Speaker Manifesto
It is not about you
From the beginning, we defined a simple set of rules to make the content at The Things Conference stand out:
1. Nobody cares about your company. They care about the problems you solve. Keep introductions short.
2. Talk about what excites you. Passion is contagious.
3. Skip the obvious. Everyone knows billions of devices are coming and that many projects fail.
4. You’re speaking to users, product managers, and developers, not investors. Keep it real.
5. 2000 people in Amsterdam, 250K online. Prepare clear takeaways that can be cut into short clips. They will spread far.
6. IoT is hard. Use this moment to bring fun, energy, and positivity to the room.
7. Use plain language instead of buzzwords.
8. Share failures as well as successes. Honesty builds trust and helps others learn.
We will be releasing the full recording of your talk as well as YouTube Shorts of your key takeaways shortly after the event. Please prepare your talk with this in mind—be concise, clear, and intentional so your message carries far beyond the room in Amsterdam.
We are excited to have you join us and contribute your experience to the global IoT community. Together, we’ll keep building an event that is real, inspiring, and valuable.
With ❤ from Amsterdam,
The Things Conference Team
Formats
Keynotes
Keynotes are presented on the main stage or the side stages to an audience from 50 to 200 people. Each keynote time slot is limited to 15 minutes total (including setup, entrance, and exit). Please aim for 12–14 minutes to ensure smooth transitions. Timing will be strictly enforced, so rehearse to stay within the limit.\n\nDuration: 12-14 minutes\nAudience size: 50 - 200\nEquipment available: Head and hand mic, clicker, big screen\nAssets needed: Upload presentation here\nRecording: All keynotes will be recorded and published on Youtube
Panels
Panels are presented with up to three speakers and a moderator in front of an audience of up to 50 people listening via headset. They will be recorded and shared afterwards. There is no screen and no possibility to show slides.\n\nDuration: 25 minutes including QnA\nAudience size: Up to 50\nEquipment available: Head and/or hand mics, clicker, small screen. \nRecording: All panels will be recorded and published on Youtube
Workshops
Workshops are given in the workshop rooms on the first floor, with a group of up to 50 participants who can walk through hands-on exercises using their own computers. Pre-registration will be requested via email, and all participants are expected to register in advance.\n\nDuration: 50 minutes\nLocation: Workshop room 1 or 2\nAudience size: Up to 50\nEquipment available: Hand mic, clicker, projector\nAssets needed: Bring your own presentation, connect your laptop\nRecording: Workshops are NOT recorded\n\nNote that we will not share the participant list due to GDPR, but you may collect leads yourself.
Demos
Demo Zone is where you can showcase your solution in a live, hands-on format. This is a space for practical demonstrations rather than formal presentations—focus on showing your product in action.\n\nDuration: 45 minutes (with a 15 minutes set up time)\nLocation: Demo zone\nAudience size: Please note that audience seating will not be provided; attendees are welcome to stand near the stage.\nEquipment available: Workbench, screen, \nRecording: All demos will be recorded and published on Youtube
Roundtables
Roundtables are an intimate format with up to 10 participants, where one moderator leads an interactive session with the group. Pre-registration will be requested via email, and all participants are expected to register in advance.\n\nDuration: 50 minutes\nLocation: Roundtable area\nAudience size: Up to 10\nEquipment available: No equipment\nAssets needed: Moderator should prepare questions\nRecording: Not recorded\nNumber of tables: 1
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