Speaker FAQ

Welcome to EmTech Next, MIT Technology Review’s event on digital transformation. We are delighted that you will be joining us for this three-day virtual conference.

This page has been designed 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, which is requested within one week of receiving this brief. This form is to collect your information, support personnel contacts, consent to be recorded, and more. With your permission, a supporting colleague 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 and to introduce you to the editor who will be hosting you onstage.

  • 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.

  • Presentations Due: May 30, 2023 (Action Item)

  • 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.

GUESTS

  • Speakers are offered two complimentary tickets for guests. Please share this special registration link with your guests.

PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS & TIPS

  • File Format: PowerPoint is our preferred format. We can also accommodate Keynote, PDF, and Google Slides. Please inquire if you have another preferred format.

  • Slide Layout: 16:9 aspect ratio

  • Fonts: If your presentation uses proprietary fonts, please send us files for the appropriate fonts to ensure your text displays correctly during your presentation.

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

  • File Upload: Upload your presentation and any associated media files to the EmTech Next Production Site. (Action Item)
    • Due Date for Draft Presentation: Monday, May 22, 2023
    • Final Due Date for Presentation: Tuesday May 30, 2023
  • Tone and Style: Our audience trusts MIT Technology Review to only invite informed advisors and topic matter experts. Your invitation is our confirmation that we view you as such. Be prescriptive with pragmatic guidance. Do not use this forum to promote or advertise your services directly. Our audience will instantly discount your session.

VIRTUAL TIPS

  • 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 disable VPNs and connect directly to our production studio to avoid lag.

  • Timing: There will be a countdown clock that shows the total time for your session; when it reaches zero, your session is done. Please constrain your presentation to the allotted time to preserve your Q&A time. 

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

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

PRESS & PROMOTION

  • Attendance: Attendee backgrounds vary, but most are from high-tech, finance, consumer services, and government sectors. Historically, 60% of our attendees have been senior-level executives and key decision-makers; the balance hail from academia, research, and industry.

  • Promotion Materials: We post your biography and headshot on our website and occasionally in promotional emails, social media posts, and print advertising by MIT Technology Review. Your personal contact information will not be shared.

  • Connect with Press: In addition to MIT Technology Review journalists, our events draw media attention from top tier outlets. We will share the list of registered press with you (and your designated PR contact, if applicable) one week prior to the event. If you have questions, please email us at press@technologyreview.com.

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

  • Social Media Promotion: To help build excitement for your session, please post to your social media networks, mentioning MIT Technology Review, EmTech Next, and your speaking role. 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.

  • Social Hashtags: #TechnologyReview  #TechReviewEvents  #EmTechNext

  • 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.

Event partners

Partner with MIT Technology Review’s events

Partnering with MIT Technology Review makes a strong statement about your brand's commitment to thought leadership and ground-breaking innovation.

Interested in partnering with us?
Contact Andrew Hendler at 646-520-6981 or
 via email.