Speaker Guide

We are excited to have you speak at an upcoming STAC Summit. This page outlines key requirements, deadlines, slide standards, logistics, and event platform details.

If you have questions at any time, contact:
events@STACresearch.com

If you are managing speaker logistics for your firm, review all sections carefully and share with your speaker.

 

1. Speaker Registration & Event Access

STAC will register confirmed speakers.

You will receive:

  • A registration confirmation

  • An event ticket

  • An event invite with a unique event code

Download the Agorify App and use the event code to join the event in the Agorify app using the “Join by event code” feature.

There is information on downloading the Agorify app at the bottom of this page.

 

Speakers should feel free to invite clients from financial firms by directing them to the registration pages:
https://stacresearch.com/events

 

2. Speaker Submission Requirements

Submit the following as early as possible:

  • Session title

  • Speaker bio

  • Headshot

  • Abstract, if applicable (Tech Talks only)

  • Speaker Submission Form 
    If you have problems submitting with that form, email the materials to us by clicking here.

As the agenda is finalized, sessions are posted publicly. Early submission allows earlier promotion.

 

3. Presentation Length

Most presentations are 5 minutes unless approved as a Tech Talk.

Tech Talks are 15 minutes total (unless otherwise confirmed) and include time for Q and A. Plan to speak for about 12 minutes to allow time for questions.

Rehearse carefully. Time limits are strictly enforced, especially for Innovation Roundup sessions.

 

4. Slide Submission & Deadlines

Slides must be submitted by the deadline for the event. The deadlines are published here.

It is important to get your slides submitted in time. Late submissions may be disqualified. If disqualified, your firm’s logo will be displayed while the speaker presents from notes.

To maintain high standards:

  • Only one revision is permitted

  • Final revisions must be submitted no later than 48 business hours before the event

  • No changes are permitted within 48 hours of the event

  • STAC reserves the right to decline updates past the deadline

Slides are reviewed for compliance with the presentation rules below. Slides are preloaded onto AV presentation machines.

 

5. Slide Preparation Requirements

Format

  • PowerPoint or PDF

  • 16:9 aspect ratio

Do Not Use

We cannot guarantee the following will function properly:

  • Embedded media

  • Internet links

  • Slide timings

  • Bright colors, especially yellow

  • Complex PowerPoint features

  • Audio

We suggest keeping slides simple. Use large text and clear visuals.

If you record and embed a demo, make sure that it will start when you click (advance) the remote.

Speaker notes WILL NOT be visible on the confidence monitor. If your speaker relies on notes, bring printed notes to the podium.

 

6. Additional Slide Guidance

  • If using the same slides across multiple cities, notify STAC when submitting.

  • If submitted in PowerPoint, STAC can update city or speaker details without requiring full resubmission.

  • STAC distributes a PDF version to global members post event. Avoid overlays and build effects that do not convert cleanly.

  • You may provide an alternative PDF version for distribution.

  • Consider including a final slide with contact details and a white paper link for post event engagement.

 

7. Presentation Rules

STAC Summits maintain a high substance to hype ratio.

Failure to follow these rules may affect future speaking eligibility.

STAC reserves the right to modify or remove slides that do not adhere to these standards.

Competitive Positioning

  • Do not attack specific vendors.

  • Fact based superiority claims are acceptable if not directed at a named competitor.

  • Reframe negatives about competitors as positives about your solution.

  • You may reference “Vendor X,” but do not imply identity using logo colors or visual cues.

Use of STAC Benchmarks

You may reference published STAC Benchmark results if:

  • The report is publicly accessible

  • You clearly identify what was tested

  • You quote the SUT ID and Spec ID used in testing

If you are doing a new test, which is complete but the report is not yet published:

  • STAC will present results in our segment

  • You may refer to our presentation but you may not present those results yourself

Even when using STAC Benchmarks:

  • Do not direct comparisons at a single named vendor

  • The only exception is a comparison made and included in the Summary section of an audited STAC Report, and then when cited with full context

Non STAC Benchmarks

  • Must be clearly labeled in your slides as “NOT STAC BENCHMARKS”

  • May not be compared to STAC Benchmarks

  • May not be used for competitive comparisons

  • If not labeled, STAC will add the label

If presenting non-STAC benchmarks for workloads covered by STAC Benchmarks, expect questions from the audience.

 

8. Presentation Setup

Slides are driven by an AV technician when each speaker arrives on stage.

Speakers will receive:

  • A wireless presentation remote

  • A confidence monitor

  • A podium microphone or lapel mic depending on session format

Speaker notes are not visible on the confidence monitor.

Bring printed notes if needed.

 

9. Day of Event Logistics

Before the Event

  • Block your calendar

  • Confirm your session time in the online agenda or app

  • If on a panel, attend the pre panel call to understand the logistics

 

Arrival & Setup

  • Arrive early in case the schedule runs ahead

  • Innovation Roundup speakers proceed to the podium immediately after the prior speaker. We do not announce each speaker.

  • Tech Talk and panel speakers should connect with the AV technician during the break or lunch before their session to get fitted with a lapel microphone

Innovation Roundup speakers speak from the podium micrphone.

 

At the Podium

Before speaking:

  • Confirm slides are visible

  • Locate the clicker

  • Adjust the microphone height

  • Locate the timer and confidence monitor

Your time begins when you start speaking.

Speak directly into the microphone. Roaming or turning while speaking may reduce audio quality or affect recordings.

 

Timekeeping

Locate the timer near the confidence monitor.

For Innovation Roundup sessions:

  • Time limits are strict 5 minutes

  • When the time expires, STAC will prompt audience applause

  • Thank the audience and allow the next speaker to approach

If an AV issue occurs, STAC will handle and you will not be penalized for lost time. We will give you a signal. 

 

After Your Presentation

  • Leave the clicker on the podium

  • Be sure to include a clear call to action such as:
    “Please click the ‘Contact <Firm>’ button in the app.” or "See us at at booth outside."

 

10. Event App

We strongly recommend downloading the Agorify app.

The app allows you to:

  • Access your QR code for check in

  • View your agenda

  • Access slides and panel Q and A

  • Participate in interactive discussions

If downloading the app is restricted on your device, a web version is available.

QR codes for app download are available at registration.

 

Final Reminders

  • Rehearse, reherse, reherse to stay within time

  • Keep slides clear and technical

  • Bring printed notes if needed

  • Meet deadlines

  • Contact STAC early if you have questions

We look forward to your presentation and the insight you will share at the Summit.

 

Questions

For speaker form submissions, slide uploads, or logistics questions, email us at events@stacresearch.com

 

Downloading the Agorify App

There is a video link that can help you understand how to download and use the Agorify app. You may also choose to scan the QR codes below from these app stores:

Google Play
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Apple App Store

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