Call For Presenters

Southern California Linux Expo 2025 (SCaLE 22x)

We are proud to announce the 22nd Annual Southern California Linux Expo – SCaLE 22X – to be held on March 6-9, 2025 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, near Los Angeles.

We invite you to share your work on FOSS programs and open hardware projects with the rest of the community, as well as exchange ideas with leading experts in these fields. Details about previous presentations and activities at SCaLE can be found at http://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/21x

Important Dates

  • 1 November, 2024 - Deadline for proposal submissions
  • 1 December, 2024 - Acceptance notifications begin
  • 6 March, 2025 - Conference starts!

Quick Link: CFP Tool Login

SCaLE 22X is seeking talk and workshop proposals for these tracks:

Note: Not all tracks take place every day. Likely days are noted below but are subject to change.

Cloud Native

Everything about the new cloud stacks encompassing containers, orchestration, protocols, tools, techniques, and security. Technologies include Kubernetes, Docker, OpenStack, Istio, Linkerd, gRPC, Etcd, cgroups, KubeFlow, Prometheus, Tekton, Kubevirt, WASM, serverless, containerized desktops, and many others. The Cloud Native track runs from Thursday to Sunday, including what used to be KCD-LA.

Developer

A broad range of topics related to application development within open source software and using open source frameworks. Also relevant experiences using open source tooling for development as well as processes and practices to improve developer productivity, quality and happiness. (Saturday/Sunday)

Embedded Linux

Topics related to Open Source Embedded Linux hardware & software. Possible topic areas include but are not limited to: IoT, Drones, Connectivity, Sensors, Automotive, Networking equipment, build environments, and FPGAs that use the Linux Kernel and User Space

FOSS @Home

How do you use free and open source technologies at home? Whether you are a hobbyist, educator or technology professional we’d like to learn about any personal project that involves open source hardware or software. Examples of things we are interested in include home automation, bespoke parental controls, radio controlled vehicles or drones, 3D printers and whatever else sets your nerdy heart aglow. (Saturday/Sunday)

General

A wide range of topics related to Free/Open Source Software (FOSS), open hardware and the people in these communities. (Saturday/Sunday)

Kernel & Low Level Systems

Developments in the Linux kernel and related areas. Talks should cover kernel space in some way and can include, but is not limited to: developer experience, new features, improvements, building blocks for userspace, etc. (Saturday/Sunday)

Observability

Observability is now a well-established core capability in many organizations. We are primarily interested in presentations from practitioners on how observability implementations, concepts and frameworks have improved your organization and culture. You may also choose to discuss cautionary tales of lessons learned and anti-patterns discovered. We will also consider tooling presentations that focus on open source approaches and tools. (Saturday/Sunday)

Open Source AI and Applied Science

The landscape of artificial intelligence and data science has been dramatically transformed in recent years, with Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-3, BERT, and their successors leading a new wave of innovation. Much of the recent breakthroughs in AI have been accomplished through careful application of the scientific method, but AI is not the only field that has benefitted from this approach. Applied science and AI research use the same tools–Python, R, Jupyter, and so forth– whose open source origins have been a key part of the AI/ML revolution, making these impactful technologies more and more accessible.

This track aims to bring together practitioners who are at the forefront of building AI technologies, including those working with cutting-edge open-source LLMs, as well as those leveraging open-source tools to tackle complex scientific problems. (Saturday/Sunday)

Open Government

In an era of increasing demand for transparency and efficiency in public administration, open-source technologies are playing a crucial role in transforming government operations and civic engagement. This track will explore the intersection of open-source projects, government functions, and civic problem-solving. Talks in this track can be presented by government employees, civic tech enthusiasts, data scientists, or private citizens who have leveraged publicly available datasets for impactful analyses or applications. (Friday)

Security

Covering all topics in the realm of open source security. These include security research, innovative security designs, cool tools, topical issues, "How to's", cost effective open source security solutions and everything in between. (Saturday/Sunday)

Systems and Infrastructure

This track focuses on management and configuration techniques for systems and infrastructure at scale. Talks in this track may discuss useful tools and techniques, share stories and experiences, or educate the audience on trends emerging in open source operating systems, networking technologies, or tools for managing them. (Saturday/Sunday)

Co-Located Events

SCaLE 22X will also include several Co-Located Events for which you can also submit proposals. These events have a separate selection process.

DevOpsDay LA

Calling all SoCal DevOps enthusiasts and practitioners! DevOpsDayLA is your platform to share, learn, and shape the future of our community. DevOps is a collaborative approach that unites development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams to streamline the software development lifecycle, ensuring faster, more reliable delivery of high-quality applications. It emphasizes automation, continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD), and a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility to achieve seamless, efficient processes from coding to deployment.

We’re seeking diverse, relevant, and forward-thinking presentations that explore the many facets of DevOps today—and tomorrow. Whether it’s the integration of AI into DevOps practices, career upleveling talks, supporting the mental health of DevOps practitioners, or insights into Platform Engineering and SRE, we want to hear how you’re advancing the field. We’re especially interested in presentations that enhance careers, share innovative solutions, and showcase cool things that help you do your job better. Join us and be a part of the global DevOpsDays series, contributing to the vibrant SoCal DevOps tech community. Your voice matters, and we can't wait to hear it! Submit your proposal today and make DevOpsDayLA 2025 the most impactful event yet! For more details see the DevOpsDay LA Event Page. (Friday)

MySQL

Sessions focused on scaling, tuning, operating and developing for MySQL and its ecosystem of forks and derivatives. (Friday)

The Next Generation (SCaLE Youth)

SCaLE The Next Generation gives the Free and Open Source community youth leaders of tomorrow and users of today the opportunity to spotlight their talents and ideas. This track is scheduled for the Saturday of the conference and is open to 6th to 12th grade speakers who want to educate and encourage their peers on open source projects they can get involved in today.

Submit an abstract for a 20-minute or 45-minute talk, a workshop or hands-on activities, poster sessions, or booths. Please select "Next Generation" for topic when submitting and indicate what kind of activity you are doing in either the abstract or Message to the reviewers.

Are you a 6th to 12th grade student interested in sharing an idea, concept, or project related to open source software, Linux, or other technologies like 3D printing, AI, or robotics? Presenting at SCaLE 22x is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, network with other students, and meet industry professionals who can provide career insights. Submit a proposal today! For more details, visit the SCaLE Youth Event Page.

Open Source Career Day

Open Source Career Day is committed to providing a platform for individuals to advance their careers in the open source industry. We invite career development professionals, seasoned engineers, and industry leaders to share their knowledge and experiences. We are seeking presentations and workshops on a range of topics, including:

  • Leveraging Open Source Contributions: How to effectively showcase your contributions to secure employment.
  • Crafting a Compelling Open Source Resume: Tips and strategies for highlighting your open source work.
  • Breaking into IT through Open Source: Pathways and practical advice for entering the IT field via open source.
  • Re-careering from Other Fields: Success stories and guidance for transitioning into open source from different industries.
  • Interviewing and Negotiating Skills: Overcoming challenges in interviews and salary negotiations specific to the open source industry.
  • Industry Insights: Understanding the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the open source landscape.
  • Best Practices for Hiring and Leading: Effective strategies for recruiting, mentoring, and managing engineering teams within the open source ecosystem.

We are particularly interested in talks that provide actionable advice, real-world examples, and interactive elements to engage and inspire our attendees. Whether you are a seasoned speaker or new to presenting, we welcome your proposals and encourage diverse perspectives that reflect the breadth of the open source community. (Sunday)

OpenInfra Days North America

OpenInfra Days North America will take place over 2 days in conjunction with SCaLE and is being jointly organized by the OpenInfra communities from the United States, Mexico, and Canada. We encourage involvement from users, contributors, and companies from these countries for a lively networking and community-building opportunity!

Proposed topics include:

  • Digital Sovereignty
  • Open Source AI
  • OpenStack at the Edge
  • Container Security including Kata Containers
  • ORAN Strategy including StarlingX
  • Open Source CI/CD including Zuul
  • OpenStack and Kubernetes
  • OpenStack in Production
  • Migrating to OpenStack from VMware
  • User stories about operating and using OpenStack
  • OpenInfra Projects Updates (new features, development topics, for example about Kata Containers, StarlingX, Nova, etc)

For more info see the OpenInfra Days North America Event Page.

PostgreSQL @SCaLE

PostgreSQL @SCaLE will feature PostgreSQL-related topics by and for people of all levels of experience including how-tos, case studies, overviews of new features, and discussions of the mysteries of PostgreSQL internals. If you're using PostgreSQL, we want to hear about your experience! We welcome talks from new Postgres users as well as seasoned experts. Be sure to tag your submission 'Postgres' if you'd like your talk considered for this track. (Thursday/Friday)

Workshops

We will host several 2-4 hour hands on sessions that provide attendees with practical experience implementing and using open technologies. If you have an idea for a workshop you’d like to host, submit it as a proposal in the most relevant track and clearly mark it as a workshop in your description and message to the reviewers. Be sure to include the length of the session and information about prerequisites attendees should complete to be prepared for your session. (Thursday/Friday)

PlanetNix

PlanetNix is an annual gathering of Nix users and developers, and you are invited!

Attend and hack with fellow Nixers - be you cadet or commodore - and earn valuable skill promotions! Coagulate into workshops and boggle as you learn surprising and new Nix powers! Then take what you have learned back to your home bases and train others to build and ship software consistently across space and time. We hope to see you there. Human snacks and commonly-occurring liquid stimulants will be provided.

PlanetNix sessions are NOT using the SCaLE CFP process. To submit a PlanetNix session proposal go to the PlanetNix CFP. Session proposals are being accepted through December 9, 2024.

For moreinfo see the PlanetNix Event Page (Thursday)

How to Submit a Proposal

If you have a SCaLE CFP tool login from speaking at a previous SCaLE event, please re-use your login. You don’t need to sign up for a new one.

  • Visit https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/user/ to log in or create a login if necessary. To create your login, enter details in the form such as name, bio, email address of the speaker, etc. Please ensure that the personal biography is not more than 1000 characters; focus on relevant experience to your proposal topic and write from the third-person perspective. Note that the contact email-address is the one that will be used to confirm the login creation and speaker registration.

  • Once registration is complete, an email will be automatically sent to the email address to set the password for subsequent access.

  • To submit a talk, please go to the link labeled Submit a presentation: (You need to log in first to see the Submit link) Enter the title for the talk, the intended audience and the proposed track for this talk. Then provide a brief description of the main points to be presented. Include additional details in the space provided. Also, include the names of all speakers that will present this session. Each speaker must have a login in the system before they can be entered in the ”speaker” field.

  • Once the talk has been submitted, further edits to the submission can be made, if necessary, up to the CFP closing date by logging into the account with the credentials provided during login creation. Be sure to include an email for the primary contact for the presentation. Important information will be sent to that address.

  • For submitting multiple talks for the same speaker, the step above may be repeated; note that you don’t need to create another speaker login.

  • Please notify us if the presentation will require a special technical set-up. The setup provided will include:

    1. One microphone

    2. A digital projector with HDMI cable

Proposal abstracts are reviewed by an expert committee and evaluated solely on merit. Given the number of high quality submissions received every year, we request that submission dates be strictly honored in order to provide the committee enough time to choose the best set of proposals. In case you run into any problems during the submission process, please email cfp@socallinuxexpo.org for help.

Notes for Speakers

  • Presentations will be allotted a time slot of about 45 minutes (except workshops and upSCaLE talks).
  • Please ensure that presentations are done in an open non-proprietary format.
  • All SCaLE speakers are in-person. We do not have the capability to support virtual presentations.
  • Please indicate in the “Message to the reviewers” field if you need any additional physical accommodation in order to give your presentation effectively.
  • Please indicate in the “Message to the reviewers” field if you have a significant financial constraint. We have a limited budget for sponsorship of speakers who are selected but cannot join us without financial support.

For more information see the SCaLE Speaker FAQ wiki