General information

Why Detroit?

Since October 2018, re:publica has joined the year-long Wunderbar Together campaign and is on Sequencer Tour through the USA. With previous stops in Los Angeles, Austin and New York, we are now heading to Detroit on October 4th & 5th, 2019.

Detroit stands out particularly with its very own history, its vibrant creative scene, its urban development, the development around its economy and a wide range of strong and engaged communities tackling the big challenges and wanting to bring about change.
We want to…

  • Connect local Detroiters and global communities from different corners of society
  • Offer a platform for exchange to shape our digital future together
  • Draw transatlantic ties and strengthen bridges between our societies

re:publica in Detroit aims to fuse local and international influences in culture, society, music and politics into a shared dialogue. We want you to deepen your existing ties and establish new ones, and foster a critical reflection of digital developments.

I would like to be a moderator/stage host. Is that possible?

Yes, please! Unfortunately, we cannot cover travel expenses. So if you're on site and would like to support us, get in touch with us at programme-usa@re-publica.com.

What topics will be featured in Detroit?

The thematic focus of re:publica Detroit is Access across the following three tracks:

Why “Sequencer”?

As part of the "Deutschlandjahr USA" of the german foreign ministry, re:publica will appear together with its project partners Reeperbahn Festival and Next Media Accelerator under the name "Sequencer". All three project partners are organizing various events in the USA in close cooperation. The content of the particular events is close together, but depending on the project partner, they are given a certain focus.
Find more information here.

How is the programme created?

The programme of re:publica Detroit is created by selected entries submitted via the Call for Participation as well as direct invitations by the program team. The Call for Participation is open to all. To ensure that the re:publica Detroit edition is rooted in Detroit, we are excited to invite co-curators who will play an integral role in shaping the program.

When will Sequencer Tour Detroit take place?

After stops in Los Angeles, New York City and Austin, our Sequencer Tour will continue with re:publica Detroit on September 27th and 28th, 2019.

Participate in the Call for Participation

Which session formats can be selected?

re:publica features different formats. You can select between the following in the CfP form:

Talk (30 minutes or 1 hour)
Well-prepared presentation on a topic. Possible as a talk, but also as a reading, interview or fireside chat.
1-2 people

Discussion (1 hour)
Balanced discussion on a specific topic. Possible as a panel debate or fishbowl conversation.
Maximum of 3 speakers plus presenter => The limit on featured persons includes the presenter. We can’t say it often enough and we won’t be making any exceptions here either! GENDER BALANCE applies to all formats. 50 % of the speakers must be female.

Workshop (1-2 hours)
Intensive (practical) session in which knowledge on a specific topic is communicated or specific skills are mediated.
1-2 workshop leaders

Action (varies)
Anything off-stage or beyond typical conference formats: Flashmob, roundtables, field research, installations, exhibitions, concerts, pop up happenings, DJ-Sets, user-generated content, activities with visitors and anything else you can think of!

Meetup (30 minutes or 1 hour)
A get-together of re:publica visitors who share a particular interest. 1-2 meetup hosts
 

What does the Call for Participation (CfP) form look like and what information do I have to enter?

You can see the form as a pdf here. All fields marked with a red star (*) must be filled out.

In which languages can I submit my proposal?

Because we are hosting the event in the USA, we ask you to prepare and submit your session in English. Unfortunately there will be no live translation.

What is a “Track” and which ones will be available for Sequencer Tour Detroit?

“Tracks” are general categories which you can assign your submission to. The selection for Sequencer Tour Detroit consists of:

Read more about them here: Tracks and Topics

Step-by-step: How does registration work?

Go to the registration page of re:publica Sequencer Tour.

1. If you were a participant at a re:publica event since 2014, you just need to update your profile.

2. If you want to create a new speaker profile then follow these steps:

  • In the first part of the form please fill in your personal information (first and last name)
  • Choose your username. (HINT: if you use a combination of your first and last name, we will have an easier time to find you in the system when you have questions)
  • Please enter a functioning e-mail address. This is important, as we will send you information via this address.
  • Click the Button "Create account"

2.1 After completing registration, you will receive an activation link via your submitted e-mail address. (Please note that this might take up to 15 minutes depending on your e-mail provider – and please also check your spam folder... Click the link and set a password.)

2.2 When you're logged in for the first time you need to complete your speaker profile. You can only save your speaker profile once you have filled in all fileds marked with a red star. Ideally, you already have the following at hand:

  • Upload your foto. Please check the specifications:
    • 800 KB Limit.
    • Format: png gif jpg jpeg.
    • The picture needs to be larger than 480x480 pixel. All pictures exceeding 1024x1024 pixel will be reduced.
  • Fill in your short bio in 200 words / 1000 signs
  • Fill in your organisation or your job title
  • Please also add a link to your website or that of your organisation
  • Change your password
  • Save once and voilà- done.

3. When you log in, you will find a menu bar. Click the cog wheel to open a dropdown on the left side of the page. You will find the items "Home", "My Dashboard" and "Add content".

  • „My Dashboard“: Here you can see an overview of your content and make changes
  • „My Profile“: To edit your profile, you can click the „edit“ link. There you can edit your e-mail address, password etc.
  • „Add Session“: This button leads you to the session formulaire to submit your idea for the Call for Participation (CfP)
  • “Home”: Here you reach the main page of 19.re-publica.com/en

4. And now the most important: You want to add a session.

  • Click on“My Dashboard”
  • Click „Add Session" to add a session.
  • Now you will reach the CfP Formulaire. Please read the formulaire well so that you can fill in all fields with the red asterisc.
  • So, just start, fill in all the required information – and tadaa: You have made it, your proposal is in the system.
  • Once you saved your session and can access it from your dashboard, the programme team can also see it. That means it's submitted and you don't need to do anything else.
  • Short on time? Simply click „Save“ in between and continue later. This is not a problem. But remember: your proposal must be completed by the deadline.
  • This is all not rocket science – as long as this description may be, the shorter the process in itself.

5. If you are planning a session with several speakers, each speaker must register with a profile and give you their username.

  • Click „Add item“ to add an additional speaker box.
  • Enter the user name in the field „Speakers“ .
  • Please note that you need to wait for the the auto-complete to find the user name in our database.

Finally: Please remember to log out.

Please also note again your submission can only be accepted only if your speaker profile is completed until the deadline.

Do you cover travelling expenses?

We have a limited possibilty to cover travel expenses. If your submission is accepted, please define your needs and get in touch with the program team at program-usa@re-publica.com.

Can I still edit my proposal in the CfP form?

Yes. The CfP form can be edited and saved up until August 1st, 2019. After the end of the deadline, your submission will be final and you should make changes to it only in consultation with the programme team. (We are able to see when and by whom a submission was edited in our system.)

Where do I get help for any non-technical CfP questions?

Should you not have found any answers in our extensive FAQs – please, please, PLEASE read through them carefully and thoroughly (!) – you can contact the programme team at: program-usa@re-publica.com

Can still I use my old re:publica login details?

Yes. If you registered yourself for the re:publica after 2014, your old account can still be activated. Should you already have an account, please use it. Log in on the website for your rp-event using your old login details and simply update your profile.

How do I know if my session has been selected?

After the CfP deadline, the re:publica curation team will evaluate each submission and get back to you until September 6th, sending out a confirmation of acceptance or rejection. 

I have an amazing idea for an on-site installation or activity. Would you be interested?

Yes, we would be. We want Sequencer Tour Detroit to be colourful and exciting. We’re happy to hear your ideas for installations, exhibitions, performances and anything else you can think of. Just fill in the CfP form, and chose “Action” as a format, and we’ll be getting in touch with you.

Do I need to have a re:publica account to be able to submit a proposal for the CfP?

Yes! The account allows you to register yourself as a speaker and submit a proposal for the CfP over your profile. You can edit your proposal at any time - even after submission - and manage your information. Account registration and setup is free and only takes a few minutes. Just head this way: http://detroit.sequencer-tour.com/en/user/register

What is the timeline for the Call for Participation (CfP) process?

The Call for Sequencer Tour Detroit runs from May 21, 2019 until August 1st, 2019.
The programme team and the programme committee will evaluate all proposals from August 2nd, 2019.
We will be contacting all submitting parties until September 6th latest, sending out confirmation of acceptance or rejection.

Are there video or audio recordings from past re:publica conferences that can help me find out more about the topics, speakers and formats?

Of course. The re:publica has a huge archive. You can find all the videos and audios with session descriptions on the re:publica websites. By using the keyword search or looking up the website of the respective year directly, you can either find the main themes.

For re:publica 2019 "tl;dr" visit http://19.re-publica.com, for re:publica 2018 "POP" visit https://18.re-publica.com/, for re:publica 2017 “Love Out Loud” you can head to: https://17.re-publica.com/, re:publica 2016 “TEN/NET” is over at: https://16.re-publica.com/, with re:publica 2015 “finding europe” at: https://15.re-publica.com/, and so on.

You can also find all the videos on the re:publica YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/republica2010/

Look up the re:publica image archive on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/re-publica

What is the duration of a session?

A session can last 30 or 60 minutes. Workshop sessions last 60 or 90 minutes. There should also be time left for Q&A at the end of sessions.

  • 30-minute session = 20 minutes content + 10 minutes Q&A (will be lead by the stage host or moderator)
  • 60-minute session = 45-50 minutes content + 10-15 minutes Q&A (will be lead by the stage host or moderator)
  • 90-minute slots are meant for workshops only
How is the programme curated?

The programme team curates the content from the community's proposals submitted via the Call for Participation (CfP), but also specifically invites speakers* and advises partners. It also cooperates with external co-curators. Since the programme team and the co-curators* have the greatest influence in this process and ultimately make the decision on acceptance and rejection, the CfP is a modified form of crowdsourcing.

The CfP is a good barometer to identify topics of interest to the re:publica community. At the same time, the CfP leads to bringing new ideas and surprises to the re:publica.

Who can take part in the CfP?

Anyone and everyone with a good idea can take part in the CfP.

Will my information from the Call for Participation (CfP) form be available to the public?

No.
We use your information from the form in order to assess and categorize your proposal. Should your proposal be accepted, we will then publish the submission. However, only information relevant to the visitors will be made public. Your contact details and similar information will not be published.

There’s the possibility of uploading videos in the Call for Participation (CfP) form. Why should I do that?

Video material from a conference or event you have already spoken at helps us a great deal in our assessment. It allows us to better understand, evaluate and categorize your submission, while also giving us an impression of your public speaking skills and your ability to communicate your topic. Don’t worry, these videos are not made public. You should, however, own the rights to use them.

Does the video have to be related to my submitted topic?

Not necessarily, but it can help us better understand your submission. If your video doesn’t have to do with your topic, but can help convince us of your qualities as a speaker, then feel free to use it.

What defines a "good" session?

The more precise and specific a submission, the better. Specificity requires a convincing initial idea as well as good research and planning. Moreover: a concise phrasing.

Example: “How surgeons train for difficult operations in virtual reality” is better than “Virtual reality as a training tool”.

Use your description to elaborate how you will approach the topic and which methods you will be using. The re:publica audience, the programme team and the programme committee are looking for engaging and well-founded content that takes on the challenges and potential solutions for challenges facing our digital society. They are not interested in marketing pitches disguised as informative sessions.

Take a look at a couple of examples from re:publica 2019 with the motto "tl;dr".

How do I determine the level of difficulty for my submission?

Sessions at re:publica are generally open for anyone to attend but are segmented into three levels of difficulty in order to provide better guidance.

Our suggestions:

  • "Beginner": for people with no or little previous knowledge of the topic
  • "All": for anyone who has already dealt with the topic on a superficial level
  • "Expert": for experts, meaning anyone who works in the field, does research or reports on it (but still open for erveryone)
What if I want to submit a proposal for someone else, a client for example?

Each person has to first set up a speaker account (see FAQs). Only then can they create a session for which they will be solely responsible. If you won’t be participating yourself, then you will have to enter the speaker and contact information and forward them the password. A valid email address is necessary as we will be sending important information for the speakers to the listed email address via our system.

I have an exciting product or service. Can I submit a session proposel in order to promote my idea?

Obvious advertising and marketing pitches do not stand a chance in the Call for Particiation (CfP). The re:publica audience, the programme team and the programme committee wish to have inspiring and well-researched content that deals with the challenges facing our digital society and presents potential solutions. There is no interest in marketing pitches disguised as educational sessions.

This does not mean that the visitors of re:publica are not interested in the newest digital products or services. In case you want to present or pitch your innovation, please get in touch with our colleagues from Partner Management, who are happy to help out with more information of how to get involved: partner[at]re-publica.com

How many proposals can I submit during the CfP?

While it is possible to edit and submit multiple proposals, we will only be taking the most recent submission into account. Only in exceptional cases will we consider a second proposal. Quality over quantity!

Are submissions accepted after the deadline?

No. The programme team may take the liberty to curate content in particular in the occurence of important current events, but no submissions inputted to the system after August 1st, 2019 will be accepted.

I have already spoken at the re:publica in previous years. Does this mean I have a better or worse chance of my submission being accepted?

Neither. We’re just as happy to see new faces as old acquaintances. The only difference is that we already know if you are good speakers if you have participated in the event before.

We use the same assessment standards for everyone. Someone who has already been at the re:publica has to meet the same criteria and go through the same formalities as a newbie. So don’t rest on your good name or connections!

My session is not published. Did you get it?

As long as you can access your session from the dashboard while logged in, it is saved and submitted correctly. You don't need to do anything else. 

Your session will be published once it is accepted for the conference programme and we will inform you via email before we publish it.

Help! I did something wrong and can’t log in anymore!

Please thoroughly check your username and password and make sure that you chose the right domain (use the rp20 website, not the global landingpage). If that doesn't solve the problem: Don’t worry. Our team is happy to help you with any technical problems (that you haven’t been able to solve yourself after several attempts) via info[at]re-publica.com.

I have a great idea, but don’t have sufficient resources to implement it on my own. Is it still possible for me to submit my proposal?

In general, you should submit an idea that you can execute yourself. That said, if you have a great idea that may require our help for its implementation, we suggest you get in contact with the programme team as soon as possible via programme[at]re-publica.de. We will then evaluate whether we will be able to help out or can find others to help you.

Do presenters/moderators and stage hosts need a speaker account?

Yes.
That's because they will be added to the respective sessions. Just like speakers, presenters/moderators and stage hosts will also be accredited at the entrance to the conference. Please note that presenters should only be added to a session after prior consultation and confirmed availability.