Speaker contest opens for E-commerce Berlin Expo

In a few months, thousands of professionals will converge on Berlin for the E-commerce Berlin Expo, one of Europe’s largest B2B gatherings focused on online retail. Organizers expect about 14,000 visitors, including C-level executives, and plan to host 320 exhibitors across 4 conference stages.

The event’s Call for Speakers contest gives industry practitioners a chance to earn a slot on the program. Participants are asked to submit talks that move e-commerce forward, avoiding generic trend pieces or product pitches.

Judges are looking for sessions built on real decisions, concrete implementations, measurable results and the lessons learned along the way. The emphasis is on evidence-based stories that other attendees can apply in their own businesses.

Each year, 24 winners are selected to present their insights. A speaking slot is marketed as a launchpad for personal brand building and for reaching a highly engaged audience of peers.

How to enter

Submissions open on September 1 and close on September 18, 2026, 17:00 CET. Entries may be in English or German and must fit one of nine categories, ranging from Growth and Acquisition to People, Leadership and Organisation.

After the initial upload, applicants receive a link to add further details. The more complete the profile, the easier it is for reviewers to assess the proposal’s relevance.

From September 23 to October 9, 17:00 CET, the public can vote as LinkedIn-verified users, one vote per category. Public support is helpful but not decisive; a strong proposal can still win without the most votes.

In the advisory phase, the top five entries per category move to a panel of industry experts. The panel selects one winner per category and also highlights fifteen “wildcard” proposals that merit a stage slot regardless of vote totals.

Volker Harbrecht (Meta), Iskra Velichkova (PayPal), Rad Jha (flaconi), Christoph Sterkel (Kellanova) and Fernando Veiga Fonseca (C&A) are among the advisors tasked with this review.

Advisors focus on relevance, clarity and practical value. They favor sessions that address a specific, current e-commerce challenge and that include data, case studies or concrete examples. Proposals must clearly state what attendees will learn and how they can apply the insight.

For a compelling entry, the narrative should start with a clear problem, describe the actions taken, and back the outcome with measurable evidence. References to the speaker’s company are acceptable only when they add context, not when they become the focus.

Winners receive more than a speaking slot. They are featured on the expo’s social channels, receive a professional recording of their session, and gain access to invite-only parties and year-round community initiatives.

Past editions have showcased speakers from leading firms such as Zalando, MediaMarktSaturn and HelloFresh, which signals that the contest is a showcase for top-tier talent.

The official list of 2027 winners will be published on E-commerce Germany News.

Preparing a Winning Proposal

Applicants should open with a concise statement of the problem they addressed, explaining why it matters now. The opening must capture attention without relying on generic buzzwords.

The core of the submission needs to describe the specific actions taken, the experiments run, and the adjustments made during implementation. Real-world decisions and their consequences give the audience a clear roadmap to follow.

Evidence strengthens credibility; include quantitative results, case-study excerpts, or concrete examples wherever possible. Data points illustrate impact and help reviewers gauge the practical value of the session.

Finally, the proposal must spell out the takeaway for attendees, outlining skills or strategies they can apply immediately after the talk. Any reference to the presenter’s organization should serve only to provide context, not to promote products.

The entry form asks for basic identification details, a LinkedIn profile link, and the presenter’s role and company. It also requires a clear session title and a brief description that highlights the session’s relevance.

Submitters may list a co-speaker or interview partner, providing that person’s name, position, company, and LinkedIn URL. This optional field helps the advisory panel assess how well the speakers work together.

Selection Process and Next Steps

Beyond the core criteria, advisors consider how distinctive the content is and how well it fits within the overall conference program. Their professional judgment shapes the final stage lineup.