About
The Festival will host over 50 sessions from a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging voices through compelling keynote sessions, practical workshops, project spotlights, and professional meetups. About half of our speakers are selected through our public application process. Other speakers are chosen by the Festival team and our core partners.
The Festival is fully bilingual and applicants can apply to deliver their session in English and Mandarin. We have a goal to achieve greater equity in the number of session offered in both languages, so Mandarin speakers are strong encouraged to apply. We believe that the bilingual nature of the conference reinforces our values and adds depth and complexity to our inquiry.
Our Content Focus
A review of the current news headlines underscore, more starkly than ever, the urgent need for intentional, future-oriented reflection on a renewed purpose for education that prepares students to thrive in a transforming world.
The impact of technology and artificial intelligence is the headlining topic of current educational discourse. However, we have intentionally chosen not to foreground this theme solely, not because we underestimate its importance, but to recognize the profound shifts occurring across various domains–environmental, technological, demographic, socio-political, and economic. These changes collectively indicate a landscape of significant disruption and transformation, all of which will have impact in our students’ lifetimes.
Rather than introducing a new theme each year, our festival follows a multi-year methodology, nurturing an on-going professional conversation and open inquiry into an evolving set of issues and trends:
- The Art of Bridge-Building: Fostering Connection in a Polarized World
Exploring practical strategies to foster meaningful dialogue, active listening, and empathy as tools to bridge ideological and cultural divides.
- Educating to Heal the Planet: Equipping Learners as Agents of Change
Fostering climate literacy, critical thinking, and actionable skills to empower students, of all ages, to address environmental crises, advocate for sustainability, and lead restorative solutions in their communities.
- Thriving People and Communities: Wellbeing, Belonging, and Collective Resilience
Exploring how schools can cultivate wellbeing, foster belonging, and build resilience, creating inclusive communities where every member thrives, learns, and grows together.
- China in Transition: Global Trends, Local Impacts, and Cross-Cultural Exchange
Understanding China’s evolving role in education, innovation, and global collaboration.
- The Science of Teaching: Evidence-Based Strategies for Empowered Learners
Using evidence-based methods to foster autonomy, critical thinking, and self-directed growth, transforming students into confident, empowered learners prepared for a complex world.
- Leadership and Coaching: Essential Strategies for Impact
Developing leadership and coaching skills to inspire teams, drive performance, and create lasting organisational impact.
What you'll need
When submitting your application, please ensure you have the following information ready:
- Session Title and Description: Provide a session title, along with a brief description that outlines five key takeaways attendees will gain from your session
- Speaker Bio and Photo: Include a bio and photo for each speaker involved in the session (up to a maximum of five speakers). If you are applying on behalf of others, ensure you have their permission to use and share their details.
- Session Timing Preferences: Let us know if you have any preferences for when your session could take place.
- Category and Target Audience: Select the appropriate category and target audience for your session.
- Editing Your Application: You can edit your application up until the submission deadline.
Important Notes: Partially completed applications will not be considered, so please ensure all required information is provided. Commercial applications will be rejected. If you wish to promote a product, please contact the partnerships team.
Judging questions
To help you prepare the strongest possible application, we want to be transparent about how submissions will be reviewed. Our panel will assess each proposal against the following criteria, which reflect the values and aims of the Festival of Education. Please ensure your application clearly addresses each of these areas:
Next steps
During December, our team will carefully review all speaker applications. We receive a large number of submissions each year, and with a limited number of speaking opportunities available, not all applicants will be selected.
While we value the contributions of those who have spoken at the Festival in the past, previous participation does not guarantee preference in the selection process. Each application is evaluated based on its merit, originality, and relevance to the Festival’s themes.
If your proposed session is accepted, we will contact you to confirm and update your session information. You will also receive a registration link to book your complimentary tickets to the festival. All successful speakers will receive free access to the festival for themselves and a guest. All speakers will have access to the speakers lounge, where refreshments will be available throughout the day, including lunch
In late December, we will confirm the time and date of your session. Your session will then be announced on the festival website, and you will be free to promote it across your professional network.
English (UK) 
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