WHY SPEAK AT STL STARTUP WEEK?

Speaking at STL Startup Week is more than just being on stage — it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Each year, we bring together hundreds of early-stage entrepreneurs, creatives, small business owners, and changemakers to learn, connect, and build a stronger St. Louis startup community. 

As a speaker, you will:

• Share your expertise with a diverse, engaged audience of early-stage entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners.
  
• Build meaningful connections with other speakers, attendees, investors, and community leaders.
  
• Boost your visibility as a thought leader and advocate for the topics that matter most to you.
  
• Give back by helping others grow, learn, and take their ideas to the next level.

We’re looking for bold ideas, real stories, and sessions that leave people feeling smarter, more inspired, or more connected than when they walked in. If that sounds like your kind of vibe — we’d love to hear from you.

SELECTION CRITERIA

STL Startup Week aims to spotlight speakers who bring insight, energy, and real-world experience to our entrepreneurial community. We review each application with care, looking for sessions that educate, inspire, and reflect the diversity of our region. We encourage bold ideas, honest stories, and formats that go beyond the traditional lecture. If it makes people think, connect, or take action — it belongs at STL Startup Week!

Sessions will be evaluated on the following:

• Educational Value – Does the session provide clear takeaways, practical advice, or actionable steps?
  
• Clarity & Focus – Is the topic well-defined and relevant to our audience of founders, creatives, and small business owners?
  
• Originality – Does the idea offer a fresh perspective, unique format, or underrepresented voice?
  
• Engagement & Delivery – Will the speaker engage attendees through storytelling, interactivity, or strong presentation skills?
  
• Audience Alignment – Is the content appropriate for STL Startup Week’s early-stage and growing entrepreneurs?

Submission Tips

• Include clear learning and objectives and takeaways from your session.
  
• Highlight your experience or expertise in your industry or topic.
  
• Educate first! No sales pitches or self-promotion, please. If you’re interested in crafting a custom session that also helps promote your business or services, please look into our Sponsorship Opportunities. 

PLEASE NOTE: Priority will be given to speakers who have not previously presented at STLSW, though previous participation does not disqualify you from being selected.

SESSION FORMATS

STL Startup Week features a wide variety of engaging session formats designed to inspire, educate, and connect. Whether you're a first-time speaker or a seasoned expert, there's a format for your presentation. Each session block at STLSW is an hour, although many speakers decide to keep their sessions to less than an hour (most fall within 30-45 minutes). 

• Lecture: A solo presentation that dives deep into a specific topic or personal story with clear takeaways.
  
• Panel: A moderated discussion featuring 3–4 experts offering different perspectives on a shared theme or topic. If your session requires a moderator, we would be happy to recommend or provide one.
  
• Workshop: Hands-on, interactive sessions that help attendees build skills, frameworks, or tools they can use immediately.
  
• Fireside Chat: A candid conversation between a moderator and guest speaker that explores personal or professional insights.
  
• Demo: A product or prototype showcase with an emphasis on innovation and real-world applications.
  
• Performance: Spoken word, music, or other live creative performances that elevate the entrepreneurial experience through storytelling, expression, or celebration of culture.

APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE

Ready to take the stage at STL Startup Week 2025? We’re looking for bold ideas, practical insights, and fresh voices from across the St. Louis region and beyond. Whether you're a founder, service provider, funder, or community builder, we invite you to share your knowledge and energy with our community.

2025 Timeline

• Applications Open: April 30, 2025
• Live Q&A Webinar: June 25, 2025 @ 12pm CST (Register)
• Applications Close: July 21, 2025
• Speaker Notifications: August 11, 2025
• STL Startup Week 2025: November 10-14, 2025