CAST 2026

The Human Advantage

"Better Together"

 

Open Call For Speaking Proposals

 

We are standing at a precipice in the world of Quality and Solution Delivery. The need for speed is greater than ever before and the risks are even higher. The pressures on modern delivery teams have increased to an entirely new level demanding a new level of competency, both from a technology perspective as well as a strategic one. Lines between roles / responsibilities and functions within delivery cycles continue to blur with teams struggling to keep up and add value to the organizations they are serving. 

CAST 2026 is looking to amplify those cross-functional leaders and practitioners who are challenging the status quo and paving new paths to success within their teams. The ones who are building bridges across disciplines, tackling complexity together through shared accountability,  transparency and collaboration, and delivering outcomes that stand out as extraordinary; all while embracing next gen tools and techniques in responsible and ethical ways that add value. 

Do you have real, hard-won, success stories that come with their fair share of twists and turns, good story telling, and most importantly, critical lessons learned? 

 

This includes (but isn't limited to) the following topic areas...

Quality & Testing

• Testing Strategies for Emerging Technologies
• The different shades of gray in Quality & Testing Strategies
• Exploratory testing in the age of autonomous agents
• Managing Test Data in Complex Environments
• Data Driven Quality
• Redefining Intelligent Automation
• Security debt as a quality conversation
• Testing in Production in support of continuous quality feedback

Architecture / Design & Development

• Engineering Testability

• Ideal Partnerships in Quality

• Performance & Security as UX/UI problems

• Building for Resiliency & Availability 

DevSecOps

• AI Implications within the Delivery Pipeline

• Declarative, auditable change control to enforce quality / compliance across environments 

• Deployment frequency vs deployment confidence

• Creating structured guardrails that guide less experienced engineers

• The tension between developer autonomy and standardized quality controls

• Integrated static and dynamic analysis into daily development workflow / SAST and DAST tuning strategies

• Managing risks of false confidence in automated delivery pipelines

Product Management

• Quality is a Business Driver

• Redefining "done" in an AI-first world

• Product Advocacy for Quality

• Considering Risk in Product Planning & Roadmapping

• Quality and Customer Success Feedback Loops in Product Management

 

This is your opportunity to share your expertise, experiment with new ideas, and inspire the next generation of test practitioners and quality leaders.

WHO YOU ARE

• We’re seeking individuals who are ready to be at the forefront of the conversation around the gray areas between functions. Those who are driven by curiosity, aren’t afraid to challenge established norms, and are passionate about shaping the future of quality as a shared responsibility. 

• Key Traits Include: 

  • Critical Thinking: You question assumptions and dig deeper to uncover the root of challenges. You’re someone who thrives on exploring ideas from different angles to uncover innovative solutions that make a real impact.
  • Challenging the Status Quo: You believe there’s always room to grow and improve. Whether it’s questioning outdated methods or introducing bold new ideas, you’re ready to push the boundaries and inspire others to rethink the way things have always been done.
  • Thoughtful Innovation: You’re constantly on the lookout for fresh approaches, creative solutions, and transformative ideas. You’re not afraid to test, fail, and learn as you explore the possibilities of what could be.
  • Collaborative Leadership: You see the value in sharing ideas, learning from others, and building something bigger than yourself. You thrive on discussions that lead to growth, both for yourself and for the wider community.
  • Practical Problem Solving: You focus on practical solutions that work in the real world using experience reports and case studies. You’re eager to equip others with tools, strategies, and insights that they can apply to make an immediate difference in their work

  PLEASE NOTE: Though we love receiving speaking proposals from our AST member community it is not a requirement and welcome proposals from our global testing community and cross-functional partners with wisdom to share! 

SPEAKING FORMATS

This year's speaking formats are designed to spark deeper conversations, inspire specific action, and push the boundaries of how we practice delivery and ensure quality:

EXPERIMENTAL / EXPERIENTIAL SESSIONS (90 Min / 45 Min)

These technical focused, hands-on sessions should immerse participants in new skills, techniques, or methodologies with very specific takeaways and outcomes.

Propose activities that encourage problem-solving, experimentation, and collaboration. We’re looking for innovative formats that help attendees learn new skills by doing. 

WORKSHOPS & TUTORIALS (3.5 hour / 7 hour)

Extensive deep dive into specific topics with interactive, skill-building workshops & tutorials. Ideal proposals will focus on practical, actionable takeaways and allow participants to leave with new foundational skillsets.

Another option is to identify a specific problem / research topic you would like to explore in depth and collaborate on with peers and SMEs and put together a research paper / solution or some kind of other output that could be published and shared with the larger community. 

For more information on workshop format and guidelines visit: https://associationforsoftwaretesting.org/workshops/

LIGHTNING TALKS (5 - 10 Min) 

Have a big idea but want to start small? Share your insights in a quick, 5–10-minute presentation that gets straight to the point. Lightning Talks are a great way to introduce new topics or share a unique perspective with the community and sign ups occur at the event. 

POSTER PAPERS (Open Discussion) 

Perfect for those exploring a new topic or testing out ideas for a new talk, Poster Papers give you the chance to present your research, challenges, or solutions in a visual and informal format. Engage with attendees one-on-one, spark discussions, and gather feedback to refine your ideas.

 

INSPIRE, EXPERIMENT, LEAD

We welcome experienced speakers, first-time presenters, and everyone in between.

Whether you’re sharing a bold new concept, diving into practical solutions, or exploring experimental methods, CAST 2026 is the perfect stage to showcase your voice.

SUBMISSION RULES & GUIDELINES

Sessionize Call for Speakers: All speaker proposals must be received through Sessionize site (click on Submit Proposal button from this page)

Be Engaging: Focus on interaction, applicable learning, and collaboration. Proposals that involve audience participation and clear takeaways will stand out.

Support For New Voices: We encourage submissions from first-time speakers and offer mentorship opportunities to help you refine your proposal and presentation.

 

WHY PRESENT AT CAST?

Share your knowledge and shape the future of quality & delivery 

Gain visibility as a thought leader in the industry

Receive valuable feedback and connect with a supportive, engaged community

SPEAKER COMPENSATION

Keynotes & Invited Speakers*

* Invited Speakers are those who've been personally invited as keynote / guest speakers to the event and not submitted track speakers

• Full conference ticket 
• Travel Expenses (up to $750) and Accommodations for up to 4 nights (extra nights available but at speaker expense) 
• Honorariums for full and half day workshops (paired presenters will split honorarium)

Track Session Speakers

• Full conference ticket
• Honorariums for both full and half day workshops (paired presenters will split honorarium)

Tutorials / Workshops

• Full conference ticket
• Honorariums for both full and half day workshops (paired presenters will split honorarium)

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

All Speakers and Attendees are subject to the CAST Code of Conduct. By applying to speak, you are indicating your willingness to comply with this Code.

IMPORTANT CFP DATES AND CONTACTS

March 7, 2026 – Call for Proposals Opened

May 15, 2025 – Call for Proposals Closed

June 15, 2025 – Speaker selection will be complete. Speakers/Paper Authors will be notified shortly afterward.

August 3 - 5, 2025 – CAST 2026 

Conference Chair – Dawn Haynes

Program Chair – Gwen Iarussi

 

Please submit additional questions or inquiries directly to us at CAST@associationforsoftwaretesting.org