Call for Speakers - Avant South 2025
Each year, Avant South explores innovation through a focused lens. This year, that lens is transportation and its power to shape cities, drive economies, and impact daily life. We’re also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a powerful reminder of Atlanta’s legacy as a transportation powerhouse. But this isn’t just a transportation conference. We’re here to explore how innovation in mobility intersects with broader systems and sectors. We’re looking for bold perspectives on how transportation influences industries like tech, healthcare, climate, education, logistics, and beyond. Whether you’re rethinking infrastructure, building smarter systems, or disrupting the norm—we want to hear from you.
Pitch Your Idea
Speaker applications are now closed.
Lead the Charge
Show how your team’s pushing boundaries with AI, automation, and smart mobility. Be the name shaping what’s next across industries like healthcare, logistics, and travel.
Amplify Your Brand
Put your organization in the spotlight through Avant South’s promotions, media coverage, and marketing efforts, positioning you as a thought leader and industry influencer.
Spark Real Change
Share how your organization is tackling big challenges and driving innovation—reshaping the future of tech and transportation, starting in Atlanta.
Expand Your Reach
Engage with industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and experts, and build connections that open doors to new opportunities and strategic partnerships.
What We're Looking For:
We want speakers who bring real value to the table. Whether you’ve been in the game for years, or if you’ve made an impact early in your career, we want to hear your big ideas. Here’s what we’re after:
- Experts who can speak to industry transformation and the latest trends
- Academic pioneers sharing cutting-edge research or projects
- Government officials shaping policy and infrastructure for growth and innovation
- Entrepreneurs & founders solving real-world problems with bold solutions
- Emerging leaders exploring the future of tech, transportation, and its impact on society
How to Stand Out
We’re looking for sessions that spark ideas and action. Great talks are:
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Actionable – Share takeaways people can use right away—whether they’re launching startups, shaping policy, or leading teams.
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Accessible – Speak to a broad, cross-industry audience. Innovation happens everywhere.
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Thought-provoking – Bring bold perspectives, challenge norms, and start conversations that last.
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Well-paced – Be clear, focused, and engaging. Tell stories that stick.
Formats We Love
We welcome creative session styles that get people thinking, doing, or connecting. Start with these, or pitch your own:
- Solo Talks – One speaker. One strong idea. Think TED-style: clear, focused, and unforgettable.
- Panels – Multiple voices, real dialogue. Skip the monologues—bring contrast, energy, and depth.
- Fireside Chats – Candid conversations that dig deep. Great for founder stories and big-picture themes.
- Live Demos / Case Studies – Show us how it works. Real examples, real results, real impact.
Anticipated Timeline
Speaker Application Opens
Speaker Application Closes
Begin Notifying Selected Speakers
Speaker Acceptances Due
The speaker notification timeline is dependent on the number and quality of proposals we receive. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the process at avantsouth@gatech.edu.
