If you are contributing to a TestBash, our in-person software testing conference or any other Ministry of Testing online event, here are the answers to all the questions you could ever need to know!
Contributing To Ministry of Testing Events
How do I get to contribute at a TestBash or online event?
To contribute at a TestBash or any other online event, you need to submit your ideas. You can submit your ideas via our Continuous Call for Contributions.
If you need help with creating an abstract, check out our guides on creating a successful abstract.
What will I be asked to contribute to a TestBash conference or online event?
What you are asked to contribute will depend on whether you're submitting to an online or in-person conference. Read on to learn about each:
Online Events
- A pre-recorded talk (Between 4 - 30 minutes depending on schedule)
- Attendance at the event to introduce your talk and answer questions afterwards (if applicable)
Alternatively, if we've invited you to attend a discussion, ask me anything or any other session type during the event we may just require your attendance at that online event.
TestBash (In person)
Each TestBash is different and the Call for Contribution will change according to the goals set for each TestBash. We generally look for contributors to participate with:
- A 99 minute Workshop that is taught by you
- A 30-minute Activity that is facilitated by you
- A 20-30 minute Talk that is presented by you
Other forms of contribution might be available. For these, stay tuned with all announcements related to each event.
What We Offer
Do you cover expenses, what for and how much?
We currently cover all travel and accommodation costs, this is not limited, we ask contributors to be reasonable. We currently don’t cover food (outside of the conference days), but it is something we’re currently exploring. Full details are available in our Contributor Expenses Policy.
Will you book the travel and hotels or do they need to do it?
We’ll do whatever is beneficial for you and us. We find some prefer to do it themselves and claim back, but we know that is a blocker to others, so in those cases, we’re more than happy to book it for them.
Do you pay speakers for their contribution?
Traditionally conferences place a huge emphasis on speakers, especially keynote speakers. Of course, speakers are important, and we also highly value them. The problem is that it takes more than speakers to make a good event. We highly value anyone who takes the time to show up or contribute. At previous TestBashes, for example, our volunteers made a massive difference to the whole experience. Previously, we had given them free entry in return for support. This time around we are turning that into a specific role that we compensate the same as we would to a speaker or a workshop host. Every contributor gets free entry and travel costs covered as outlined by our contributor expenses policy.
For online events, we will offer contributors a fee in exchange for their content creation and support. Each contribution type will be offered different fees. These will be outlined in each invitation email. For more information on these, please contact our Events team.
Will there be a speaker's dinner or socialising events?
We don’t do speaker dinners. Instead, before, during and after each TestBash event there might be meetups and/or social events! We also offer LeanCoffee sessions and other networking opportunities.
Will there be childcare?
We've experimented with having childcare at previous TestBashes but due to the high cost of professional childcare and liability issues, we are unable to offer childcare.
What else are you offering contributors?
By contributing to a TestBash you have the opportunity to
- Share your stories and experiences with hundreds of individuals
- Raise awareness of you and your profile
- Be taught by expert educators and industry leaders to deliver the best talks and workshops possible
- Go to a TestBash and meet amazing people!
Preparing for TestBash
What is the vision of this conference?
The motto of Ministry of Testing (MoT) is ‘Co-Creating Smarter Testers’. TestBash really is a partnership, we run all our conferences in collaboration with our community members and pride ourselves on really connecting with the software testing community. We listen to what the community wants and needs and use this to guide us.
We have big goals and strong ethics for our TestBash events; we want them to be valuable, engaging, brimming with learning opportunities, fun, and a safe place for everyone in the community to learn and grow together. We don’t do sponsored talks at TestBash. You’ll be at the centre of everything we do!
What sets it apart from other conferences?
There’s no software testing conference quite like TestBash! From the warm, friendly community who attend the quirky, intimate venues, we think you’ll feel right at home as soon as you arrive!
TestBash conferences are designed to help you connect and learn in the ways that work best for you. We run our events with bold and innovative ways to learn and bring a balance of topics covering all the important aspects of software testing, quality and working in software development.
Who else will be contributing?
All TestBash contributors are announced at the same time, so you’ll be able to see those once the event is live.
Who are the sponsors?
All the sponsors of the event are added to the event page. We also share them via our social media channels.
What sectors do attendees work in?
We don’t collect this information, but everyone who attends TestBash will be doing so because they’re interested in software testing, software quality, and software development.
What are the attendee's experiences of the topics that speakers are covering?
TestBash welcomes all who wish to attend, this means our audience is diverse. We get attendees from all over the world, with different experiences and at different stages in their careers. We think this diversity in experience adds great value to TestBash.
We try and make TestBash as inclusive as possible, we do this in a number of ways including running a scholarship programme to support individuals who love to come, but for one reason or another can’t attend.
Can contributors use their own laptops?
For our in-person conferences, we highly recommend you use your own machine. However, if you're unable to bring your own laptop, we can look into ways to support you.
What projector connectors will the in-person conference provide?
The majority of the projectors at our venues these days are HDMI, so we’ll have a bag full of adapters to hand for those that don’t have an HDMI connection. Including USB-C!
But as always, to avoid any possible issues, we highly recommend you bring your own HDMI adaptors.
What are the aspect ratio and resolution of the projector for in-person conferences?
It varies from venue to venue. We’ll share this information with selected speakers for individual events.
What power cables will in-person conferences provide?
We will make sure that we have a range of adaptors for international plugs and double-check our contributor's requirements for all future TestBashes, but again, we highly recommend you bring your own.
Will a remote slide changer be provided for in-person conferences?
Yes, for those speakers who don’t have their own, one will be provided.
Will there be an additional screen for in-person conferences that only speakers can see and what will they see on it?
We can’t guarantee this, unfortunately, but it’s something we try to offer at every venue. However, as mentioned, at the majority of venues speakers use their own laptops so you can have your notes on your laptop.
Should the video be embedded in the presentation or provided as a separate file?
For in-person conferences, videos should be embedded into the presentation. For online conferences, the talks should be pre-recorded. This means you have the option to add whatever content you like (As long as it doesn't break the code of conduct).
If you have audio in your talk during an in-person conference, we ask you to let us know so we can prep the sound tech team.
Do you have a slide template?
We don't have a slide template. We like to allow our speakers the freedom to use a template they are comfortable with.
Can I display my company logo on my slides?
You are welcome to display your company logo on your "About Me" slide. However, we do ask that this is the only place you display your company logo.
Will speakers need to use a microphone?
For in-person conference talks, yes, lapel mics with battery packs are the norm at our venues, however, we also have handheld options if the speakers prefer that. If you opt for the lapel mic you’ll need a belt, waistband or a pocket for the pack. This is something we let speakers know in advance, so they can dress appropriately as per their preference.
Do you film the talks at in-person conferences?
All talks at in-person conferences are recorded and added to the Ministry of Testing website. The majority of the talks will only be viewable to our Pro members, and some might be made free. Speakers are informed that the talks are recorded at the time of being invited to speak, in accepting the invitation, you agree to be recorded.
You can also walk around the stage if you wish, the camera will follow you!
Will speakers be introduced or will they introduce themselves?
The TestBash hosts will introduce the speakers and there are many TestBash helpers who will make sure you are where you need to be when it's your speaking slot.
Is there any other equipment provided?
Whether you are speaking at an in-person conference or recording a talk for an online one. If you have any specific needs for your talk, just ask and we'll do our best to make this happen. For all workshops, we ask you in advance what you need and provide the materials on the day.
How are in-person conference rooms set up?
All the conference venues are theatre-style. For workshops and other collaborative sessions, the speakers will be informed of what's available as it depends on each venue and/space.
How big might the audience be?
Our conferences vary from 350-600 attendees. Workshops and activities will be capped at an agreed number with the speakers.
What time are the speakers on?
The schedule is shared with speakers before we make it public. This is so we can do our best to accommodate each speaker needs.
How will timekeeping be done?
Will there be a timer on the stage?
We don’t offer a timer on the stage, but our volunteers and hosts might agree with you to keep showing you how long is left.
Will someone be holding up signs with 10, 5, 3, 2, 1 minutes to go?
We ask the speaker which signs they’d like to see, and we have someone in the speaker's eye-line showing them.
Will there be lights indicating the time to get off the stage?
There will be no lights. Our host will come back on the stage when your time is up and they will take questions from the audience (time-permitting) and guide you off the stage when you are done.
At the venue
Getting set up
What room will I need to be in and how do I find it?
At in-person conferences, all talk presenters and speakers will be in the main auditorium/plenary room. For workshops, activities or any other session types, you’ll be shown the room by a member of the team, to ensure it has everything you were expecting.
What is the lineup of the conference?
The lineup of the conference will be on the event page. Plus a printed schedule will be given to the attendees on the day.
What food will be provided?
Does food meet dietary requirements?
We ask the speakers to register for the conference using our booking system and during that process, they are asked if they have any dietary requirements.
Is there an internet connection available at in-person conferences?
Is there Wi-Fi and what is the password?
Wi-Fi details will be shared during the conference and by our hosts at the start of each TestBash.
Is there a speakers' only Wi-Fi and what is the password?
No
Is there a wired internet connection available on stage?
No
Are there any quiet spaces?
Is there a space to work in/prepare for talks? (if yes, where is it?)
It depends on each venue. We will try our best to offer a quiet space for everyone whenever possible.
Accommodation and venue info
How can I get to the hotel from airports/train stations?
We offer local advice to all contributors and suggest the nearest hotels.
What is the easiest route to the venue?
Again, we’ll offer each contributor all the information needed on this.
Are there any preferred taxi firms?
The majority of venues are in central places in major towns, so we encourage contributors to check with their hotels. If staying in apartments we’d be available to offer such information.
Will there be a transfer from the airport/train station to the hotel and back?
Do you provide a car to pick people up?
We don’t normally offer such a service, but each event is different and if there are several contributors arriving at the same time, this might be offered.
Will someone from the organisers be at the airport to welcome speakers?
No, we don’t do this. If a contributor indicated they wanted us to, we would look to make some arrangements, if at all possible.
How long is the journey from the airport and what does it cost?
It varies depending on where each TestBash is being held. But again we offer contributors advice on their travel arrangements.
Source: Many thanks to Emily Webber who collected questions of conference speaker’s needs created from experienced speakers. We used that fantastic resources to create this one.
Last Updated: 12th January 2024