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SDF 2026 IN[FLUX]:
Block Party Mainstage
What can you propose for Mainstage?
Mainstage brings design thinkers to the podium for vibrant, interactive programs that engage and inspire creative communities through:
short talks / skill shares / and films
With limited setup and a high degree of flexibility in delivery, Mainstage Programs require a low to moderate level of commitment. Check out these example Mainstage programs: Virtual Zine Workshop➔ | Presentation + Panel➔ | Documentary + Discussion➔ | Podcast➔ and explore additional Mainstage Event Pages found as you scroll down on the SDF 2025 Archive page➔.
Requirements
- Format: Deliver a talk, performance, skillshare, or film
- Program Length: Up to 30 Minutes
- Delivery Type:
- In-person (preferred): Deliver live on the Mainstage at Lake Union Park
- Virtual: Deliver a remote program. These are pre-recorded in Riverside (our virtual studio) to ensure high-quality audio and video.
- Film Submission: Submit a complete short film. Films are uploaded directly to Submittable and will be added to the Mainstage lineup at the Block Party.
- Setup: Up to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled program
- Files & Media: All files, presentation slides, and media used in your program must be uploaded to the Festival team via Submittable. These assets, along with a recording of your program, will be used in the Festival Replay on YouTube.
Commitments
- Designate primary contact committed to consistent communication with the Festival Planning Team via Submittable to finalize scheduling, logistics information, and any updates to your proposal.
- Demonstrate connection to IN[FLUX] theme and Festival Goals➔
- Consider accessibility holistically
- No selling goods or services
Timeline + Key Dates
Pre-Festival
- April 9 / May 7 + 19 Attend a Spring Design Mixer➔ to learn more about the Festival
- May 27 Submit your proposal
- June 15 Submit any final edits to marketing copy
- By July 1 Schedule your program’s delivery date with the Festival team
- July 30 Attend the Partner Social
- August 1 Provide Festival organizers with your program files/media
- Invite others to attend your scheduled program
During Festival
- August 15 & 16
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled program for set-up *in-person only
- Engage our community at the Block Party
- Deliver or watch your program on the Mainstage
- Unload and remove all materials within 30 minutes of completion
- August 17 onward Watch your program on the SDF YouTube Channel
- August 20 Celebrate at the Closing Party
Mainstage FAQ
Short talks, skill shares and films.
Programs are limited to a maximum of 30 minutes and are highly encouraged to incorporate audience-engaging elements (Q&As, hands-on activities, live demos, etc.).
Absolutely, we welcome collaborative programs. However, we require a single primary contact who is responsible for all communications, deadlines, and logistics with the Planning Team.
Yes. Virtual programs must be pre-recorded with our Festival team using Riverside, via our virtual studio. In-person programs at Lake Union Park are preferred.
Virtual programs will be scheduled for a session using Riverside before August 1. This platform records high-quality local video/audio, allows up to 8 guests, and is accessible through a Chrome web browser, phone/tablet, or the Riverside app. A member of the Festival team will be there to guide you through the recording.
All virtual programs are pre-recorded to ensure the highest production value. However, live viewers and listeners are welcome to join your session using a shared link. While not visible or included in your recording, you will have the option to interact with your audience through Riverside’s chat feature.
Yes! All virtual and film programs will be premiered on-screen as part of the Mainstage lineup during the Block Party.
We prioritize holistic accessibility. This includes using high-contrast slides, distinct visuals, and ensuring your talk is caption-friendly by speaking clearly and describing key visual content for those with visual impairments. See more information here➔.
The Festival provides a basic setup at Lake Union Park, including microphones, a screen, presentation clicker, audio output, and access to power. Please specify If your program requires specialized equipment in your proposal.
We strongly recommend having a localized or offline version of your presentation as a backup. While we strive for connectivity, outdoor park environments can be unpredictable.
Yes! Modern smartphones are incredible tools for storytelling—As long as your video is clear, the audio is legible, and the content is engaging, an iPhone or Android “mobile-film” is perfectly acceptable.
For the best quality, we prefer high-bitrate .MOV or .MP4 files in 1080p or 4K.
- Demonstration of connection to IN[FLUX] theme and Festival Goals➔.
- Program format, length, and delivery type
- Plans for audience engagement.
- Preferred delivery date.
- Plans for accessibility and inclusion.