Make Your PanelPicker Proposal Stand Out with These Tips & Tricks

Thinking about applying to speak at SXSW EDU 2026? We’ve got you covered. Each year, thousands of education professionals, innovators, and thought leaders submit proposals through PanelPicker® to shape the conversations that matter most in education.

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or submitting for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a compelling proposal.

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What Makes a Great Proposal?

• Keep it Simple: The best proposals are timely, relevant, and have a clear focus and scope. Don’t try to cover too much during your session.
  • Assume the audience is already familiar with broad educational issues — go straight to the core content. Your focus should be an inch wide and a mile deep.
  • Don’t include speaker names in the description. Use that space to explain the session content.
• Craft a Title That Wows: Hook your audience from the start with a title that is unique and descriptive.
• Select the Right Format: SXSW EDU offers several formats to choose from — each designed for different types of engagement. Choosing the right one can elevate your proposal.
  • Reviewers consider whether the topic suits the selected format and time limit, so choose carefully.
• Highlight Your Creative Side: Be creative in the content you propose to stand out among the competition.
• Show Off Your Speakers: Highlight the speaker’s specific expertise and qualifications related to the topic.
  • Focus on their unique perspective and relevant work.
  • The best proposals have a diverse lineup of speakers in gender, ethnicity, location, expertise, viewpoint, lived experience, and more.
• Include a Video: Create a visual aid specific to your proposal. We want to hear you speak on why you’re excited about your idea and why it’s perfect for SXSW EDU.
  • While videos are preferred, slide decks or relevant graphics are also accepted (avoid text-heavy resources like blogs or webpages).
  • Keep your video short and focused; production quality doesn’t matter. We love a concise, simple video recorded on your phone. Zoom recordings also work well.
• Don’t Be Advertorial: Audiences are less interested in brand-centered proposals and descriptions. However, if you wish to promote your brand, please contact our team to explore the appropriate opportunities.

Why Be A Speaker?

• All accepted speakers receive a complimentary registration to SXSW EDU, so you can attend all SXSW EDU official events.
• Share your message with a global education audience to further your impact
• Build a network, forge partnerships, and collaborate with other passionate education professionals with similar goals and interests.
• Presenting at SXSW EDU is a rewarding growth opportunity to sharpen your ideas, boost communication skills, and elevate your résumé.
• Join the distinguished lineup of presenters who have spoken at SXSW EDU, including Oprah Winfrey, Yung Pueblo, Brené Brown, and more.

Enhance Your Idea: Meet the Team

• PanelPicker Office Hours: Join the SXSW and SXSW EDU programming team for a series of office hours designed to answer any questions you may have about PanelPicker. Sign up today.
  • Thursday, July 17 at 9:30am CT
  • Tuesday, July 22 at 6pm CT
  • Thursday, July 24 at 11am CT
• PanelPicker AMA: ICYMI, watch the PanelPicker Ask Me Anything webinar, where members of the SXSW EDU programming team answered some of your questions about the PanelPicker process.

With the right preparation and a thoughtful approach, your PanelPicker proposal can open the door to meaningful impact at SXSW EDU 2026.

Ready to submit? Visit PanelPicker to get started.

See You at SXSW EDU 2026

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 1 when registration opens for the 2026 event. Take advantage early for the best rate and hotel options March 9-12, 2026 in downtown Austin.

Sign up for SXSW EDU email updates, check out the News feed, and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube to get the most up-to-date information.

Photo by Rob Santos