In recent years, when evaluating our stage program, we have repeatedly seen that the classic corporate presentation attracts few listeners. This also applies to presentations that generally present the company as an open, diverse and appreciative employer. As a rule of thumb: SXS visitors prefer tangible takeaways and learnings that they can leave your talk with, and avoid content that they could find themselves through their own research online.
Focus on these guidelines when designing your presentation. Your presentation should fulfil at least one of these goals: EDUCATION. ENTERTAINMENT. INSPIRATION.
Before you start choosing a topic, answer the following questions for yourself: What is your overall goal with your participation in STICKS & STONES and to what extent can your stage appearance support you in this? Who exactly do you want to address and with what desired result?
Recruiting I: Your primary goal is to recruit LGBTIQ+ talents for a large number of your advertised positions in different company areas? Or do you want to expand your talent pool?
Recruiting II: Do you have a specific candidate profile in mind, do you want to fill a specific position, or are you focused on a specific specialist area due to the industry and company size?
Employer Branding: Do you want to present yourself to the widest possible audience as a diverse and appreciative employer with an open corporate culture? Do you have an exciting diversity issue that you are currently working on, or would you like to present the activities of your LGBTIQ+ network?
If you want to recruit as broadly as possible and appeal to as large an audience as possible, which in turn increases the quantitative volume at your booth, we recommend a content focus on “classic” career topics. This includes everything about the application process (writing the CV, preparing for a job interview), career planning (job search, job change, lateral entry) and soft skills and personal development (own organization, leadership qualities, concentration, stress management). Here you can find a list of popular SXS lectures from recent years:
This track ensures you the largest possible number of listeners and allows you to address candidates from different backgrounds. However, if you want to address a specific profile and your target group is narrower, you can also cover specific topics in your presentation. Statistically speaking, your audience will shrink, but you will then address the “right” people with your presentation. Here are some examples from previous years:
The third track, in turn, which covers all topics related to (LGBTIQ+) diversity management & inclusion, is less suitable for recruiting goals, but would be a useful option if you want to present your company as an open employer, present your diversity management or your LGBTIQ+ network or network with other people from this field. Here are some examples from the last few years:
Whether you choose German or English as your presentation language depends solely on your objective. We did not notice a significant difference in the number of listeners when comparing the turnout rates.
A well worded title is already half the battle. It can be a little pointed: it should arouse interest and trigger questions from the person being addressed – which should then be answered during the course of the lecture.
Interactive formats such as Q&A sessions, panel discussions or live demos ensure that the audience is actively involved and can help shape the presentation.
Storytelling is also particularly effective: people remember content much better when it is presented in the form of a captivating story rather than a simple list of facts.
In addition, a practical, hands-on approach can deepen the learning experience – for example through workshops or interactive elements that directly involve the audience and encourage active participation.
In principle, you are free to choose who you send to speak on our stage, but please note the following:
A large part of the added value of your presentation depends on the preparation and follow-up. Promote your presentations independently – both externally via your website and social media channels to reach jobseekers, and internally via newsletters, employee mailings, etc. to communicate your participation to your own (LGBTIQ+) employees and to set an example within your company. We will send you materials before the event.
2025 Uhlala GmbH
Since 2009, we have been dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly every day to fostering diversity in the workplace. To achieve this, as LGBTIQ+ diversity experts, we collaborate closely with companies and organizations to collectively bring about sustainable and positive changes in corporate cultures and work environments. Empowering LGBTIQ+ individuals lies at the heart of our work. And it is precisely this dedication that makes us the leading LGBTIQ+ social business.
