Tips for sending your activity to MiniDebConf Maceió 2025

In all the MiniDebConf editions, the stars are always the people who are part of the community and who are willing to share their knowledge of Debian with others.

With the call for presentation of activities open to MiniDebConf Maceió 2025, we have listed some tips to send a good proposal, and if approved, make a good presentation.

Send your proposal for activity

1. Choose a good theme

It seems like an obvious advice, but what characterizes a good subject? The theme is the main factor for your proposal to be adopted. See the tips below:

• A topic you feel comfortable with. You don’t have to be an expert, you just feel safe on the subject. We know that insecurity can be an impediment, see more below.
• Something related to Debian. Some presentations we receive, although they are great proposals, have no relationship with Debian. You can talk about the contribution to Free Software in relation to the topics. You can talk about free software, using Debian as an operating system.
• It doesn’t have to be just over packaging. MiniDebConfs are events for all people who use Debian, not just for the developers. Lectures on installation, use, bugs, documentation, support, advertising, marketing, event organization, graphic material production, design, translation and everything else that involves Debian are very welcome. These topics also tend to have less competition in submissions.
• Respect the code of conduct. Issues that promote discrimination or crimes of any kind, or are intended to sell a product or service, or disclose your company, will not be accepted.
• When there are doubts between 2 or more topics? Send them all. There is no limit to presenting activities. You can send more than one and we’ll evaluate each proposal individually in the same way.

2. Describe your activity and your mini-curriculum well

The evaluation of the submissions is made only on the basis of your description, as we do not ask you to submit the presentation at this time. Therefore, describe your presentation as best as possible, so that we can understand what you will present and how this will contribute to the people who will attend. In the mini-curriculum, talk about who you are, your experiences, and if you’ve presented before.

3. Overcome the barrier of insecurity. What you have to share has value!

We know insecurity can make you think you don’t know enough. Take the test below to see if you’re ready to speak at a MiniDebConf:

• Have you shared things you’ve learned to your friends or colleagues?
• Have you taught anyone to do something new in Debian?
• Do you have an interesting case about Debian?
• Have you created a package, a translation, or a different way to do something in Debian?
• Do you see a problem or error that makes it difficult for people, and has a suggestion to solve this?

If you answered YES for any of these questions, congratulations, you can send your activity proposal.

If your problem is the shyness to speak in public, you should know that, if your proposal is approved:

• You can do a tutoring session with MiniDebConf’s organizers to ask questions and receive tips on how to show up.
• The Debian community is super receptive.
• Our code of conduct promotes a healthy environment for all people, including speakers. So you’ll have all the support from the team for whatever you need.

• Everyone gets anxious to some degree when presenting, even the most experienced. Don’t be intimidated by the butterflies in your stomach, because the feeling of speaking at a MiniDebConf is great (ask anyone who has tried it!).

• Don’t miss the deadline. Only until January, 31st.

Don’t leave it till the last minute. Send your proposals for activity right now and wait for the result until February, 16th.

Submit your activity proposal.

See you there!