Lean Startup Week Call for Proposals is Now Open

Some exciting news about this year’s Lean Startup Week (Oct. 30-Nov. 5) for all you potential speakers out there: we’re shaking things up in 2017. The flagship conference is directly tied to Eric Ries’ upcoming book, The Startup Way, and we’re hosting the event at different locations in downtown San Francisco (The Warfield and The Village). We’re bringing to life new case studies, advanced strategies, and inspiring areas where Lean Startup is making an impact around the globe, with an emphasis on how to put the practice into place for the long haul at large organizations — from the tiny startup that ballooned to the government or corporate team that’s only known extra large operations. If you’ve ever considered applying to speak at our conferences, now’s the time to go for it. This year will be a biggie for the Lean Startup community.

What We’re Looking For

This part hasn’t changed. We’re passionate about bringing in fresh stories about how Lean Startup methods are being practiced in startups and established companies, nonprofits and civic organizations, and other areas we’ve yet to explore from the stage.

Our goal is to bring the most interesting, relevant, and impactful stories to the conference. We’re looking for practitioners who are doing the real work, particularly women and people of color, and specifically Lean Startup practitioners working at the intermediate and advanced levels. That’s where you come in — especially if you haven’t spoken at our conferences before. As a speaker, you’ll have the opportunity to share your advice, insight, failures, and successes in order to help and benefit from the Lean Startup community.

What is Your Lean Startup Story?

If you have Lean Startup experience to share, we encourage you to propose a talk via our Call for Proposals form, linked to at the bottom of this page, regardless of whether you have public speaking experience. Submit your idea as a short video, ideally under three minutes. iPhone videos are totally acceptable, just make sure the sound quality is high enough that we can hear you. Here’s an example of a speaker application that we loved.

There are a limited number of spots available to speak. Below, you’ll find a few helpful tips on how to submit a proposal:

• You don’t have to be a Lean Startup all-star to apply. You just need a good story, useful tips for intermediate/advanced practitioners, compelling advice, or practical applications to share.
• The core of your proposal should be simple. Focus on answering one of the questions posed in the Call for Proposals form (you’ll find them on page 2 of the application linked to at the bottom of the page).
• Deliver the pitch in your application as though you’re speaking from a stage. Although there’s still time to practice, stage presence matters.

Would You Rather Attend?

Lean Startup Week is the best way to connect with 2000+ other experts in the Lean Startup community. You’ll receive practical ways to immediately implement the Lean Startup methodology into your daily business.

Now is the best time to purchase your tickets for Lean Startup Week; you’ll be able to take advantage of our August Special, which is 15 percent off standard price. There is a package for every budget (and options to bring your entire team at an affordable rate).