Config Europe: Community-Driven Sessions Open for Submissions

Figma is bringing its user conference to Europe with a virtual event on September 17, 2020. Unlike the company's first in-person conference held earlier this year in San Francisco, Config Europe is designed to be accessible to anyone, anywhere. The call for speakers is open until July 31, and the event itself is free to attend.

The original Config conference drew 1,200 in-person attendees and many more online, but Figma acknowledged that its size and location limited participation. Rather than replicating that format, the team shifted plans to create a virtual space that stays true to the conference's core mission: amplifying community voices and fostering shared learning.

Proposing a Session

Speakers can submit proposals across any theme, with the program organized into four primary tracks:

  • Building and maintaining design systems: Starting and scaling design systems, from components to style guides and team adoption.
  • Figma deep-dives: Improving design workflows with features like plugins, Auto Layout, and components.
  • Process, culture, and team-building: Lessons on hiring, team culture, and process in a remote-first world.
  • Opening up design: Making design more inclusive, accessible, and participatory for non-designers.

Proposals may take the form of talks, panels, lightning rounds, or workshops. Figma explicitly encourages first-time speakers to apply. Those whose submissions are not selected may still be considered for other content opportunities, such as livestreams or blog posts.

Key Dates and Format Details

  • Proposal deadline: Friday, July 31, 2020
  • Speaker notifications: By Tuesday, August 11, 2020
  • Agenda release: August 20, 2020, when attendee registration opens

Accepted speakers receive IT support and equipment, plus help from product specialists and editors to develop their presentations. For those interested in attending, Figma is offering an email signup to receive notification when registration goes live.

The virtual event will also include mentoring opportunities, networking sessions, and social events alongside the talk program. All content details, FAQs, and the submission form are available through the dedicated call for speakers page.