
Planning to take the stage at the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2025 Policy Conference? With thousands of energy experts, policymakers, and innovators coming together, securing a session is your opportunity to showcase expertise. Hosting a policy session is more than just presenting - it is also about helping to shape Europe's clean energy transition. If you are considering submitting a session proposal, here is what you need to know to craft a proposal that stands out from the crowd.
The call to organise a session during EUSEW is now closed.
A timely topic with a purpose
At EUSEW, relevance is everything. Your session must engage directly with Europe’s most pressing energy challenges and priorities. With key themes like energy affordability, decarbonisation, and competitiveness driving the 2025 agenda, proposals that align with these areas will stand out.
A successful session proposal clearly articulates its purpose. Why is this conversation pertinent now? What makes your session uniquely relevant? How does it connect with Europe’s long-term climate goals for 2030, 2040, or 2050? Have a look at our blog about this year’s focus and the discussion at this year’s Info Session.
Diverse voices, real impact
EUSEW values inclusivity and a plurality of perspectives. Your proposal should reflect the diversity by featuring speakers from a range of sectors, geographies, professional backgrounds, and generations. Gender balance is not just encouraged - it is a priority. When researching speakers, consider voices capable of driving meaningful discussion, whether they come from academia, industry, civil society, or policymaking.
Beyond diversity, the depth of expertise matters. Confirming speaker participation at the proposal stage is highly recommended for your application, demonstrating your session’s feasibility and readiness. It is recommended to clearly outline what each speaker will contribute to the discussion, focusing on their unique insights and relevance to the topic.
Structure that values audience as contributors
This is a community-led event: therefore, an impactful policy session should balance structured content with dynamic audience interaction. Looking at the proposal through a dramaturgical lens may prove effective: not merely outlining an agenda but detailing how the session will flow - from presentations to debates to audience engagement. Think of it as a performance: dynamic, engaging and inclusive.
Interactivity is critical: allocate at least a quarter of your session to Q&A or other participatory elements, such as polls or brainstorming activities. We recommend using storytelling or case studies to emotionally connect with your audience. Each year, thousands of experts choose to attend online for various reasons. Online participants appreciate being part of the conversation on par with the in-person attendees. Originality that stands out
The session title also plays a significant role in drawing attention. Avoid jargon or buzzwords that may be associated with greenwashing or appear superficial. What title would stop you from scrolling through the programme as you are choosing which of the 60 sessions to attend? Originality becomes your weapon, when crafting a title that’s clear, specific and intriguing.
In a competitive selection process, proposals that offer a fresh perspective or innovative approach naturally rise to the top. There is certainly something that makes your session unique. Are you showcasing cutting-edge and groundbreaking research? Spotlighting emerging technologies and social initiatives? Addressing an overlooked angle in the clean energy transition? Highlighting these elements in your application demonstrates your session’s added value to the conference and, ultimately, the EUSEW community.
Clarity meets compliance
Our Policy Conference guidelines provide a clear framework for crafting a successful application. Ensure your proposal is aligned with these formal criteria:
- Two lead organisations must co-submit the application, with one acting as an umbrella organisation.
- The proposal must include a well-defined objective, a structured agenda, and confirmed speakers.
- Sessions must contribute to one or more of the key thematic blocks and avoid overlap with planned keynote speeches.
Seize the opportunity
EUSEW 2025 is not just another conference – it is the biggest platform for shaping Europe’s sustainable energy future. A successful policy session proposal can amplify your organisation’s voice and influence, connecting you with the most engaged energy professionals in this vast community. Submit your application with confidence and help drive the conversation forward.
The call to organise a session during EUSEW is now closed.
Explore the programme from the previous year and make sure you sign up for the EUSEW newsletter.
Details
- Publication date
- 10 December 2024
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency