Call for speakers
Got a talk or workshop?
As our Agile on the Beach fanbase knows, each conference we rally around a unique three-word theme. For AOTB NZ ’26, we’re creating space to: Energise, Evolve, and Effect.
We’re looking for talk and workshop submissions that connect with one or more of these themes:
- Energise – Spark fresh thinking and reignite a passion for agility. Share sessions that inspire action, ignite curiosity, and bring fresh energy to Agile practitioners, teams, and leaders
- Evolve – Embrace change and explore how agile practices continue to grow across industries, teams, and technologies. Offer lessons learned from scaling agility, fostering resilience, navigating change, or integrating cultural perspectives and new technologies.
- Effect – Turn ideas into action and make a lasting impact in your organisation, community, and the wider agile world. Highlight outcomes that matter — whether it’s empowering teams, driving product innovation, creating social impact, or shifting mindsets at scale.
If you’ve got something to say (or show) that aligns with one of these themes, we’d love to hear from you.
Deadline for Submissions is Friday 31st October, 2025
Who’s your audience?
We’re all about building community. Our Agile on the Beach family includes people from all walks of life — from those brand new to agile to seasoned professionals. We’re serious about our beach vibes: welcoming, inclusive, and open to everyone who shares a curiosity or passion for agile ways of working.
Our audience includes:
- Agile coaches and leaders
- Scrum masters and product people
- Change practitioners
- Developers, designers, and doers
- Anyone interested in agility, lean thinking, or continuous improvement
What we’re looking for in a speaker?
We welcome a wide range of speakers — from first-timers to seasoned pros. If you’ve got an engaging topic that resonates with our theme, and you’re open to sharing your experience, story, or insight, then you’re the right fit.
New to public speaking? No problem. We’ll support you every step of the way.
What’s in it for you?
If your talk or workshop is selected, you’ll receive:
- A ticket to Agile on the Beach NZ
- Discounted Master Classes
- Invitation to the post-conference Speaker’s Lunch on Sunday
- Opportunities to grow your profile and expand your network
- The experience of speaking at a fun, friendly, and highly engaged event
What ‘s the format?
We’re planning an event that’s dynamic, engaging, and (yes!) bullet-point free. That means no PowerPoint or Keynote slides. We want to see and hear you — your story, your energy, your voice.
Choose from:
- Talk (20 minutes) – Think TED-style. Short, powerful, and idea-driven.
- Workshop (45 minutes) – Interactive, hands-on sessions that help participants explore or apply agile concepts aligned with our themes.
Selection Process
After the submission deadline, all talks and workshops will be reviewed by our speaker selection panel. The following criteria will be considered:
- Does the presentation align with one or more of this year’s themes?
- Is the topic engaging and relevant to our audience?
- Is there a diverse range of topics to ensure variety?
- Is there a good balance between talks and workshops?
- Does the speaker’s experience match the scope of the session?
All submissions will receive an official response. You will be notified of the panel’s decision regardless of whether your topic is selected.
Expect to hear back from us by mid-November.
Ready to submit?
We can’t wait to hear what you’ve got to share!
Got a question about the form or anything else? We’re happy to help — just email us at speakers@agileonthebeach.co.nz