2026-SOTN

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⚡Call for Lightning Talk Proposals at SOTN26

Present Your Lightning Talk

call for proposals

State of the Net will again feature “lightning talks” when it returns February 9, 2026.  Since their introduction in 2024, lightning talks have become one of the most popular features of the conference — short, dynamic presentations that showcase fresh perspectives in tech policy.

Last year’s talks were fascinating. 

If you have a compelling idea, research insight, or policy takeaway to share, we invite you to submit a Lightning Talk proposal. These five-minute presentations bring new voices into the conversation and spotlight innovative thinking across the Internet policy landscape.

Successful proposals will inform and inspire policymakers working on technology issues in Congress, state legislatures, and international governance fora.

Submit your proposal by Monday, December 1, 2025 COB.

For inspiration, look to the lightning talks from the 2025 conference. 

Use the submission form below to send in your proposal.

Submit Your Proposal
View 2025 Lightning Talks
Questions? Contact the State of the Net team at [email protected].
 
Conference registration is now open. Register here.
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📅 Registration Open! Save Your Spot. More Than Meets The AI 🎟️

Registration is now open for State of the Net! Join us on February 9, 2026, because technology policy today is More Than Meets the AI. As the nation’s premier tech policy conference, State of the Net convenes the most influential voices from Congress, the administration, industry, and civil society to map the policy landscape for the year ahead. Save the date, plan your travel, and budget accordingly — this is the event that will set the tone for 2026.

REGISTER IN PERSON
REGISTER LIVESTREAM

In its 22nd year, SOTN will be the place to hear from the top policymakers in technology and engage with the key players from industry, government, media, and NGOs.

Registration is now open! Register today to secure your place at the nation’s premier Internet policy conference, and don’t miss your chance to be at the center of the conversation shaping the future of the Internet.

Sponsorship opportunities will heighten your profile and your engagement at the conference. Contact Pamela Strother at [email protected] or 202-486-5990 for more details. 

Our conference crew is getting started building the agenda and responding to speaker requests.

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✨ Save the Date. SOTN Returns. More Than Meets The AI 👁️

MORE THAN MEETS THE AI - 1

State of the Net is back on February 9, 2026 — and this year, it’s More Than Meets the AI. As the nation’s premier tech policy conference, State of the Net convenes the most influential voices from Congress, the administration, industry, and civil society to map the policy landscape for the year ahead. Save the date, plan your travel, and budget accordingly — this is the event that will set the tone for 2026.

In its 22nd year, SOTN will be the place to hear from the top policymakers in technology and engage with the key players from industry, government, media, and NGOs.

Registration will open in early fall. In the meantime you can join our pre-registration list to get updates as the program comes together.

Sponsorship opportunities will heighten your profile and your engagement at the conference. Contact Pamela Strother at [email protected] or 202-486-5990 for more details.

Our conference crew is getting started building the agenda and responding to speaker requests.

Where: Convene, 601 14th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia
When: Monday, February 09, 2026, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

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