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<li>submit a talk &#8211; Put forward an idea, insight or story you want to share with our audience.</li>
<li>submit a panel &#8211; Propose a topic and outline the speakers you’d like involved.</li>
<li>nominate someone else &#8211; Spot a great voice or expert? Put them forward to speak in Vancouver.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
<h5><strong>Who can apply?</strong></h5>
<p>Anyone with strong insight, relevant experience or a story that adds value to our audience. Whether you’re a first-time speaker or a seasoned storyteller, we’re open to hearing from you.</p>
<h5><strong>What makes a strong submission?</strong></h5>
<p>Clear and specific ideas work best. Strong submissions usually:</p>
<ul>
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<ul>
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<li>focus on one well-defined message</li>
<li>highlight insight rather than self-promotion</li>
<li>connect to themes that matter to the Web Summit Vancouver audience</li>
<li>show why you (or the nominated speaker) are the right voice for this topic</li>
<li>add to the diversity of perspectives on our stages</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Can I submit more than one idea?</strong></h5>
<p>Yes. If you have multiple talks or panels in mind, you’re welcome to submit each one separately.</p>
<h5><strong>Can I nominate someone without asking them?</strong></h5>
<p>We recommend checking with the person first. If they’re selected to speak, they’ll need to be available for next steps.</p>
<h5><strong>Do I need a full panel confirmed before submitting?</strong></h5>
<p>No. For panel submissions, you can either list confirmed speakers or outline the types of contributors you’d like. Our content team may help shape the final lineup.</p>
<h5><strong>Is there a fee to submit?</strong></h5>
<p>No. There’s no cost to submit a talk, panel or nomination.If selected, speakers receive an event pass for Web Summit Vancouver. Travel and accommodation are not included unless stated otherwise.</p>
<h5><strong>How are speakers selected?</strong></h5>
<p>Our content team reviews every submission. We look at originality, clarity, depth of insight, relevance to Vancouver’s program and how the idea fits within the wider content themes across the event.</p>
<h5><strong>When will I hear back?</strong></h5>
<p>You’ll hear from us before the public announcement in April. If your submission progresses, we’ll reach out directly with next steps.</p>
<h5><strong>Who can I contact if I have a question?</strong></h5>
<p>If your question isn’t answered here, email <a href="mailto:pickaspeaker@websummit.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pickaspeaker@websummit.com</a> and we’ll be happy to help.</p>
<h5><strong>Ready to join a global community of storytellers and innovators? Apply now and join us in Vancouver.</strong></h5>


Want to shape the conversation? Pick a Speaker

Meet the Pick a Speaker voices at Web summit Vancouver 2026

Get to know our successful applicants