Our conference is currently seeking speakers for the following format:

General Talk

We are seeking speakers for 30-minute breakout sessions throughout the conference day. The format is:

• Duration: 25 minutes for the presentation, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session (30 minutes total).
• Audience: Talks may be offered to all attendees or run concurrently with other sessions.
• Content: Submissions are welcome for both technical and non-technical topics, provided they relate to the conference theme. ++Technical talks must be presented in a way that is accessible to individuals in various roles across the tech industry.

Why You Should Present at CHIWITCON™:

We are looking for presenters who:

• Reside in the Chicagoland area.
• Are motivated to volunteer and contribute to the technology community.
• Are enthusiastic about a topic aligned with this year’s theme.
• Seek a valuable networking opportunity to connect with and join Chicago’s Women in Tech community.

This Year’s Theme:

• Limitless: Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Expectations - We are celebrating the power of women in tech to dismantle systemic obstacles and redefine what is possible in innovation. By championing diverse perspectives, we move beyond traditional constraints to build a future where technological excellence is defined by those who dare to exceed every expectation.

Chiwitcon 2026 Submission Requirements

Please ensure your proposal adheres to the following guidelines:

• Code of Conduct: All presenters must agree to follow our Code of Conduct upon submission.
• Location: Submissions are only accepted from individuals located within the Chicagoland area.
• Presentation Length: The core content of your talk should be approximately 25 minutes long.
• Q&A: A 5-minute question-and-answer period should be built into the end of your session.

Submission Requirements:

• Title = This will be shown in the schedule and should be representative of your talk
• Elevator Pitch = A 300-character abstract of your talk
• Description = A more in-depth explanation of your talk containing an outline with key takeaways
• Speaker Profile = Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. We want to hear why you’re interested in speaking at the conference. Let us know if you have past speaking experience and submit some relevant examples if you have them. Share any links or social media that may showcase youshowcase you if you have any.

Review Process & Timeline

A diverse panel of reviewers, representing a range of backgrounds and experience levels, will evaluate submissions using a standardized rubric. From these evaluations, the required number of talks will be selected, and a waitlist of additional proposals will be established. Finalists will be invited to participate in phone or video interviews. We strongly recommend submitting your proposal early, well before the final deadline.

Key Dates:

• May 20th: CFP Closes
• May 31st: Selected speakers will be notified of acceptance.
• June 15th: Speakers must confirm their participation.

Characteristics of a Strong Talk

A successful presentation often features the following:

• Passion: The speaker is genuinely enthusiastic about the subject matter.
• Narrative: The talk is structured as a clear, relatable, and coherent story.
• Value: Attendees receive relevant, practical takeaways.
• Impact: The content is inspiring and motivates attendees to discuss and share the experience with others.

Compensation

CHIWITCON™ is a non-profit, volunteer effort. Therefore, while selected speakers will receive a complimentary ticket for themselves and one guest, we are unable to offer any compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses.