Welcome to the RustConf 2026 CFP! We’re so excited to hear about what you’ve been building, learning, breaking, and celebrating with Rust.

RustConf is an annual gathering for the global Rust community — beginners, experts, students, hobbyists, industry leaders, and everyone in between.

If you have an inspiring, instructive, and unique story to tell about the Rust programming language, we'd love for you to submit a proposal to speak!

This submission form covers two formats:

• Full Conference Talks
• Community Lightning Talks

Read on for details about the experience and how to submit.

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Talk Type

Full Conference Talks

• 40 minutes total, including Q&A (optional)

• Presented during breakout or marquee programming blocks

Community Lightning Talks

• 5 minutes, no Q&A

• Perfect for new voices, quick demos, small-but-awesome discoveries, or delightfully weird Rust adventures

Regardless of talk type, content should be vendor-neutral and educational. Sales and marketing pitches will not be accepted. 

How to Submit

On the application form, you’ll be asked for:

• Talk title
• Abstract 
• Format preference: Full conference talk or lightning talk
• Topic area
• Technical audience level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
• Speaker details (name, bio, pronouns, etc.)

You may submit multiple proposals, though each speaker is eligible for one accepted slot per talk type. 

2026 Speaker Experience

Our team looks forward to supporting all speakers in delivering a great session! RustConf speakers can present on stage in Montréal or virtually with a pre-recorded talk. Pre-recorded talks will be premiered live during the assigned time slot, both online and in the venue. Please note that we are aiming for all talks to be given live in-person; we'll be much less likely to accept your talk if you indicate that you plan to pre-record.  

Full Conference Speakers:

• One initial run-through with conference team
• Final run-through completed in mid-August
• Ongoing access to conference planning team for any questions you have as your talk is prepared. 
• Slide review and approval. 

Lightning Talk Speakers:

• Optional async coaching available
• Slide review and approval (if applicable)

RustConf is dedicated to being welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone. All speakers and attendees agree to follow our Code of Conduct.

Speaker Support

If you are selected to present a full conference session at RustConf, you’ll receive*:

• Airfare reimbursement (stipend, amount TBD)
• Hotel reimbursement (stipend, amount TBD)
• A $500 honorarium 
• Free RustConf admission

*We might be able to offer travel reimbursement if your employer is not able to reimburse your travel. 

Lightning talk speakers receive free admission and lots of applause. 🎉

Process & Timeline

The Program Committee will start reviewing submissions once the CFP closes in February.

The first round is anonymous — reviewers won’t know who you are, and you might receive any early feedback anonymously as well. Please avoid biographical details or identity-revealing links in your abstract and description.

We currently plan to inform all applicants of our decision in mid-March and announce the program toward the end of March or early April. 

FAQs

"Can I update my proposal after submitting?"

Yes — anytime before the CFP closes.

"Can we present as a group?"

Yes, we accept applications for two-speaker talks—though they are less commonly accepted because they are more complex to deliver. Please note that travel funding is budgeted per talk, not per speaker.

"Will I get feedback?"

You can opt in for reviewer feedback. Not all applicants will receive feedback due to reviewer capacity, and lack of feedback does not reflect proposal quality.

"When does registration open?"

Soon! Stay tuned via rustconf.com and social channels.

"I’m new to Rust — should I still submit?"

Absolutely, we'd love to feature talks across all levels of Rust expertise. Beginner stories and fresh perspectives make the ecosystem stronger.

Other questions? Bugs? Email us at rustconf@rustfoundation.org. Thank you for your interest in speaking at RustConf 2026!

In addition to a complimentary conference ticket, RustConf will reimburse hotel and flight expenses via stipend for full conference talk speakers. The stipend amount is still being finalized. Lightning talk speakers receive a free conference ticket.