Welcome to EmTech Next, MIT Technology Review's conference on the future of work. We are delighted that you will be joining us for this 3-day virtual conference.

This page has been designed as a resource to help you prepare for your speaking role, and to set expectations by addressing the most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please contact us at speaker@technologyreview.com

SPEAKER ACTION ITEMS & KEY DELIVERABLE DATES

• Register: All speakers must complete the Speaker Registration Form, within one week of receiving this brief but no later than April 9, 2021. This form collects your information, support personnel contacts, consent to be recorded, and more. With your permission, your assistant may complete this form on your behalf. (Action Item)

• Speaker Prep Call: We will be contacting you to schedule a prep call to discuss the content and flow of your session.

• Speaker Tech Training: We will be contacting you to schedule a tech training where we will familiarize you with our digital studio and ensure your audio, video, lighting and set are properly configured for broadcast. This check will take 15 – 25 minutes.

• Speaker Check-in: You will receive a calendar invitation for your session broadcast which will include ‘backstage green room’ time for a live-day tech check and discussion about your session.

• Presentations Due: May 25, 2021 (Action Item)

GUEST PASSES

• Guest Passes: We are happy to provide up to 3 complimentary tickets for your guests. Please invite your guests to register here.

PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS & TIPS

• File Format: PowerPoint is our primary format. Please inquire if you have another preferred format.

• Slide Layout: 16:9 aspect ratio

• Fonts: Fonts are the most common problem with presentations. Please use standard fonts.

• Embedded Media: Please alert us if you plan to include video or audio in your presentation.

• File Upload: Upload presentation and associated media files to the EmTech Next Production Site. (Action Item)

• Tone and Style: Relax and make yourself comfortable. It makes sense to mention your organization during the presentation when citing examples, but please remember that the audience is sensitive to what they might perceive as a sales pitch.

VIRTUAL TECH SPECS & SETUP

• Internet Connection: Please ensure that you have a strong internet connection. A hardwired connection to your modem is best, but WIFI can be boosted by sitting close to your modem. If our production team deems your internet too unstable for the live event, you may be asked to connect by phone and participate by audio-only.

• Flattering Camera Angles: Set your camera at eye-level and look directly into it when speaking. Light your face from the front to avoid shadows, and position yourself in the center of the video frame.

• VPN Connections: Please turn off VPNs since they will block your entry into the production room.

ON-CAMERA TIPS

• Timing: Constrain your presentation to the allotted time to keep the agenda on schedule. Going long may cut into your Q&A time or reduce another speaker’s time.

• Live Q&A Segments: Q&A segments are hosted by our editors who will have prepared questions and will moderate questions from the audience.

• Dress Code: The best clothing choices for the camera are solid colors that contrast with your background. Please avoid wearing solid white, prints, and patterns; none of which are optimal for video. Business/business casual is recommended.

MARKETING & PROMOTION

• Attendance: We expect 500+ attendees from industries including technology, finance, education, consumer services, and government. About 60% of our audience are senior-level executives and key decision-makers; the balance comes from academia, research, and management.

• Promotion Materials: We post your biography and headshot on our website. Your personal contact information will not be shared.

• Share Your News at EmTech Next: Let us know if you have any news or announcements, and we can help amplify your message.

• Connect with Press: In addition to MIT Technology Review and Harvard Business Review journalists, our events draw media attention from top tier outlets. A week before the event, we will share the list of registered press with you. If you have questions, please email us at press@technologyreview.com.

• Social Hashtags: #TechnologyReview  #TechReviewEvents  #EmTechNext

• Promote Your Appearance: The easiest way to promote your appearance is to share an existing MIT Technology Review social post along with a personalized message about your session. Here are three social posts that you can click for easy sharing: 

  • Twitter: Click here for post

  • LinkedIn: Click here for post

  • Facebook: Click here for post
     

• MIT Technology Review Official Logos: If you’d like to use the EmTech Next Logo in your organization’s newsletter or other communication vehicles, you’re welcome to use these images.