We’re so happy you’d like to apply to speak!! Here’s a quick guide to submitting your idea.
The core values to bring to your talk are:
Pragmatism: Do more than tell stories, give the audience practical advice to take away.
Positivity: Leave your audience with hope for the future.
Participation: Actively involve your audience in your session.
Three core content tracks can inspire your idea. These are:
UN//SEEN PERSPECTIVES: Impactful stories that reframe our collective view on industry experiences.
UN//SOLVED PROBLEMS: Concepts that can solve industry challenges that are often overlooked.
UN//SPOKEN POSSIBILITIES: Ignite new ways of thinking, to redefine what success looks like and what matters in the future of creativity and marketing.
We’re looking for bold, unconventional thinking; ideas not showcased at other events.
Your proposal can take on a range of formats, including: workshops, masterclasses, debates, fireside chats, play sessions, performances, sharing circles and talks.
Please note: we don’t do panels!
Timeslots for the day include: 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins and 45 mins (including Q&A)
Audience sizes for talks range by room, from approx. 25, to up to 200 on the main stage.
If you’re brand new to public speaking and want to be heard, this is your event. We’re looking for inspiration, not polish. We provide a safe space and won’t throw you in at the deep-end. We’ll provide pre-event debriefs and committee support.
Please provide a guide on the format you would like your talk to take within your submission form.
If you are recommending other speakers to join your proposed session, please flag whether or not you have permission and availability from them.
Please note: sometimes we love ideas submitted, but find that they will work better in conjunction with one or more other speakers. Some of our most successful sessions in 2025 were designed by connecting speakers, to build a proposal together, e.g. our ‘Who Makes The Map’ workshop combined three top strategists. If this happens, we’ll get your permission before putting you in touch with other applicants and we’ll appoint a committee member to guide your collaboration.
You may also have a proposal which doesn’t typically fit on a stage. Whilst we have limits within Conway Hall, we’re always open to alternative activations that we could help you bring to life. Last year, we hosted both a live illustrator and a poet, who brilliantly captured our day.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Please limit your submission to 500 words, or a 90 second video. When submitting your application, please select the option to send a copy of your proposal to yourself.
Speaking slots are unpaid, we are volunteer-run and all our event profits go to charity. We will cover the cost of your ticket, offer you a guest discount code and give you professional photos to showcase your speaking participation.
We will review all submissions as a committee in May, announcing our decisions by May 31st. We employ scorecards and guidelines supplied to us by consultancy, The Unmistakables. These guidelines were built in accordance with the festival’s principles. For more inspiration, check out our speakers from 2025.
If you have any questions, please email us at: contact@unscenefestival.co.uk
Be brave and apply, your voice matters. We can’t wait to hear from you.