FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the University: Future Festival 2024 and the calls. If your question is not answered in the FAQs, you can reach our team at: festival_team@hochschulforum.org
- Call for Participation
- Call for Arts & Interaction
Call for Participation
1. General Information
Who can submit?
Anyone can submit! We evaluate submissions solely based on their content quality and relevance to the University: Future Festival’s thematic focus. We particularly encourage participation from university members, students, companies, civil society, and internationals.
What makes a good session?
Ideally, a strong (and preferably concise) title should already generate interest in the topic. The session should go beyond a mere project presentation. Dare to be authentic, creative, and opinionated!
In which languages can I submit?
You can submit your ideas in German or English. Please ensure that the language of your submission and the session held are consistent. Translation services are not provided.
Will submissions be accepted after the deadline?
Unfortunately, we cannot consider submissions after the deadline. The Call for Participation ends on February 12, 2024.
What formats are possible?
The following formats are available:
- Inputs: 30-minute presentations on a topic by one or more individuals. The focus should be on applicable knowledge. The format can vary, with the lecture followed by a discussion being the most common.
- Lightning Talks: 5-minute short presentations by a maximum of two people.
- Discussions: A dynamic and diverse discussion lasting 30-60 minutes involving multiple individuals. Planned discussion participants must be named in the submission.
- Workshops: Interactive formats lasting 60-120 minutes with limited participants (typically a maximum of 50).
- Training Sessions: 60-120 minute learning units.
- Local Meetups: 60-minute gatherings at one of our physical stages on a defined topic, emphasizing exchange and discussion. Note: Lectures should not be part of meetups.
What is the difference between a training session and a workshop?
There is some overlap between the two formats. The following information should help you classify your submission correctly:
- While workshops typically involve working on a topic collaboratively, training sessions always have a defined learning objective.
- Workshops focus on interaction. Providers of training sessions can determine the appropriate level of interactivity.
- Workshops have a limited number of participants (typically 50, fewer by agreement). Training sessions are unlimited.
What are the themes of the University: Future Festival? And why do I need to choose one?
The themes serve to structure the event programme. You do not have advantages or disadvantages based on your choice of theme. You can find all information on the following theme tracks here.
- Shapes of Tomorrow
- AI & Technology
- Teaching & Learning
- Spaces & Hybrid Concepts
- Future Skills
- Structures & Strategies
- Exams, Legal & Data Protection
- Networks & Participation
- Let’s Play
How are contributions evaluated?
After the submission deadline, your proposal will be reviewed by a track jury. The track juries consist of experts in the respective field, students, and representatives of Hochschulforum, Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre, and stage partners. We ensure that your submission is read and evaluated by at least three people, usually more. In a second stage, the heads of the track juries come together to decide on the final programme. The jury members will be announced on this website before the end of the call. You will receive a decision from the jury in March 2024.
Do I need to be present at the physical event if my submission is accepted?
No, virtual participation is the standard. Only a few submissions will be invited to take place in person. Local meetups will exclusively be held in person.
Can I deliver my session in person if my submission is accepted?
The festival is “digital first,” and this applies to all programme contributions. However, we may be able to provide a quiet place for presentations to many interested speakers. We can only confirm this after the programme has been finalized. Workshops and training sessions scheduled for the last day of the festival should be held digitally.
What technology and tools will be provided?
In simplified terms, our digital spaces will have a similar range of features to Zoom. We will also provide you with a Miro board. If you require specific tools or equipment, please contact us at festival_team@hochschulforum.org.
I have a product or service that would be of interest to the audience. Can I submit a session proposal to promote my idea?
Yes, but your submission is likely to be unsuccessful. Sessions should always focus on providing a learning experience. This means that while you can mention your products and projects, the primary focus should be on knowledge sharing. For example, “We have built a learning platform and had to solve difficult and unforeseen problems” is more engaging than “We have a new, great learning platform.”
Is there a gender quota?
Yes. At least 50 percent of speakers should be female.
Is there a student quota?
No. However, it is important to us to provide a platform for student voices, so we look forward to your submissions!
2. Submission
I want to submit a discussion: Do all speakers need to be confirmed already?
Yes, the planned discussants must be named in the submission.
Do I need an account on Sessionize to participate in the call?
Yes, a submission is always linked to at least one speaker. You need an account to create a speaker profile. You can list up to 9 co-speakers per session. Please note that you can only provide the email addresses of your co-speakers, and they will need to create their profiles independently.
Can I submit a session on behalf of someone else?
No, for privacy reasons, speakers must register themselves.
Step by step: How does the speaker registration work, and how do I submit my idea for the call?
- Step 1: To submit a session, click on “Call” in the menu, then “Call for Participation.”
- Step 2: On the overview page of the call, you’ll find a button for the Call for Participation form at the bottom.
- Step 3: Create an account in our Call tool Sessionize. If you already have an account with Sessionize, you can use your existing account for the University: Future Festival submission.
- Step 4: Fill out all required fields of the form.
- Step 5: Complete your submission by clicking the “submit session” button.
- Step 6: Your submission is now automatically completed and will be considered by the jury during the selection process. You will be informed once a decision has been made.
Will the information in the Call for Participation tool be publicly visible?
The information will only be published once a contribution has been accepted. This applies only to information relevant to visitors. Contact information and other personal data will not be made public.
What are the character limits?
The description of your session must be between 200 and 2,000 characters long. Additionally, you must submit a brief description of your session, which will appear in the programme if you are accepted. Your self-description as a speaker can range from 100 to 800 characters.
Can I submit multiple proposals in the Call for Participation?
Yes, you can submit multiple contributions.
Can I edit my proposal in the Call form?
Yes, only after the Call ends on February 12, 2024, will submissions be locked and unchangeable. We will contact you if there are any uncertainties.
My session is not published. Did you receive it?
If you log into the Call tool and your session is visible, then we have received it.
What should I do if I can’t log in anymore?
Please double-check your login details (email and password) and make sure you are logging in to the correct domain. If the problem persists after multiple attempts, our team can assist you: festival_team@hochschulforum.org.
Where can I get help with non-technical Call for Participation questions?
For any questions that cannot be resolved through this FAQ, please contact: festival_team@hochschulforum.org
How will I know if my contribution has been accepted?
Once the jury’s selection process is complete, we will contact you. This is expected to happen at the end of March 2024.
Call for Arts & Interaction
1. General Information
Who can submit?
Anyone can submit! We evaluate submissions solely based on their content quality and relevance to the University: Future Festival’s thematic focus. We particularly encourage participation from artists and culture creators approaching the Tales of Tomorrow theme artistically and university members creatively engaging visitors to participate and reflect.
What formats are possible?
In principle, anything that relates to the festival themes and is logistically feasible is conceivable. Specifically, we are looking for:
- Artprojects
- Teaching methods and tools for experimentation and experience
My idea doesn’t fit into any of the formats. Can I still submit?
Absolutely! We look forward to surprises and diverse themes and formats!
How can I implement my idea/project?
In general, you have the option to implement your idea/project online, in a hybrid manner, and/or in person. Only the teaching methods and tools for experimentation and experience, as well as interactive booths, are possible in person at the Mainstage venue in Berlin. This does not involve a stage presentation but rather the exhibition of your project to visitors away from the stage.
Where will the projects be exhibited?
Projects held in person or in a hybrid format will be displayed at the Mainstage venue in Berlin. The online exhibition space for digital projects will be accessible to the entire audience through the event platform.
What infrastructure will be provided?
We will provide the necessary space, power, and internet connectivity. Furthermore, we are always available should you have any questions regarding formats and feasibility.
2. Submission
Can I submit multiple projects/formats?
Yes, you can submit multiple projects/formats per person.
Do I need an account on Sessionize to participate in the Call?
Yes, a submission is always linked to at least one person. You need an account to create a profile. You can list up to 9 people per project. Please note that you can only provide the email addresses of your colleagues, and they will need to create their profiles independently.
Can I edit my proposal in the Call form?
Yes, only after the Call ends on February 12, 2024, will submissions be locked and unchangeable. We will contact you if there are any uncertainties.
How will the contributions be evaluated?
After the submission deadline, your proposal will be reviewed by members of the organizing team and assessed for feasibility. The deadline is February 12, 2024.
How and when will I know if my project has been accepted?
Once the jury’s selection process is complete, we will contact you. This is expected to happen at the end of March 2024.
Where can I get help with further questions?
For any questions that cannot be resolved through this FAQ, please contact: festival_team@hochschulforum.org
