HACKFORT SUBMISSIONS 2026

Hackfort 2026 is looking for tech experts, thought leaders, industry influencers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and tech enthusiasts to present on the following topics:

*If you're a musician -- even if you incorporate cutting edge tech in your set -- please use this form:
 

• AI & Machine Learning – Generative AI, multimodal models, AI ethics, bias and governance, AI in industry and automation, explainable AI, and the role of AI in the future of work and education.
• Emerging Tech – Quantum computing, XR and spatial computing, blockchain innovations, evolving metaverse applications and Web3 and post-Web3 internet trends.
• Connectivity & Infrastructure – 5G and beyond (6G horizons), edge and fog computing, IoT and smart ecosystems, cybersecurity in an AI-driven world, and cloud-native and hybrid cloud innovations.
• Sustainability & Tech for Good – Green tech, climate-positive innovation, sustainable engineering and manufacturing practices, technology’s role in climate resilience, and digital inclusion.
• Gaming & Game Development – AI-powered game design, adaptive storytelling, the future of gaming platforms and virtual worlds, game development pipelines and tools, ethics and player well-being, and cross-platform or persistent universe gaming.
• Social Media & Digital Culture – Algorithmic influence and content discovery, evolution of online communities and social spaces, digital identity and privacy, the creator economy, monetization trends, and social media’s impact on global movements.
• Design, Creative Tech & Innovation – Graphic design and branding, advanced UI/UX, motion graphics and video production, 3D modeling and animation, virtual production, creative coding, interactive installations, and the intersection of design, technology, and human experience.
• Other Frontiers – Data privacy and sovereignty, open-source ecosystems, future of education and learning technologies, space exploration and off-world industries, and robotics and human-robot interaction.

We are considering both individual presenters and panel presentations. In this submission form, tell us about yourself, your work, and your pitch for a panel, presentation, lightning talk, or booth at Hackfort 2026.
 

Hackfort Interactive Space Booths
  As part of the submission process, you can propose hosting a booth in the Hackfort Interactive Space. Booths should be interactive and engaging, giving attendees the chance to experience something unique that they can’t see or try every day, whether that’s a hands-on demo, prototype, experiment, or immersive activity.
 

Key Dates

• Submissions due: Friday, January 16, 2026
• Kickoff Party: Thursday, March 26, 2026
• Hackfort Sessions: Friday & Saturday, March 27–28, 2026

Benefits for Presenters & Booth Hosts

• Opportunity to present or exhibit at Hackfort 2026
• Hackfort badge and 5-day Treefort Music Fest wristband (+$300 value)
• Access to Treefort Artist Hospitality Lounge
• Great networking opportunities
• Eternal glory as part of Hackfort history

Please note that if accepted, the information you submit here may be used on Treefort Music Fest's website, app, and various marketing materials.

• Submission Fees — We have passionately kept our artist submissions FREE for the first 13 years of Treefort. Due to rising costs of the submission software, we are now pivoting to a new model. Submissions will be FREE until September 15th (30 days after opening). From September 15 - November 1, there will be a $10 fee per submission. After November 1, the fee will be $20 until submissions close on November 21. We appreciate you understanding that this is a big, but necessary step for us. You can email us at submissions@treefortmusicfest.com with any questions regarding this new policy. If you know anyone that would be interested in offsetting this cost as a financial sponsor, please have them email melissa@treefortmusicfest.com

• We use Submittable to collect submissions. If you aren't logged in, you will see a SUBMIT button bellow. Click submit to log in, or create a Submittable account. Once you are logged in, you will be able to fill out the 2026 Hackfort submission form.