Call for Speakers

Thank you for your interest in speaking at AWS User Group Berlin. Community talks are what make user groups valuable. Every meetup is shaped by practitioners who share their experiences, lessons learned, successes, and challenges with others. We appreciate your willingness to contribute.

What we are looking for

We welcome talks that are clearly related to AWS and cloud-native technologies built on AWS.

Our attendees consistently tell us that the most valuable sessions are those that share real-world experiences. We are particularly interested in learning how AWS services are used in practice, what challenges teams encountered, and what lessons were learned along the way.

Speaker Expectations

Our goal is to create a learning-focused environment for the community.

When submitting a proposal, please keep the following in mind:

  • Talks should primarily focus on sharing knowledge and experience
  • Product advertisements and sales pitches are not accepted
  • Speakers should have practical experience or a solid understanding of the topic they present
  • Objective opinions and balanced perspectives are encouraged
  • Topics are welcome at any level, from introductory (100-level) to expert (400-level)

You do not need to be an AWS expert to share something valuable with the community.

Submit proposal

Commonly asked questions

What time does the event begin?
We aim to let participants in at 18:30, but this is not strict. Hosts can allow early arrivals. We reserve 15 minutes for mingling, and the agenda officially begins at 18:45.
How does the agenda look like?

Default format:

  • 18:45-19:00 Intro by AWS UG Berlin and host company
  • 19:00-19:40 Speaker 1 presents (including Q&A)
  • 19:40-20:05 Networking break
  • 20:05-20:45 Speaker 2 presents (including Q&A)
  • 20:45-20:50 Closing
What kind of talks are expected at AWS User Group Berlin?
We are looking for talks that are clearly related to AWS and real-world cloud engineering. Attendees are particularly interested in learning how AWS services are used in practice, what challenges were encountered, and what lessons were learned along the way.
Do I need to be an AWS expert to present?
No. We welcome speakers at all experience levels. Topics can range from introductory (100-level) to advanced (400-level). Practical experience and a willingness to share knowledge are more important than being an AWS guru.
Can I present a beginner-level topic?
Absolutely. Many attendees appreciate introductory sessions that help them learn new services, concepts, or best practices. We aim to provide content for all experience levels.
What talk formats do you accept?

We welcome various formats, including:

  • Lightning Talk (5-10 minutes)
  • Short Technical Session (15-20 minutes)
  • Standard Presentation (20-30 minutes)
  • Live or Recorded Demonstration
  • Architecture Walkthrough
  • Experience Report / Case Study
How long should my presentation be?
Most talks are between 20 and 30 minutes, including time for questions. Lightning talks are typically 5-10 minutes long.
Can I present remotely?
In most cases we prefer in-person presentations because they encourage interaction with attendees. Remote presentations may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can I present a recorded demo?
Yes. Recorded demos are often a great way to avoid technical issues during the event. Many speakers combine a recorded demo with live commentary and discussion.
Can I present a topic together with a colleague?
Yes. Joint presentations are welcome, especially when multiple people contributed to the project or bring different perspectives to the topic.
Can I present a customer case study?
Yes. Real-world experiences are among the most appreciated sessions in our community. Please ensure you have permission to share any relevant information.
Will talks be recorded?
Recording is optional and depends on the speaker, host company, and event setup. Any recording should be coordinated with speakers and attendees in advance.
Can I promote my company or product?
The primary goal of every talk should be knowledge sharing. Product advertisements, sales pitches, and marketing presentations are not accepted. Brief company context is fine when it helps explain the technical story.
How are talks selected?
We review proposals based on technical relevance, practical value, originality, audience interest, and fit within upcoming meetup agendas.
When will I hear back after submitting a proposal?
We review submissions on a rolling basis and will contact you once we have evaluated your proposal and identified a suitable event slot.
Do I need to prepare slides?
Slides are recommended but not mandatory. Depending on your topic, a live demo, architecture walkthrough, or practical showcase may be equally effective.
Will there be a Q&A session?
Yes. We encourage audience interaction and expect speakers to reserve time for questions and discussion after each presentation slot.
What technical equipment is available?
Hosts typically provide a projector or large display, WiFi access, and audio equipment if required. Specific details can be coordinated before the event.
Can I reuse a talk that I have presented elsewhere?
Yes. We are happy to consider talks that have been presented at conferences, user groups, or internal company events, provided they are relevant to our audience.
Do speakers receive compensation?
AWS User Group Berlin is a community-driven meetup. Speakers participate voluntarily and are not compensated. However, speaking provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure within the AWS community.
Why should I consider speaking?
Speaking helps you deepen your understanding of a topic, receive feedback from experienced practitioners, grow your professional network, and contribute back to the AWS community.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Feel free to reach out to the organizing team at organisers@berlinawsug.de. We are happy to help with proposal ideas, talk preparation, or any other questions.
How many participants are typically expected at the event?
Most events have 50-70 participants, but 40-100 is possible depending on season, weather, and agenda. Registration numbers are not fully reliable, so exact attendance cannot be guaranteed.