SFSCON Speaker’s Guide

LAST UPDATE: 31.10.2025

 

This page explains how the conference works for a speaker.

This year the South Tyrol Free Software Conference (SFSCON 2025) will take place at NOI Techpark.

SFSCON 2025 aims to be a full networking event where people have the opportunity to get together and where the speakers can meet each other. We therefore ask if you foresee any problems in participating to let us know as soon as possible.

Each presentation will be recorded and made available online at the end of the conference.

 

INFO ABOUT SFSCON

The SFSCON 2025 programme is online. You will find it at the following link: www.sfscon.it/programs/2025

On this page you will find the main programme, including all scheduled talks and workshops.
For a complete overview of pre-events and side events taking place during the conference, please visit the dedicated Side Events page.

Please note that the programme is subject to change and will be continuously updated until the conference opens. All times are expressed in Central European Time (CET) UTC+01:00.

 

1. SPEAKER’S DINNER

Traditionally, every year, the day before the start of the conference, we organise a dinner for our speakers in order to spend some time together, get to know each other and enjoy some South Tyrolean cuisine!

The appointment will be on Thursday, November 6th at 19.00H (CET) UTC+01:00 at Restaurant Forst Season, Piazza Fiera 1, 1st floor, Bolzano/Bozen.

We ask you to confirm your presence as soon as possible, latest by 30th September. Please let us know if you have any food allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, etc.). We will gladly provide you with a suitable menu.

IMPORTANT | Have you already confirmed your attendance?
If not, please reply by Monday, 13th October.

How to get to the restaurant

The restaurant is located on the first floor of the FieraMesse fair of Bolzano/Bozen. Go up the stairs from the entrance of the Fair → https://osm.org/go/0IQB4o2~6?node=10135364239

1.1 SFSCON Dinner Shuttles
We have organised SFSCON shuttles specifically to reach the dinner
→ To get to the restaurant from the centre of Bolzano there will be shuttles from Bolzano Railway Station (near the Taxi Area – Piazza Stazione Bolzano/Bozen – https://osm.org/go/0IQGC4qIj) at the following times: 18.45 – 19.00 – 19.15 – 19.30 – 20.00
→ The shuttles will run a return service from the restaurant from Piazza Fiera/Messeplatz, at the crossroads with Via Marco Polo/Marco-Polo-Straße – https://osm.org/go/0IQB4rFrc?layers=N to the centre of Bolzano (Bolzano Railway Station) at the following times: 21.30 – 21.45 – 22.00 – 22.30 – 23.00

The following image shows the routes from the shuttle drop-off/drop-on point on Via Marco Polo to the Forst Season restaurant on the first floor. You can reach it either by following the indoor route through the fair or the outdoor path around it.

1.2 By train
The Bolzano Sud/Fiera Bolzano train station is 180 m from the restaurant (2 minutes’ walk).
Times of departure from station Bolzano Sud/Fiera Bolzano
From Bolzano Sud to Merano: every 30 minutes from 06:32 to 22:08
From Bolzano Sud to Bolzano: every 30 minutes from 06:42 to 22:20

1.3 By bus
Connection every 10 minutes to the city centre, with bus lines 10A – 10B.

1.4 By car
 – Motorway Brennero A22, exit Bolzano Sud
 – State road SS 12 from Trento and Brennero
 – State road SS 38 from Passo Resia
 – Expressway MeBo Bolzano – Merano

Follow the signs “Fiera – Messe”

Car parking
If you arrive by car, you can park for free in the white-marked parking spaces in this area at any time. On the blue-marked parking spaces, parking is free only after 7:00 PM (before that, it costs 0.50€ per hour).

 

2. CHECK-IN

As a speaker, you are already registered for the conference. The Speakers & Supporters check-in desk will be at the Seminar area (floor -1) of the Building A1 at NOI Techpark (via A. Volta-Str., 13/A – Bolzano/Bozen). You are welcome to check-in from 8.15 CET at a dedicated desk for Speakers and Supporters.

At the check-in desk you’ll receive your Speakers badge, which gives you access to the “Speakers & Supporters Lounge” and all main conference sessions.

SFSCON ticket you already have include workshops and BOFs, which are subject to seat availability. Note that Side Events may require a separate ticket.

Opening Ceremony

For the opening of SFSCON on Friday at 9:00 CET, we are pleased to reserve front-row seating in Seminar Room 1 for both speakers and supporters. We warmly encourage you to take these seats and join us for the opening.

An Attendee Guide will be available at this link: https://www.sfscon.it/attendee-guide/

 

3. SPEAKERS & SUPPORTERS LOUNGE

Located in Crane Hall, the Speakers & Supporters Lounge is a dedicated relaxation area where you’ll find comfortable seating, coffee stations and light snacks available throughout the day. This space is exclusively reserved for Speakers and Supporters.

To access the lounge, please wear your Speakers badge, which you will receive at the dedicated Speakers & Supporters check-in desk upon arrival.

SFSCON SPEAKERS T-SHIRT

We would like to thank all our speakers for their cooperation with a free SFSCON T-shirt.
You can pick up your T-shirt at the Speakers & Supporters Lounge.

The Speakers & Supporters lounge staff will have a list of speakers and will ask for your preferred size (S-M-L-XL-XXL). Please note: only one T-shirt per speaker on the list. Thank you for your understanding! To access the lounge, please wear your Speakers & Supporters badge, which you will receive at the dedicated Speakers & Supporters check-in desk upon arrival.

4. PRESENTATION TIME

Unless otherwise indicated to you personally, presentations are lightning talks of 15 minutes including Q&A.

There will be 5 minutes between each talk to allow time to change speakers. A bell will ring at the end of the 15 minutes. The bell will ring simultaneously in all the conference rooms.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] Please arrive at your presentation room at least 20 minutes before your presentation is scheduled to begin. Five minutes before your talk, please report to your stage moderator for final checks and a quick briefing.

5. PDF PRESENTATION

We kindly request that you submit your PDF presentation by 3rd November. Please be aware that the submission deadline is mandatory. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we will conduct a pre-test to confirm its usability.

Once the conference begins, no further modifications will be possible and the PDF will be automatically uploaded to the talk page on our website after the conference.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] Your presentation PDF should be uploaded in the speaker’s reserved area. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for uploading your PDF to the website: https://cloud.opendatahub.com/index.php/s/faaxAfecrJrsszY

The presentation will be pre-loaded and will be played live directly from the stage. On stage you can present using a pointer. It will not be possible to use your own laptop on stage!

[IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING VIDEOS] If your presentation includes a video, we kindly ask you to send it to us in advance, along with your PDF presentation. This will allow our video production team to have it readily available for playback during your presentation, ensuring a seamless experience for the audience.

If you have any other needs please let us know in advance, latest by 3rd November.

PRESENTATION TIPS

  • Look in front of the audience (and not back at the screen). You are being video recorded and you have a screen with the presentation in front of you;
  • Stay in front of the stage podium and stay close to the microphone;
  • Present using a pointer;
  • Your presentation will be pre-loaded and made available online at the end of the conference;
  • The Q&A session must be kept within the 15-minute slot.

6. VIDEO INTERVIEW

During the two-day conference you may be asked to give a short video interview.

7. MEDIA KIT

Feel free to use the SFSCON Media Kit! Media contents and creative assets are made available to speakers, sponsors, participants, official partners and members of the press. The use of this media content indicates that you are a speaker, sponsor or participant in this event.

Support SFSCON by informing your contacts about your attendance and conference schedule!

[NEW!] Use the Sharepic Generator for participants, speakers and supporters: https://sharepic.fsfe.org/#sfscon provided by the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE)

8. CONFERENCE VENUE: NOI TECHPARK, BOLZANO/BOZEN

SFSCON will take place at NOI Techpark in Bolzano/Bozen (Italy).

→ https://osm.org/go/0IQB7IfwE-?layers=N&relation=17405562 

REMIND TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN TIME!

Find info about the conference venue here:

→  https://www.sfscon.it/venue/

SHUTTLE BUS FOR SPEAKERS

On Friday, a complimentary free shuttle bus service is available for Speakers and Supporters.

→  MORNING SHUTTLE
The minibus (28 seats) will depart from Parkhotel Laurin, Via Laurin 4, Bolzano/Bozen and will take you directly to NOI Techpark, Via A. Volta-Str. 13/A.
Shuttle departure times from Parkhotel Laurin are as follows: 08:00, 08:15, 08:30 and 08:45 

←  AFTERNOON RETURN
The bus (50 seats) will run from NOI Techpark – Main Entrance (A. Volta-Str. 13/A, Bolzano) to Bolzano Train Station (Garibaldi-Str. 5, Bolzano).
Shuttle departure time from NOI Techpark are as follows: 18:00, 18:15, 18:30 and 18:45

Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Look out for buses marked with SFSCON signs.

9. WEBSITE & APP

The SFSCON website and SFSCON App will be your companions during the conference. More info will be available soon.

An Attendee Guide will be also available soon at this link: https://www.sfscon.it/attendee-guide/

10. JOB WALL OPPORTUNITY

SFSCON features a Job Wall where participants can connect with potential employers or share job opportunities:

  1. Companies: If you have Job Offers that you’d like to promote, bring them printed on an A4 sheet of paper. This is a fantastic opportunity to reach a pool of talented individuals actively seeking employment.
  2. Students: Are you searching for an internship opportunity? Print your CV on an A4 sheet and bring it to the event. You can announce your availability to companies and catch their attention.
  3. Job Seekers: Looking for your dream job? Print your CV on an A4 sheet and submit it at the JOB Wall. Let potential employers discover your skills and experience.

11. SIDE EVENTS (More info Side Events)

PRE-EVENTS

PRE-EVENT  – Speck&Tech 79 “World Wide Walls” – 5th November, 20:15 – 23:30
This pre-event will focus on the invisible borders of the digital world. From open internet movements to modern-day surveillance, from tools that measure censorship to systems that manipulate attention, it will explore the tension between connection and control, freedom and filtering.
Speck&Tech – IMPACT HUB Trento
More information & registration needed at → https://speckand.tech/ 

PRE-EVENT  – WUD 2025 – World Usability Day | World Usability Day | Emerging Technologies and Human Experience – 6th November, 9:00 – 17:00
World Usability Day is a worldwide annual event locally organised “across the globe for the common cause of making our world easy for all”.
NOI Techpark – Seminar 2
More information & registration needed at → https://wud-bz.it/ 

BOTH DAYS AT SFSCON

WORKSHOPs – 7th & 8th November
Both days of the event will host Workshops focusing on different topics such as learning by doing, coding, experimenting with new tools or exploring creative and sustainable approaches to open technologies.
No registration needed apart from the general SFSCON ticket, unless otherwise indicated. Participation subject to seat availability.
NOI Techpark – Crane Hall – Worshop Area
See all Workshops at → https://www.sfscon.it/workshops/ 

Crane Hall BOF meetings – 7th & 8th November
Crane Hall BOF (Birds of a Feather) meetings are informal gatherings where communities can come together to discuss any topic of interest.
No registration needed apart from the general SFSCON ticket, unless otherwise indicated. Participation subject to seat availability.
NOI Techpark – Crane Hall – BOF Meetings
See all BOFs at → https://www.sfscon.it/tracks/crane-hall-bof-meeting-2025/ 

SIDE EVENT – HACKATHON SFSCON Edition – 7th & 8th November
2 days, 24 hours, different topics to work on, one jury and amazing prizes. Inventors and creative people: developers, designers, data experts, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. We welcome different ideas, backgrounds and competencies.
NOI Techpark – NOISE
More information → https://hackathon.bz.it/ 

SIDE EVENT –  HACKING VILLAGE – 7th – 8th November
The Hacking Village is the interactive playground of SFSCON. It features exhibitions, demos and showcases that bring research, free software and robotics to life and meet the communities shaping tomorrow’s open future.
The Hacking Village includes:

→ Before and After (Computer) Freedom
→ Mobile robotic navigation
→ Telmekom Robotics
→ Augmented Reality & Free Software
→ Fediverse Demo Corner

NOI Techpark –  Crane Hall – Hacking Village
More information → https://www.sfscon.it/hacking-village-2025/ 

SIDE EVENT – NOI PUBLIC TOUR –  7th & 8th November
Curious about what goes on at NOI Techpark and what drives us? Discover South Tyrol’s innovation district: a dynamic campus where companies, research institutes and universities collaborate for sustainable progress, inspired by the Nature of Innovation.
Meeting point at the Arena Visitor Experience
Registration needed at:
→ FRI https://pretix.eu/noi-digital/sfscon25/4706129/
→ SAT https://pretix.eu/noi-digital/sfscon25/4706137/

 

FRIDAY AT SFSCON

SIDE EVENT –  MATCHMAKING MEETINGS B2B-Meetings @ SFSCON 2025 – 7th November, 11:00 – 14:00
1:1 meetings are back! 20 minutes, face-to-face, to explore new partners, projects and business opportunities. Expand your network and make collaborations happen.
NOI Techpark –  Crane Hall – B2B meetings
More information & registration needed at → https://www.b2match.com/e/sfscon-2025 

SIDE EVENT – World Usability Day – Workshop – 7th November, 14:00 – 17:00
World Usability Day Bolzano features a hands-on workshop on usability, inclusivity and sustainable design practices. Free of charge, max 20 participants.
NOI Techpark –  Training Room
More information & registration needed at → https://wud-bz.it/ 

SATURDAY AT SFSCON

SIDE EVENT – FSFE – ITALIAN COMMUNITY MEETING – 8th November
Join us to learn from one another, find inspiration, and tackle future challenges together in the realm of Free Software. As a volunteer, you have a platform to share your story, discuss the most pressing topics surrounding Free Software, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. We encourage you to collaborate with the community on common initiatives and work together to forge new paths forward.
NOI Techpark – Seminar 4 – This is an hybrid event. The event will be held in Italian.
Registration needed at → https://pretix.eu/noi-digital/sfscon25/4706126/ 

SIDE EVENT – ENDOF10 @ SFSCON 2025 – Never too late to reduce e-waste – 8th November, 10:00 – 11:00 & 11:00 – 12:00
2 hours, 20 old PCs, 1 new (Linux) life: join FUSS & LUGBZ to turn e-waste into free, functional computers. Install, learn, take one home—because closing Windows can open doors.
NOI Techpark – Crane Hall – Worshop Area
Registration needed at → https://pretix.eu/noi-digital/sfscon25/4706124/ 

SIDE EVENT – DIVERSITY IN TECH – The Future is (also) Female – 8th November, 10:00 – 11:00
An open workshop by and for women and underrepresented communities. Reflect on barriers, share strategies and stories, and explore how to shape an inclusive, open and digital sovereign future together.
NOI Techpark – Crane Hall – Worshop Area
Registration needed at → https://pretix.eu/noi-digital/sfscon25/4706122/ 

SIDE EVENT –  MAPPING PARTY – MAPPING NOI TECHPARK IN OSM – 8th November, 14:00 – 16:00
Learn how to map with OpenStreetMap in this hands-on session led by Wikimedia Italia volunteers. Discover collaborative mapping tools and practice real mapping activities around NOI Techpark. Open to everyone interested in contributing to open geographic data.
NOI Techpark – Crane Hall – Worshop Area
Registration needed at → https://pretix.eu/noi-digital/sfscon25/4706122/

 

 

 

 

 

IN CASE OF NEED, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US: INFO@SFSCON.IT

FAQs

Will all the talks be streamed live?
No, not anymore. Each presentation will be recorded and made available online at the end of the conference. SFSCON aims to be a full networking event where people have the opportunity to get together and where the speakers can meet each other.

Will the talks be pre-recorded?
No, all speakers must be present to deliver their talk from the SFSCON stages.

What is the expected duration for the talks?
If not otherwise indicated to you personally, talks are lightning talks of 15 minutes including Q&A (as was defined in the Call4Speakers: https://www.sfscon.it/call-4-speakers/). Between the presentations, there will be 5 minutes for the change from one speaker to another. During this time, you can do a last-minute rehearsal with the assigned moderator.

What is the expected duration for Q&A?
You will have a 15-minute slot that you can manage as you wish. We suggest a 10-minute talk + 5 minutes of questions.

Will Q&A be during or after the talks?
The Q&A session must be in the 15-minute slot.

Do I have to upload the PDF slides in advance or just project them during my screen-sharing presentation?
Yes, it will be necessary to upload the pdf of the presentation in your speaker’s reserved area in advance (by 3rd November). The pdf will be also automatically uploaded to the website at the end of the conference.

Is it possible to show a video during the presentation?
Yes, you can include a video in your presentation. However, we kindly request that you send us the video in advance by 3rd November (together with the pdf of your presentation). This allows our video production team to have it readily available for playback during your presentation.

Is it possible to send the presentation in PowerPoint format instead of pdf to include a video inside?
We require presentations to be in PDF format. No other format can be uploaded to the website at the end of the conference. Additionally, in the spirit of the Free Software conference, PowerPoint (PPT) formats are not accepted.

In the time slot dedicated to discussion with the audience, is it possible to involve additional authors of the presentation to answer questions?
Of course! You have full flexibility in managing your 15-minute slot. You will also have an on-stage moderator at your disposal to help select and facilitate questions. If you plan to involve additional authors, please inform your assigned moderator.

Do I need to register for SFSCON, if I am a speaker?
As a speaker, you are already registered for the conference for both Friday and Saturday.

Can I bring a plus-one to the Speakers’ Dinner?
The Speakers’ Dinner is reserved exclusively for SFSCON speakers and official supporters. It is therefore not possible to extend participation to additional guests.

However, a Speaker’s Dinner Pass is available for Supporters who do not already have it included in their sponsorship level. More info here: https://www.sfscon.it/become-supporter/

Is it possible to obtain reimbursement for travel or accommodation expenses?
Unfortunately, we are unable to cover travel or accommodation expenses for speakers. We sincerely hope you can find a way to participate!


WORKSHOP INFO FAQs

Do I have to submit my slides if I’m giving a workshop?
No, workshops do not require the submission of slides. However, a 55’’ screen with an HDMI connection will be available. Please bring your own laptop if you plan to show slides or other materials, and don’t forget your adapter if your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port.
Slides will not be uploaded to the website unless you specifically ask us and send them to us for publication.