Interested in submitting a nomination for the 2025 Tech Talk speaker event and want to learn more about the process? We’ve compiled a list of questions and answers that provides a great summary of the event! If you have any further questions, please contact Ann Arbor SPARK and we’ll get back to you.
Tech Talk is your chance to show off the cool stuff you’re building! From cutting-edge prototypes to wild ideas with serious potential, this event is all about showcasing and sharing. Whether you’re solving real-world problems or just making jaws drop, we want to see it.
Tech Talk is a flagship event within Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 series of events, celebrating Ann Arbor’s spirit of innovation through experiences, conversations, and connections that strengthen and expand the region’s vibrant technology ecosystem. The events are tailored to a variety of audiences, including entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, job seekers, and the general public.
Friday, October 3
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Liberty Plaza | Downtown Ann Arbor
Each speaker will have approximately 10 minutes to deliver their talk. This format encourages concise and impactful presentations, focusing on key ideas and thought leadership in emerging tech industries.
This year, we’re transforming Liberty Plaza into a live tech demo zone during Tech Trek, a high-energy, street-fair-style celebration that attracts more than 1,000 attendees, features over 60 local companies, and includes food vendors curated by WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center. It’s a vibrant afternoon of discovery — and your demo could be one of the highlights.
We welcome self-nominations from individuals who have deep knowledge and expertise in emerging technology, ranging from seasoned industry professionals to rising stars in the field. If you have an innovative idea or a unique perspective to share, we encourage you to submit your nomination. Preference will be given to individuals who are based in Washtenaw County. Submit your nomination.
The deadline for speaker nominations is Friday, July 18.
While we primarily seek self-nominations, if you know someone who would be a great fit for Tech Talk, we encourage you to share the nomination information with them so they can submit their own application.
Our selection process is based on various factors, including the uniqueness and impact of the proposed topic, the speaker’s expertise and experience in the field, and their ability to deliver a compelling and engaging presentation. We value diversity, inclusivity, and fresh perspectives in our speaker lineup.
As a non-profit event, we are unable to offer financial compensation to speakers. However, being a Tech Talk speaker provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase your ideas, expand your network, and gain recognition as a thought leader in the industry.
To nominate yourself as a speaker for Tech Talk, please visit our website and fill out the speaker nomination form. Provide a brief overview of your proposed topic, your background, and any relevant supporting information.
The selection process may take some time as we carefully review all nominations. You will be notified via email regarding the status of your nomination. Please ensure the email address you provide in the nomination form is accurate and regularly checked.
If selected as a speaker for Tech Talk, we will provide you with detailed guidelines and support to help you prepare for your presentation. You will be expected to develop and refine your talk, ensuring it aligns with the event’s theme, audience expectations, and time constraints. Additionally, you may be asked to participate in pre-event rehearsals to fine-tune your delivery. We will request presentation materials such as slides or visuals in advance.
On the day of the event, we will provide all necessary technical equipment and support to ensure a seamless experience. Our team will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure your talk is impactful and well-received by the audience.
While we appreciate your enthusiasm, we request that each individual submit only one self-nomination. This allows us to ensure equal opportunity for all interested speakers.
Yes! Here are some of the most-watched Tech Talks from previous years. As a rule of thumb, we’re looking for speakers who can speak to innovative and pioneering ideas. This is not the audience for selling or pitching.
