SoFerence-2026

THEME

AI Use Cases in Libraries: Current, Emerging, and Future

 Submission of Presentation: 

Submissions are invited in the following areas:

• AI Solutions Implemented in Libraries - Case studies, deployment experiences, measurable impact

• AI Work in Progress – Pilots, Proof of Concepts (PoCs), implementation learnings

• Emerging AI Use Cases – Roadmaps, conceptual models, future-ready ideas

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: 10-Aug-2026

• Registration Deadline: 15-Aug-2026

• Acceptance Notification: 20-Aug-2026

• Presenter Onboarding: 25-Aug-2026

 Send your Presentation to : corporate.irc@tcs.com

📘 Instructions for Submission of Presentations

🔷 1. Submission Categories:

Presenters must clearly indicate the category under which the submission is being made:

✅ A. AI Solutions Implemented in Libraries

• Completed implementations with measurable outcomes

• Deployment experiences and lessons learnt

• Demonstration of value/impact (efficiency, accuracy, user experience)

✅ B. AI Work in Progress (WIP)

• Pilot initiatives Proof of Concepts (PoCs), Prototypes

• Experimental implementations

• Challenges faced and interim learnings

✅ C. Emerging AI Use Cases

• Conceptual ideas or future-ready models

• AI roadmaps for libraries

• Innovative frameworks for adoption

🔷 2. Submission Components (Mandatory):

Each submission must include the following:

📝 Proposal Details

• Title of the presentation

• Category (Implemented / WIP / Emerging)

• Abstract (150–200 words)

• Key takeaways (3–5 concise bullet points)

👤 Presenter Information

• Full Name:

• Designation:

• Organization:

• Email ID:

• Contact Number:

• Country:

🔗 Supporting Information (if applicable)

• Link to demo / PoC / video (optional)

• Supporting documentation (optional)

🔷 3. Presentation Format Requirements:

All accepted presentations must follow the Pecha Kucha format, a dynamic style designed for clear, concise, and engaging delivery.

📊 Format Details

• 20 slides only

• Each slide auto-advances in 20 seconds

• Total duration: 6 minutes 40 seconds

🎯 Design Expectations

• Slides must be highly visual (images, icons, infographics)

• Minimal use of text (no dense paragraphs)

• Clear storytelling flow: Problem → Approach → Solution → Impact

🔷 4. Content Guidelines:

Presentations must:

• Focus on real-world applicability and value creation

• Clearly articulate:

  • Business problem or need

  • AI solution or approach

  • Outcomes / benefits / future potential

• Avoid:

  • Generic theory without application

  • Excessive technical jargon without explanation

  • Promotional or overtly marketing-oriented content

🔷 5. File Submission Guidelines:

📁 File Format:

• Only Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt / .pptx) files are accepted

📌 File Naming Convention:

• <Organization Name> - <First Presenter Name>

e.g. Tata Consultancy Services - Suresh Patil

📧 Submission Channel:

• Submit via email to: corporate.irc@tcs.com

📩 Email Subject Line:

• SoFerence 2026 Submission - <Organization Name> - <First Presenter Name>

e.g. SoFerence 2026 Submission - Tata Consultancy Services - Suresh Patil

🔷 6. File Size and Attachments:

• File size limit: Must be declared (recommended: under 10 MB)

• Submissions: Must be sent as attachments

• ❌ External file sharing links (Google Drive, OneDrive, and the like) will not be accepted

🔷 7. Review & Evaluation Criteria:

All submissions will be evaluated by the review panel based on:

• Relevance to the SoFerence theme

• Innovation and originality

• Practical applicability and impact

• Clarity and conciseness

• Suitability for the Pecha Kucha storytelling format

🔷 8. Demo Guidelines (if shortlisted):

• Selected presenters may be invited for a live demonstration (Maximum 2 per Track)

• Demo duration: Maximum 5 minutes (subject to slot availability)

• Demo must:

  • Be pre-tested

  • Work seamlessly in virtual mode

  • Support the presentation narrative

🔷 9. Compliance & Ethical Requirements:

All submissions must adhere to the following:

• ✅ Original work (no plagiarism)

• ✅ Proper citation of sources

• ✅ Ethical use of AI and data

• ❌ Must not include confidential or restricted organizational data

🔷 10. Post-Acceptance Instructions (for Selected Speakers):

Selected presenters will be required to:

• Finalize slides as per event template

• Ensure timing rehearsals for Pecha Kucha format

• Attend mandatory dry run / technical check session

• Be available for Q&A interaction

🔷 11. General Instructions to all Participants:

• Join the session 10–15 minutes before the start time.

• Ensure stable internet connectivity and access to MS Teams.

• Join a meeting without an account in Microsoft Teams – Click here to know how.

• Keep your microphones muted during sessions.

• Use chat or Q&A features for questions and interactions.

• Maintain professional conduct throughout the event.

• Participate actively in polls, discussions, and feedback.