Skip to main content
DjangoCon US

Thinking About Giving a Lightning Talk?

Keanya giving a talk at DCUS 2025

One of the most exciting traditions at DjangoCon US is our Lightning Talks (or, as we like to call them, ⚡ Talks).

Lightning Talks are short, five-minute presentations where anyone can share an idea, a lesson learned, a project, a story, or something that inspires them. They are fast-paced, fun, and one of the best ways to hear from members of our community.

If you've ever thought, "I don't have enough experience to give a talk," Lightning Talks are for you.

What Can I Talk About?

Almost anything related to Django, Python, open source, or our community.

Some ideas include:

  • A useful Django package you've discovered
  • A bug that taught you an important lesson
  • Your first open source contribution
  • A productivity tip
  • A project you're building
  • Something fun you've learned while programming
  • A community initiative you'd like others to know about

Not every Lightning Talk has to be deeply technical. Some of the most memorable talks are personal stories, demonstrations, or lessons learned from failure.

Need Some Inspiration?

If you're looking for advice on giving your first Lightning Talk, we highly recommend Trey Hunner's "Give a Lightning Talk" from PyCon US 2024.

In just a few minutes, Trey shares practical tips on choosing a topic, preparing your talk, and delivering it with confidence.

📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_Vx3gDHeUI&t=250s

Tips for a Great Lightning Talk

A few simple suggestions can go a long way:

  • Focus on one main idea.
  • Practice your talk a few times to stay within the five-minute limit.
  • Keep your slides simple—or skip them entirely if they aren't needed.
  • Don't worry about being an expert. Sharing your experience is valuable.
  • Have fun! Your enthusiasm is often the most memorable part of your presentation.

Remember, a Lightning Talk isn't about covering everything—it's about sharing one idea well.

How Do Lightning Talks Work?

Lightning Talks are open to all DjangoCon US attendees and take place during the conference.

Sign-up information and schedules will be announced during the conference, so keep an eye on announcements if you'd like to participate.

Give It a Try!

Many experienced conference speakers gave their very first talk as a Lightning Talk.

Whether you're sharing a Django tip, a Python trick, a lesson from your latest project, or a story from your open source journey, we'd love to hear from you.

Your five minutes might inspire someone else's next big idea.

We can't wait to see what you'll share at DjangoCon US 2026! ⚡