Information for ContentEd 2026 themed conversation session speakers

A themed conversation combines two pre-recorded talks with a live chaired discussion. You’ll prepare a recording and take part live, so please plan for both.

What to do and when

Before recording: read the shared planning document and add your talk title and description if you haven’t already done so. This is available in the google drive folder for your session that was shared with you by Tracy Playle.

  • Monday 26 October 2026: upload your 20-minute talk video recording, with a permitted length of 19–21 minutes, to the Google Drive folder shared for your session.

  • Friday 30 October 2026: add your slides and any supporting materials to the same folder.

  • On the day: be backstage in Zoom Events 15 minutes before the whole session starts for your technical check.

Plan with the other speaker if you wish

Use your planning document to understand how the two talks fit together. Consider what your contribution adds, where examples complement one another and which questions you would like to explore in the discussion. If you’re unsure about the other contribution or need an introduction, ask your ContentEd contact. The other speaker’s contact information is available in the planning document, so please do feel free to reach out to them.

Record your talk

  • Use software that can record your voice, camera and slides, if you’re using them. Slides are optional.

  • Record at the highest resolution you can, ideally HD or 1080p, and save the video as an .mp4 or .mov file.

  • If using slides, show your face alongside them and keep the slides large enough to read.

  • Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a simple background. Position your camera at eye level. We recommend avoiding virtual backgrounds.

  • Keep personal or sensitive items out of view and close notifications or windows you would not want to record.

  • Make a short test recording and listen back to check the sound before recording the full talk.

  • Keep your talk within 19–21 minutes so the session can run to time.

  • Zoom events provides in-platform captioning, so you do not need to add your own captions.

Check and submit your files

  • Watch the finished recording before uploading. Check its length, sound and picture, including whether slides are readable throughout.

  • Save your recording as an .mp4 or .mov file and upload it to your session folder by 26 October.

  • Add slides and any supporting materials by 30 October.

  • Slides can be supplied as Google Slides, Keynote, PowerPoint or PDF files.

If you cannot find or access your folder, or expect a problem meeting a deadline, email Tracy at tracy@contentedlive.com.

Read the themed conversation recording guide

Join the live conversation

Arrive 15 minutes before the whole session starts, rather than joining only for the discussion.

The chair introduces the session, the two talks are played, and a short comfort break is followed by a 25-minute live chaired discussion with the speakers.

Come ready to respond to the other talk, explore different perspectives and share useful examples. Give other speakers space and keep contributions focused.

Delegates then move into guided breakout conversations, followed by a share-back and wrap-up. You’re welcome to join the breakouts, but participation is optional for speakers.