Call for Papers: European Peering Forum (EPF) 2026

The European Peering Forum (EPF) is excited to announce its upcoming event and invites proposals for presentations and panels. We are seeking engaging and insightful contributions that will enrich the peering community.

1. Event Introduction

Since its inception in 2006, the European Peering Forum has been the premier annual gathering for the global peering community. Our core mission is to foster an environment conducive to networking and collaboration, enabling participants to forge new peering relationships, strengthen existing ones, and exchange invaluable information and experiences that collectively benefit the entire peering ecosystem. The EPF is a cornerstone event for advancing the internet's interconnected fabric.

2. Why Submit?

Presenting at the EPF offers unparalleled opportunities for speakers:

• Global Exposure: Showcase your work, research, and insights to a highly relevant and influential international audience of peering experts.
• Networking: Connect with key decision-makers, potential partners, and peers from across the industry, expanding your professional network.
• Community Contribution: Play a vital role in shaping the dialogue and sharing knowledge that drives innovation and best practices within the peering community.
• Thought Leadership: Establish yourself or your organization as a leader and innovator in the dynamic field of internet peering and interconnection.

3. Key Topics/Areas of Interest

We encourage submissions that explore cutting-edge developments, practical applications, and strategic insights across the peering landscape. Topics of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Technical Advancements: Innovations and new technologies in peering and interconnection infrastructure, protocols, and deployment.
• Regulatory Challenges and Policy Impacts: Discussions on policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks affecting peering, interconnection, and internet governance.
• Operational Best Practices: Case studies and recommendations for efficient and resilient operations for Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), carriers, and content providers.
• Emerging Technologies: The influence and application of new technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), network automation, AI/ML in networking, and advanced IPv6 deployment strategies on peering.
• Security Considerations: Best practices, challenges, and solutions related to securing peering sessions and interconnection infrastructure.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of successful peering implementations, creative problem-solving, or lessons learned from peering failures.
• New Business Models and Economic Aspects: Exploring innovative commercial approaches, cost optimizations, and the evolving economics of peering and transit.

We particularly welcome submissions that challenge conventional thinking, introduce novel concepts, or provide data-driven analysis.

4. Submission Guidelines

All submissions should aim to be informative, engaging, and relevant to our audience.

• Required Elements:
  • Abstract: A concise summary (200-300 words) of your proposed presentation, outlining its key takeaways and relevance to the EPF audience.
  • Speaker Biography: A brief professional bio (100-150 words) for each speaker, highlighting relevant experience and expertise.
  • Presentation Type: Indicate whether your submission is intended as a single talk (typically 20-30 minutes, including Q&A) or a panel discussion (with proposed panelists).
  • Learning Objectives: Briefly describe what attendees will learn or be able to do after attending your session.
• Preferred Submission Format: Abstracts and bios should be submitted in plain text or a universally accessible document format (e.g., PDF).
• Review Process and Selection Criteria: Submissions will undergo a rigorous review by the EPF Program Committee. Selection will be based on the following criteria: originality of content, relevance to the peering community, technical depth, clarity of presentation, and potential to spark engaging discussion. We are committed to fostering a diverse program that reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

5. Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: [2026-07-27]
• Notification of Acceptance: [2026-08-24]
• Final Presentation Due Date: [2026-08-31]

6. Contact Information

For any questions regarding the Call for Papers or the submission process, please contact: [epf-pc@peering-forum.eu]

Submissions close on 2026-07-27 09:00 (Europe/Paris), 2 months from now.