You can now submit your TNC26 proposals for Lightning Talks, BoFs, and Community Hub proposals until 10 March (midnight CET).
In line with TNC26’s theme (Digital Sisu) inspired by sisu, inner strength, tenacity, and courage in a changing world, we welcome contributions that showcase bold ideas, lessons learned and collaborative efforts shaping research and education networking.
Lightning Talks
Lightning Talks focus on one key point. This can be an idea, a successful project, a cautionary story, a collaboration invitation, a quick tip or demonstration. It is an opportunity for ideas to get the attention they deserve, within a maximum of five minutes. The clock will be ticking, so get prepared!
Bird of a Feather (BoF)
BoFs (Bird of a Feather meetings) are participant-driven meeting (up to 40 people) rather than formal presentations. They’re a chance to dive into a specific topic with other attendees, share experiences, and shape the conversation together. They will be scheduled during conference hours (Tuesday 9 June – Thursday 11 June) and can last up to 90 minutes.
Community Hub
This year, we offer two session types, as well as the comeback of the Opportunity corner. The Community Hub will have its own dedicated space in TNC26’s main venue, Helsinki Music Hall.
Plugged-in sessions
Step into the world of screens and live demonstrations. Plugged-in sessions spotlight tools, projects, and innovations shaping research and education networks, backed by engaging presentations. Ideal for showcasing technical solutions or sharing highly visual material.
Unplugged sessions
Step away from screens and into human connection. Unplugged sessions rely on direct engagement, storytelling or collaborative exercises instead of presentation slides. They can take the form of regional meet-ups, group discussions, or idea exchanges aimed at sparking creativity and conversation.
Both session types will be allocated 30-45 minutes. For more information on the recommended formats for these sessions, visit: tnc26.geant.org/community-hub
Opportunity corner
A bulletin board to leave a project brochure, a flyer, or a post-it with an idea or a question. You’ll just need one copy as we encourage participants to take photos instead.
Read the guidelines and submit here
We look forward to receiving your submissions, and wish you the best of luck!
All submitters will be notified in March.
And don’t forget!
Early Bird registration is open until 24 March (midnight CET) so register now.
TNC26 will be hosted by CSC – IT Center for Science on 8-12 June 2026 in Helsinki, Finland. Browse through some of the city’s highlights on the TNC26 event website.
Subscribe to the TNC mailing list and visit the new TNC website at tnc26.geant.org for TNC updates.
