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Important information

Before filling out the Call for Participation for the b° future festival 2025, please read the following information carefully:

The b° future festival is dedicated to journalism and constructive dialogue. This should also be reflected in your proposed festival contribution. Your contribution should address the problems and challenges of journalism today and also include potential solutions.

The festival brings together media professionals from around the world. The festival also includes a range of events designed especially for those we serve, our audiences, and anyone keen to get a glimpse behind the scenes of journalism. In the call for participation, we will therefore ask you to specify to which audience – journalists or general public – your submission is more suited for. 

As an international festival with international participants and guests, we value and celebrate diverse perspectives, and we aim to reflect this in our selection of contributions. Submissions in both German and English are welcome.

Before filling out the call for participation, please ensure that all the individuals involved in your proposed contribution have agreed to take part.

Call for participation

A significant part of the festival program will be curated through the call for participation. Our goal is to reflect the full diversity of the journalistic and media landscapes, spanning traditional newspapers to TikTok channels.

You can submit your pitch through April 30th to showcase your ideas.

We look forward to your submission and your idea(s).

Man sieht zwei Menschen von hinten die in Liegestühlen sitzen und in die Sonne gucken

Your turn now!

Call for participation

Formats

The schedule for your session:

All sessions generally run 45 minutes unless stated otherwise. The usual format allocates approximately 30 minutes for the presentation and the final 15 minutes for audience Q&A. However, you are welcome to adjust the format to suit your needs. For example, if your presentation only requires 20 minutes, you can extend the Q&A to 25 minutes.

We kindly ask that the Q&A remain part of the session, as we strive to make all program elements as interactive as possible. The final 15 minutes before the next time slot are reserved for setup changes and for participants to get themselves to the next session.

Talk

Do you have an exciting idea, an inspiring story, or deep expertise you'd like to share? Then a talk is the perfect format for you! You are at the center of a talk, which lets you captivate your audience with your message. Whether informative, interactive, or entertaining, a talk give you a platform to spotlight your topic. It's ideal for anyone who wants to present their perspective and inspire others to think or take action.

 

Time slot: 45 minutes

Panel

Would you like to be part of an engaging discussion that brings together diverse perspectives? Then a panel is the right format for you! A panel lets you join other experts to discuss a specific topic. It is guided by a moderator who steers the conversation and incorporates audience questions. A panel is ideal for exchanging opinions, generating new ideas, and enriching the audience with diverse insights. It's perfect for anyone who values dialogue and wants to create value in a collaborative way.

 

Time slot: 45 minutes

Workshop

Are you an expert in your field and want to share your knowledge in a way that’s directly applicable? Then host a workshop at the festival! A workshop lets you actively engage participants through hands-on exercises, group work, or creative tasks. Your goal: to impart new knowledge, develop skills, or collaboratively work on solutions. Workshops are perfect if you want to bring your topics to life and make them interactive and engaging in a practical way.

 

Time slot: 90 minutes

Coaching

Are you an expert in your field and eager to help others grow and develop? The b°ff 2025 gives you the opportunity to share your expertise in small groups or through personal one-on-one coaching sessions. Support participants in unlocking their strengths, setting clear goals, or discovering new perspectives. Your coaching provides personalized value and guides participants on their journey to new insights.

 

Time slot: 45-90 minutes

Fireside chat

Do you want to share fascinating insights or discuss profound topics in a relaxed atmosphere? Then organize a fireside chat! This informal interview format emphasizes personal exchange: A moderator guides the conversation, asks targeted questions, and creates space for inspiring insights. The laid-back setting allows for meaningful connections with the audience and fosters genuine dialogue. It’s perfect for sharing valuable experiences and building new relationships –  without the formality of a traditional stage setup.

 

Time slot: 45 minutes

Social event

Do you have an idea for bringing people together in a relaxed setting? Organize a social event at b°ff 2025! Whether it’s a Volo meetup, a product developer gathering, or something entirely different, the focus is on creating connections and fostering exchange. We provide the space, you bring the idea and the people. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new contacts, meet like-minded individuals, or simply step outside your bubble.

 

Time slot: By arrangement

Podcast

Do you have a podcast that explores journalistic topics in a constructive and engaging way? Then take the stage at b°ff 2025! Here’s your chance to record an episode live in front of an audience – right in the heart of the city. Whether it’s captivating interviews, in-depth discussions, or compelling stories, let your content shine live and inspire your audience in a unique atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain new listeners and interact directly with them.

 

Time slot: 45 minutes

Reading

Have you published a book in 2024 or 2025, or are you planning to? Then take the stage at b°ff 2025 for a live reading! This is your chance to present your work to an engaged audience as you give your words a voice, inspire with your content, and connect directly with your listeners.

 

Time slot: 45 minutes

FAQ

What is the call for participation?

The call for participation shapes the program of the b° future festival. All journalists and media creators in general are invited to apply.

When is the deadline for the call for participation?

We accept submissions up through April 30, 2025.

How is the program of the b° future festival curated?

The program of the b° future festival 2025 will be carefully curated by the b° future team. We strive to present a balanced mix of established experts and emerging voices, thereby providing a wide range of perspectives.

When will I hear whether my submission has been accepted or rejected?

We will let you know whether your proposal was accepted starting May 16, 2025. However, some exciting submissions may hear from us earlier.

What formats are possible?
  • Talk – An inspiring solo presentation followed by Q&A
  • Panel – A moderated discussion followed by Q&A
  • Workshop – A small group works together on a specific topic
  • Coaching – Advise your peers on a specific topic from journalistic practice
  • Fireside chat – An informal, personal discussion in an intimate setting
  • Social event – Networking and meeting new people
  • Podcast – Record a podcast episode in front of an audience
  • Reading – You have published a book in 2024 / 2025 and would like to read from it in front of an audience
How many proposals can I submit?

You may submit multiple proposals. However, please consider: As a small team we prefer quality over quantity. You save us and yourself time by not submitting five entries right away, but focusing on one or two.

I want to participate as a speaker. What do I need to do?

If you want to become part of the b° future festival 2025, fill out our call for participation.

How do I create a profile as a speaker?

We will take care of that for you if you are selected as a speaker at #bff25. You can help by making sure that your information is accurate and complete when filling out the call for participation.

What is the compensation for speakers at the b° future festival?

The b° future festival is organized by the Bonn Institute. It is a non-profit organization with limited financial resources, which is why the b° future festival does not provide fees for speakers. 

Will my session be recorded?

We plan to offer extensive documentation for the upcoming festival. However, we will not be able to record every single session.

I need more information. Who can I contact?