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The Speaker Experience at IBM TechXchange 2025

By Chloe Zgheib posted 14 hours ago

  

This year, over 1,600 attendees are part of the TechXchange 2025 speaker cohort, gathering from around the world to share their expertise and insights at the conference. Being part of this group is not just about presenting sessions; it’s a unique professional experience packed with opportunities for growth, connection, and recognition.  

How IBM Supports Speakers

Walking through IBM TechXchange, you can see firsthand how speakers are set up for success, and how the experience elevates their craft. In the Speaker Lounge, presenters rehearse, connect with peers, and grab refreshments while support staff stand by to help. Down the hall, breakout sessions are buzzing with coaches helping speakers refine their stories and strengthen their stage presence. Some slip into the Speaker Ready Room for quick, focused 15-minute coaching sessions to fine-tune their slides and delivery, while others catch on-demand webinars with pros sharing storytelling and engagement tips. Everywhere you look, the support is there, ensuring every speaker feels prepared, confident, and ready to shine. 

Then, as the sessions kick off, you can feel the impact. Speakers take the stage before an engaged, global audience, their expertise amplified and their professional brands lifted to new heights. Between talks, they mingle with industry leaders, forming connections that can spark future collaborations. The energy is contagious, from the excitement of receiving a complimentary pass and exclusive event gear, to the pride of being part of a global community shaping the future of technology. 

Paul Cortellesi, Principal Technical Program Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, captured it perfectly: “What distinguishes TechXchange from every other conference that I've ever attended is how interested they are in you as a presenter. There is a 100% focus in making you the best presenter of technology that you can be.” 

Speaker testimonials  

To understand more of what it’s like to be a speaker at TechXchange, and why the speaker cohort increases in number each year (with both new and returning speakers), let’s hear directly from some of them:  

“The TXC team on the ground was incredibly supportive. All the most critical details for ensuring speaker success were accounted for. A giant prep room, multiple monitors and displays for testing slides on big screens, and experts at the ready to help with any question or need. The presenters took advantage of the room, many having prep sessions with their teams, rehearsing their sessions, and making final plans. This resource is very appreciated and ensures the event goes without a hitch.” - Heidi Poulin, Program Director, Core Automation Products, IBM 

The Speaker Lounge has been very helpful. I’ve been able to rehearse with my co-speaker, test our equipment setup, and destress before our sessionit helps ease my nerves as a first-time speaker.” - Rob Young, Pellera 

Want to be a speaker? 

Want to be part of our TechXchange 2026 speaker cohort? Stay tuned for Call for Speakers, coming in early 2026. 

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10 hours ago

Remember the Speaker lounge is a great place to test AV and make sure you have compatible hardware. 

Yes, a technician will be in each session, but by then, you may be too late. 

Coaching is also provided along with time and a place to rehearse, and a room full of tables, chairs, and OUTLETS!

12 hours ago

The speaking experience just keeps getting better and better. The setup was easier this year and the creativity involved to engage attendees was unmatched!