The submission process.

LAST Conference has always been opinionated in its ethos. We have a particular emphasis on encouraging engaging submissions for the event. 

We really want you to take in the information on this page, so you know what we are looking for and the thinking needed to prepare an excellent session.

We have simplified the process from last year. You no longer fill out a form accepting the Code of Conduct to receive the submission link. Please please read it, as part of the submission process.

A range of topics, experience and different/new faces

We signed up to the Diversity Charter in 2016. We want to have a lineup that reflects the community that the event serves. Giving opportunities to have opportunities for people who have been previously under-represented, less experienced colleagues who have a story to tell and/or can teach the people who have been "around the block". 

Here are the steps you will follow:

1. Review the info below. Watch the videos (hint - speed up the videos to 1.5x speed) that explain our ethos, and what will give you the best chance of being accepted.
   
   This will require up to 45 minutes of your time.
   
   
2. Click through, and complete the ConfEngine submission process.

Why is it so particular?

Ever since the first edition in 2012, we have made a point to help people who submit sessions to put on the best, most engaging session that they can. We've run public speaking training, peer reviewed workshops and information sessions. As you can get a sense of, from the highlight video, we did a pretty good job at having high quality content at LAST.

We also want you to understand the ethos of LAST Conference.

The break caused by COVID-19 for an in-person LAST with open submissions, means that we are even more mindful of helping submitters put in an idea, and iterate on it. If it gets a slot on the schedule, we want it to be the best that it can be for everyone who goes to the session, including you.

Watch these videos!

In 2018 we held an info session. There are some logistics that were different in 2022 (and in 2023) e.g a different venue, a single day only, and fewer spaces and participants than pre-COVID. What still applies, are the principles around the content, and the thought process submitters are encouraged to take. Even though we are being thorough about passing on the principles we want you to work on, there is still flexibility for you, when you submit ideas.

You will be pointed to specific info in the videos that you must understand before submitting session ideas to us.

June 2023 Update

If you only watch one video, watch this at 1.5 or 2x speed!

This emphasises the main points in the previous videos and any updates since then. It was recorded in 2022, but it still applies for this year.

The theme for 2023 is Building Working Intelligence for people who work in digital product development.

We are interested in topics that contribute to this. A sample (but not exhaustive) list of topics could include:

• Product management
• technology developments (e.g AI)
• digital "transformation
• modern Systems Thinking
• workplace change
• software and product development
• user and customer experience
• leadership and management
• organisational design and strategy
• project management and process improvement
• innovation and creativity

Links to the submissions system for MEL, SYD and BNE are below.

Origins of LAST Conference

Relevant info is 2:00 to end of clip.

What content do we want. Part 1

Relevant info:

Please review the whole video.

• What about Lean and Systems Thinking?
• What is overdone?
• Technical content

Note - Craig talks about 2 days and repeating sessions, this is not applicable in 2023.

What content do we want. Part 2.

Please review the whole video.

• Contains a breakdown of who comes 

Note - There are fewer slots available than Craig shows on his slides.

Slides, Case Studies, other formats, Games.

Important! This video talks about different formats for sessions. Presentations in front of slides have their place BUT they can also be like treacle. Craig talks about other formats that we really like to encourage. Please review the entire video.

Submission process

We have an iterative process for LAST Conference Melbourne submissions. Craig outlines this. Also see the Key Dates (Melbourne only), below.

Code of conduct

A reminder to please review the Code of Conduct that we have in place!

Optional videos

How you can help out.

Optional. We do need some help on the day, Craig talks about this. He also talks about the Slack Channel and how it's used for comms. Finally he talks about who we get to help us select sessions.

Preparing a session

Optional. Some tips on how to structure and get your message across. Link to video Craig mentions.

On Diversity

We want diversity of presenters.

The Entire Session

This video is the entire info session which is 1 hour long.