Speaker Guidelines

Everything you need to know about presenting at KCD Kochi 2026

Session Formats

Tech Sessions

25 Minutes Including Q&A

In-depth technical presentations covering specific topics, case studies, or hands-on demonstrations. These sessions allow speakers to dive deep into their subject matter while maintaining audience engagement.

Lightning Talks

15 Minutes Including Q&A

Fast-paced, focused presentations on specific tools, techniques, or ideas. Perfect for sharing quick insights, tips, or introducing a concept you're passionate about.

Best Practices

  • Allocate time for Q&A within your session (recommend: 3-5 minutes for lightning, 5-8 minutes for tech sessions)
  • Practice your timing to ensure you finish within the allocated slot
  • Include live demos or code examples where relevant. Note: Demos must be pre-recorded video files. We do not have bandwidth for live demos and will be using console laptops.
  • Prepare for technical questions from the audience
  • Share your slides and resources after the talk

Content Guidelines

All talks should align with the Kubernetes and cloud-native community values. Please review our Code of Conductbefore submitting.

We Welcome

  • •Technical deep-dives
  • •Case studies & lessons learned
  • •Pre-recorded demos (live demos not available)
  • •Open source projects
  • •Beginner-friendly content

We Avoid

  • •Product pitches
  • •Non-technical content
  • •Inappropriate language
  • •Discriminatory content
  • •Commercial promotions

Presentation Guidelines

  • All presentations must be in English.
  • Include your contact information on the final slide.
  • Include a conclusion slide highlighting key takeaways from your presentation.
  • Presentations must be in PPTX or Google Slides format. PDF or Word files are not accepted.
  • Check spelling using spell check software or a proofreader to ensure correctness.
  • Use the official templates provided by the KCDKOCHI26 team to ensure consistent branding.
  • Keep slides simple and legible. Ensure images match the presentation theme and are high-quality.
  • Use clear fonts, avoid excessive text, and ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility.
  • The conference screen size is 12ft × 8ft for both Track 01 & Track 02. Adjust your slides accordingly for optimal visibility.
  • Submit your presentation on time for review to ensure it meets brand and community guidelines.
  • No changes can be made in the session room. Make sure everything is finalized before submission.
  • The conference will provide laptops for presentations. Avoid using your own laptop to save setup time and prevent technical issues.
  • Keep a backup of your presentation on a USB or cloud storage in case of technical issues.

Speaker Tips

Voice and Delivery

Speak loudly, slowly and clearly. Avoid speaking too quickly as this may affect audience's ability to understand you.

Body Language

Stand upright with chest high as good posture helps in exuding an air of confidence.

Audience Engagement

Talk with your audience; avoid reading your slides.

Handling Questions

Encourage questions: be patient and listen to questions from audience.

Using Humor

Any joke you tell should be appropriate.

Handling Mistakes

Learn to laugh at your mistakes (if you make any).

Enjoy Your Session

Enjoy your session. If you enjoy it, your audience is likely to enjoy it too.

Speaker Workflow

1

Submit CFP

Submit your Call for Proposals through our official CFP form.

2

CFP Approval

Wait for the organizing team to review and approve your proposal.

3

Acknowledge Approval

Please acknowledge approval and confirm your participation.

4

Social Media Announcement

Your session will be announced on our social media channels.

5

Book Travel & Accommodation

If traveling from outside city, book your travel and accommodation.

6

Submit Initial Presentation

Submit your initial presentation slides for review.

7

Review for Guidelines

Team reviews slides for brand and community guidelines compliance.

8

Final Slides

Make any requested changes and submit final slides.

9

Move to Production Team

Final slides are moved to the production team.

10

Add Intro & Thank You

Production team adds intro and thank you slides to your presentation.

11

Event Day

Arrive early, check in at Console Room, and deliver your amazing session!