BiDS | BIG DATA FROM SPACE 2025
29 September - 3 October 2025 | Riga, Latvia
Lightning Talks
Lightning Talks
Join us for 4-Minute Presentations: Lightning Talks offer a quick and engaging platform for sharing your insights. Taking place on October 2nd, from 4:00 pm onwards, you'll have the chance to captivate the audience with your ideas.
Participate in the lightning talk session for a chance to present your contribution and, if you have a poster, to give it greater visibility.
Limited Slots for In-Person Participants: Only a select number of slots are available for registered in-person attendees.
Here's your guide on how to participate:
How to register to provide a talk
Lightning talks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens on Monday 22nd September, at 10:00 AM CET for registered in-person attendees.
More details about the registration process and the submission portal will be announced in our welcome letter. Also keep an eye on our conference website or conference app for updates! It's the fast track to becoming a conference superstar!
How to prepare a talk
With just 4 minutes, focus on key messages. If you opt for slides, limit them to a maximum of 4. Avoid reading slides verbatim.
For helpful tips, check out this article: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01674-9
On the day of your talk
Thursday October 2nd
If you plan to present a file during your Lightningtalk, please come prepared with a USB Stick containing a single file labelled as LT_Lastname.type (e.g., LT_Superstar.ppt). Ensure you upload this file in the Speaker Ready Area (which is located near the Plenary room) no later than 14:00 on Thursday 2nd. By 15:30 on Thursday 2nd, during the start of the Coffee break, kindly present yourself to the LT coordinator to verify that your presentation opens without any complications.
Session Start: The session kicks off at 16:00. Sit in the front rows, ready to take the stage when the LT coordinator calls you. In case of no-shows, the coordinator may invite authors from the waiting list.
after the talk
All the talks will be recorded and made available online. In case you were an author in the waiting list and you did not have the possibility to present, you will be invited to send a 4 minutes video presentation that will be made available online with the others.
Technical setup of the presentation laptop
The presentation laptop runs MSOffice, Powerpoint, and Adobe Acrobat Reader. It’s equipped with a browser for internet connectivity (if needed, please check in beforehand).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) -
Lightning Talks
What is a lightning talk?
A lightning talk is a thrilling and dynamic presentation lasting just 4 minutes. It's your chance to shine, delivering a punchy, engaging message to captivate the audience.
How do I secure a slot for a lightning talk?
Lightning talks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens on Monday 22nd September, at 10:00 AM CET. More details about the registration process and the submission portal will be announced soon. Keep an eye on our conference website or conference app for updates! It's the fast track to becoming a conference superstar!
What topics are suitable for lightning talks?
Lightning talks can spark interest in a wide range of subjects. Share your insights, whether they're about cutting-edge technology, real-world case studies, best practices, or innovative ideas. Just remember, no blatant commercials, please.
Can I use slides or visual aids during my lightning talk?
Absolutely! Enhance your presentation with visuals, but keep in mind, you've got a lightning-quick 4 minutes to make your mark. Use them wisely. Ensure that other visual aids can be read by the SW installed on the presentation laptop.
How are lightning talks scheduled during the conference?
Brace yourself for excitement on Thursday, October 2nd! Our dedicated lightning talk session will feature a lineup of 4-minute power presentations.
Can I request a specific time slot for my lightning talk during the session?
To ensure a smooth lightning talk session, presenters are required to be present for the entire session and wait for a call from the organizers. Time slots will be assigned by the organizers based on availability and the order of sign-up.
Can I record my lightning talk for social media or personal use?
The organizers will be recording all lightning talks. You're welcome to share the recorded talk for personal use. So, while you may not need to worry about recording it yourself, you can still share your moment with your audience!
What benefits can I expect from presenting a lightning talk at the conference?
Elevate your status! Presenting a lightning talk allows you to shine, gain recognition in your field, and connect with potential collaborators or employers. It's an electrifying opportunity to learn from your peers and make a lasting impact.
If you have any additional questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out in-person to the conference organizers at the joint ESA-JRC-SatCen Booth. We can't wait to see you in the spotlight at our conference on October 2nd!
Contact Us
All questions regarding this topic may be directed to events.organisation@esa.int