How to Write a CFP That Gets You to the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2026

So, you want to speak at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2026? Great. But before you start dreaming about standing ovations and post-talk high-fives, let’s talk about the one thing standing between you and that stage: your Call for Proposals (CFP).

The Summit is the event for PowerShell and DevOps professionals. It’s where automation artists, infrastructure whisperers, and cloud conjurers come together to share, learn, and level up. But with a blind review process and a competitive field, your proposal needs to do more than just sound smart—it needs to stand out.

Here’s how to write a CFP that doesn’t just get read—it gets accepted.

1. Know Your Audience (Hint: It’s Not Just You)

You might be a PowerShell wizard, but your proposal isn’t a spellbook. It’s a pitch. And your audience? A panel of reviewers who are reading dozens—maybe hundreds—of submissions. They’re looking for clarity, relevance, and value.

But remember, the potential attendees are your secondary reviewers. They will evaluate whether to attend your session based on this submission. Make sure your proposal speaks to them too.

Ask yourself:

Will this session make the PowerShell/DevOps community better?
Is this something I would attend?
Can I explain it in one sentence without sounding like a buzzword generator?

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

2. Choose the Right Format

The Summit offers a buffet of session types. Pick the one that fits your content—not the other way around.

25-Minute Fast-Focus

One idea. One takeaway. No fluff.

45-Minute Breakout

The classic. Enough time to go deep, but not too deep.

90-Minute Deep Dive

For the brave. Bring your A-game and your audience’s attention span.

4-Hour Hands-On Lab

You’re not just talking—you’re teaching. Think guided experience, not lecture.

After Dark

Tech talks with a twist. Humor, irreverence, and maybe a drink in hand. Since these sessions are at the end of the day, they could continue as late as you and your audience want to stay.

Summit Challenge

Gamify your genius. Think CTFs, code golf, or community-driven quests.

Pro tip: Don’t try to cram a 90-minute idea into a 25-minute slot. Reviewers can smell that from a mile away.

3. Nail the Abstract

This is your elevator pitch. Make it count.

✅ Be clear: What’s the session about?

✅ Be specific: What will attendees learn or do?

✅ Be honest: Don’t oversell. Don’t undersell.

✅ Be human: Write like you talk (but maybe with fewer “ums”).

❌ Bad:

“This session will explore PowerShell and DevOps in modern environments.”

✅ Better:

“Learn how to use PowerShell to automate multi-cloud deployments with Terraform and GitHub Actions—complete with real-world examples and reusable scripts.”

4. Show the “Why Now?”

The best proposals answer the question: Why should this session happen in 2026?

Tie your topic to current trends:

AI + PowerShell? Yes.
DevSecOps pipelines? Definitely.
Cross-platform automation? Still hot.
“Hey, no one talks about this” topics? Even better.

Bonus points for real-world stories, case studies, or lessons learned the hard way.

5. Respect the Process

The Summit uses a two-round selection process:

No names. No bios. Just your words.

Round 2: Comparison and curation

That means your proposal needs to stand on its own. No name-dropping. No “As a Microsoft MVP…” Just content.

Also: Only one speaker per session gets the honorarium and free ticket. Plan accordingly.

6. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

The CFP closes August 15, 2025. That’s not a suggestion. That’s a deadline.

Start early. Draft. Edit. Get feedback. Submit. Then go celebrate with a beverage of your choice.

Important Dates

CFP Opens: July 1, 2025
CFP Closes: August 15, 2025
Speaker Notifications: December 15, 2025
Final Agenda Published: January 2, 2026
Summit Dates: April 27-29, 2026

Submission Guidelines

What We Need From You

Session Title - Clear, descriptive, engaging
Session Abstract - 150-300 words describing your session
Learning Objectives - 3-5 specific takeaways
Target Audience - Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced
Session Format - Choose from the options above
Speaker Bio - Used only in Round 2 review

Topics We Love

PowerShell Core & Windows PowerShell
Azure & Multi-Cloud Automation
DevOps Pipelines & CI/CD
Infrastructure as Code
Security & Compliance Automation
Cross-Platform Scripting
AI & Machine Learning with PowerShell
Module Development & Publishing
Testing & Quality Assurance
Community Tools & Resources

What Makes a Winning Proposal

Technical Excellence: Demonstrate deep knowledge without being overly complex
Practical Value: Attendees should be able to use what they learn
Clear Communication: Well-written proposals usually indicate good presentations
Community Focus: How does this benefit the PowerShell community?
Originality: Fresh perspectives on familiar topics, or entirely new ideas

Speaker Benefits

Selected speakers receive:

Complimentary conference registration (worth $1,599)
Honorarium for accepted sessions
Professional video recording of your session
Speaker networking events and dinner
Community recognition and exposure
Travel expense consideration (for qualifying speakers)

Tips from Previous Speakers

“Focus on the problem you’re solving, not the tool you’re using. People attend sessions to solve problems, not to watch demos.”

“Practice your submission. If you can’t explain your session clearly in writing, you probably can’t present it clearly either.”

“Don’t submit the same session to multiple conferences without customization. Tailor your proposal to the Summit audience.”

TL;DR

If you want to speak at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2026:

Be clear, specific, and relevant
Choose the right session type
Write an abstract that sells your idea, not your résumé
Tie your topic to what’s happening now
Respect the reviewers’ time—and the process

And most importantly: Share something that makes the community better.

CFP has closed for the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2026

Questions? Email content@powershellsummit.org

2026 Information