What is a call for speakers?
On March 1st, 2016 we began accepting submissions from individuals to speak at Music City Code 2016 (August 18-20). This call is open to anyone with something to engage attendees. You don't have to be a professional speaker, as practical best practices and lessons learned are great ways for anyone to share their real-world experience.


How does this work?
Once you complete the submission form, our selection committee will begin evaluating your topic for inclusion in this year's schedule. Don't wait until the last minute as this process starts from the moment we receive the first submission.


Why should you speak at Music City Code 2016?
Free Conference & Workshop Registration
Speakers are invited to attend all three days of Music City Code for free!

VIP Dinner Invitation
We consider speakers to be VERY important to the success of Music City Code, so Thursday evening we will be hosting a special dinner to show our appreciation. Not only are all speakers welcome at this exclusive event, they are the guests of honor!


Submission Guidelines
Here's some advice from Brad Miller on crafting your submission:

1. Spend time coming up with a good title
First impressions are everything for your work. The best way to make an impression is to craft an excellent title. For this, there needs to be a balance between hooking your reader in and giving a snippet of your talk. It needs to have pop that will give your reader a reason to read your abstract, but it shouldn’t just be catchy. The heading should also be informative, giving substance to your hook. In essence, your title should be visually stimulating to your reader.

2. Pitch the benefits of your session in the abstract
Use your abstract as the sales pitch to why the community should vote for your session. They are asking themselves, “Is this talk beneficial to me? How can it help me move forward in my own endeavors?” In this preview to your work, give them the reason why your talk will be beneficial to them and how it can help them in achieving their goals. Answer your colleagues’ questions in the abstract but do not give them all of your secrets. Leave them with the feeling of wanting more by only hitting the high notes of your talk. By conference time, they will be ready for your entire pitch.

3. Specify who the session is for exactly
Who is your projected audience? That is what you need to ask yourself when crafting your abstract. Is it for new coders or more experienced? Designers, Developers, or Managers? From there, tailor your abstract to fit one or two of these groups.

4. Tell your audience exactly what they will receive during your hour
Again, attendees are always asking themselves what they can benefit from your talk. They also like to hear certain things that can help their business. Be upfront with them, and tell them what they can gain. Is it just an hour of your knowledge or will you be providing them with additional resources, libraries, or slide decks?