Speak at PCC

SPEAK AT PCC · PERL 5

You have something worth sharing.

You do not need a famous name or a finished masterpiece to contribute. Something you have built, repaired, investigated, or learned may be exactly what another Perl programmer needs to hear. Familiar work can be new to someone else, and your own experience gives it a perspective nobody else can supply.

First-time speakers and experienced presenters are welcome. A lightning talk is a good place to start. If you have an idea but are unsure how to shape it, tell us: the organizers can help you find a useful focus and format.

What belongs at PCC?

Perl 5 deserves a conference of its own. PCC is dedicated exclusively to Perl 5, bringing together the people building its tools, maintaining its systems, advancing its research, and teaching its next generation.

Our focus is Perl 5: the language, its tools and libraries, and the useful things people do with it. Bring a working project, a scientific result, an experiment, a maintenance story, a technique, or a problem you learned to solve.

• Web applications, APIs, desktop software, and developer tools.
• Scientific computing, data analysis, research, and reproducible methods.
• Systems administration, automation, deployment, and production experience.
• Language features, native interfaces, performance, and software preservation.
• AI tools and AI-assisted work involving Perl 5.
• Lessons from learning, teaching, debugging, or maintaining Perl.

Show what worked, what failed, and what someone else could learn or use. A careful explanation of a small problem is a worthwhile contribution.

Choose a length that fits your idea

• Lightning talk: 5–8 minutes. One idea, a quick demonstration, or a useful discovery.
• Medium talk: 25–30 minutes. A focused project, technique, or investigation.
• Full talk: 50–55 minutes, or longer by arrangement with the organizers.

Tell us your preferred length and whether it includes questions. Longer demonstrations, tutorials, and deeper discussions can be considered when we plan the program.

Present in person, live remotely, or by prerecorded video

PCC brings people together in Austin, Texas and online. You can propose an in-person talk, a live remote presentation, or a prerecorded talk. Tell the organizers which format suits you, your time zone, and any scheduling constraints. For prerecorded talks, we will arrange whether and how you can join questions or discussion.

For a recording, aim for:

• Clear audio: speak at a steady volume in a quiet place. Make a short test and listen back.
• Readable visuals: use large code and slide text. Prefer 1080p video where possible, and check that screen details remain legible.
• A reliable presentation: keep within the agreed time, test demonstrations, and avoid exposing passwords, private data, or material you cannot share.
• Accessible supporting material: provide captions or a transcript where possible, and share slides or code links when useful.
• Time for a playback check: agree a delivery date and file format with the organizers, and send the recording early enough to check it before the event.

You do not need professional equipment or a studio. Clear, understandable content matters most. Contact us early if you need help with the recording or remote setup.

A paper contribution or a talk on its own

Science Perl Journal paper contributions are encouraged, and talk-only proposals are welcome too. Indicate whether you plan to contribute a paper. Paper submission and peer review take place through the Science Perl Journal; talk acceptance does not itself mean a paper has been accepted for publication.

Explain your tools without apologizing for them

AI-assisted work is welcome. Describe what AI contributed, what you contributed, and how you verified the results. There is no need for an apologetic preamble or repeated disclaimers. Explain the tool’s role where relevant, then focus on the problem, your judgment, and what the audience can learn.

Be specific about the distinction: what did AI generate or analyze, and what did you do to define the problem, direct the work, evaluate alternatives, correct errors, integrate results, and establish that the solution works? If you estimate AI’s share, explain what you are measuring—code, writing, analysis, or something else.

You remain responsible for the work you present, including accuracy, attribution, and limitations. If AI was not involved, no explanation is needed. Paper contributors should also follow the journal’s separate authorship and AI policies.

From idea to presentation

1. Create an account or log in.
2. Submit a proposal with a clear title, a short description, and what people will learn. Tell us your preferred length, presentation format, time zone, and scheduling needs. Describe any AI involvement and your own contribution, and let us know whether you can join live for questions after a prerecorded talk.
3. The organizers review proposals and may contact you to clarify the idea or discuss its fit in the program.
4. If accepted, agree the length, format, schedule, and any recording arrangements with the organizers.

For the current call and deadlines, see PCC program and event information. If submissions are closed or you need help, email science@perlcommunity.org.

Browse Past Talks for examples, and read our Principles for the spirit in which we learn and work together. Bring your experience to the conversation.