Kotlin
A concise multiplatform language developed by JetBrains
Crafting Your KotlinConf Proposal: Expert Tips to Help You Stand Out
Thinking about sharing your Kotlin expertise on the big stage? KotlinConf is the premier event for all things Kotlin, and getting a talk accepted for inclusion in the conference is a fantastic way to contribute to the community and elevate your profile. However, submitting a talk proposal, especially for the first time, can feel daunting. With so many brilliant minds around, how do you give your proposal the best shot at being accepted?
In this post, we’ll share some ways to make your submission stand out, combining best practices for conference proposals with insider advice from JetBrains speakers, KotlinConf program committee members, and experienced presenters.
The tips are tailored to KotlinConf in particular, but most of these ideas are applicable to any developer conference.
1. Make sure your title is clear and compelling
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and your talk’s title is your earliest opportunity to capture attention. Reviewers and attendees alike may decide whether to read further based solely on those first few words.
Choose a title that communicates your topic in plain terms, hints at the level, and makes the benefit to the audience obvious.
Your Voice Belongs Here: Creating Compelling KotlinConf Proposals is a supportive and practical livestream for people from underrepresented groups in tech – whether you’re preparing for your first talk or have speaking experience and want to take the next step onto a bigger stage like KotlinConf. Join Pamela Hill and Cheuk Ting Ho, seasoned speakers, CFP writers, and friendly program committee members, as they share what makes a proposal stand out, how to shape your Kotlin journey into a strong submission, and what reviewers are really looking for. Watch the livestream recording.
2. Tell a story with your abstract – with the audience in mind
Crafting a great talk is not just about presenting information – it’s also about storytelling. Think of your proposal as a promise to provide a valuable learning experience wrapped in a story that makes it engaging.
Your abstract should explain what you’ll cover, what the attendees will gain, and why your talk matters. Reviewers don’t need a full script, but they do need a clear, detailed impression of your talk.
Think of your abstract as a preview, not a transcript – just enough detail to show the value and flow of your talk.
3. Start with the problem and build anticipation
When writing your proposal, set the stage by outlining the challenge or pain point your talk addresses. Create curiosity before giving the solution. This builds anticipation and helps the audience connect with your topic.
4. Think like an attendee: What’s their takeaway?
The best proposals start with the audience. Instead of asking, “What do I want to present?”, consider what the attendees will learn and why they will find it valuable.
Be precise with key takeaways. Avoid vague statements like “You’ll learn best practices.” Instead, be concrete and specific.
Here are a few examples from KotlinConf 2025 talks:
- “Learn how native dependencies interact, how they are loaded, and the unexpected complexities of the native world.” (Dependencies and Kotlin/Native | Tadeas Kriz).
- “You’ll learn how to effectively use built-in tools, recognize problematic patterns, and implement proven optimization strategies.” (Taming Asynchronous Beasts: Debugging and Performance Tuning in a Coroutine World | Marcin Moskała).
- “We’ll learn how KMP provides a unified framework for code sharing and execution across various platforms to solve the challenge of different codebases targeting different runtimes.” (Kotlin Multiplatform’s Cross-Platform Brilliance at Norway’s 377-Year-Old National Postal Service | Anshika Koul)
Specific takeaways not only strengthen your proposal for reviewers but also make your talk more attractive to attendees when the schedule is published.
5. Make it Kotlin-centric
KotlinConf focuses on Kotlin itself and its ecosystem. Reviewers look for proposals that highlight Kotlin’s features, multiplatform capabilities, or language design, or relevant tools from the ecosystem.
If your talk covers a popular theme, put your own unique spin on it. A case study, a personal experience, or a surprising insight can make your submission stand out.
6. Showcase your speaking skills
Even the most brilliant idea can fall short without effective delivery. The KotlinConf program committee wants to see that you can engage the audience.
The KotlinConf Call for Speakers form includes a Recordings of previous talks field, which is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your presentation style and energy. If you’re new to speaking, a short, self-recorded video can make a huge difference.
If you don’t have formal recordings, consider including links to blog posts, open-source projects, or short demo videos related to your topic.
7. Polishing matters: Make your proposal shine
A strong proposal isn’t just about content; presentation matters too. Typos, inconsistent formatting, or vague writing can work against you.
Reviewers want to see that you’ve taken care in preparing your proposal. A polished submission suggests you’ll bring the same care to your talk.
8. Consider different formats and feel free to submit more than one talk
If your topic doesn’t quite fit a full-length slot, consider proposing a lightning talk instead.
And here’s another strategic tip: Submitting multiple proposals increases your chances of being selected.
9. Don’t be afraid to get creative
There’s always room for talks that are purely fun or explore unexpected aspects of Kotlin. If you have an amazing side project or discovered something truly surprising about the language, don’t hesitate to submit it!
The KotlinConf’26 Call for Speakers is opem! Share your Kotlin expertise with the world – server-side, web, desktop, mobile, AI/ML, and more! Submit your proposal and get a chance to speak at the year’s biggest Kotlin event!
Conclusion
Getting a talk accepted to a prestigious conference like KotlinConf is a significant achievement. It’s an opportunity to share your insights, experiences, or even fun discoveries with the Kotlin community. However, the competition is stiff, and each year, many good proposals don’t make the cut.
Don’t get discouraged if your submission isn’t accepted. Keep refining your ideas, practice your presentation skills, and continue to engage with the Kotlin community. Every submission is a learning experience and valuable practice. With preparation and care, the next KotlinConf stage could be yours.
Good luck preparing your submission for KotlinConf’26!
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