programme.
As we step into 2025, the political landscape is being reshaped by unprecedented technological advancements. In this opening keynote of the first European Political Tech Summit, Josef Lentsch will navigate you through the current state of political technology and its transformative impact on campaigns, governance, and voter engagement across Europe.
The keynote will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, from AI-driven analytics and digital voter outreach to cybersecurity and the integration of blockchain in elections. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as well as the strategic shifts required to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. This session will set the stage for the summit, offering a visionary perspective on how political tech is revolutionising and potentially revitalising democracy in Europe and beyond.
In 2024, nearly half of the world's population participated in the electoral process in over 70 countries, making it the ultimate election year in modern history. Political tech was a key factor in determining the results and strategies employed in many of these elections, not just in the West, but all around the globe. This panel brings together leading experts and campaign strategists to analyse the most impactful technological innovations and lessons learned from this unprecedented global experience. The panel will examine how campaigns utilised the latest technologies and developed new strategies, including AI-driven tools, advances in data analytics, and social media strategies in a changing digital landscape, and how that influenced voter behaviour and campaign effectiveness. It will also address new and here-to-stay challenges such as combating misinformation and gender-based violence, ensuring cybersecurity, and offering insights into what worked and what didn't. This panel is essential for anyone seeking to understand the evolving dynamics of political tech and the resulting impact on democratic politics.
How might technology enable more constructive participation in today’s volatile public squares? Innovations in AI offer new channels for public voice and democratic deliberations, from AI-enabled platforms that crowdsource community input on policies to models that find common ground between warring groups in peace negotiations. These innovations also require adaptive new guardrails for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and privacy of information exchanged.The keynote will spotlight cases where AI is being used to find common ground, from bridging systems in comment spaces to local deliberations for urban planning. These stories show how today’s public squares can evolve to leverage AI for inclusive deliberative discourse, at scale.
What does the future hold, as democracies are set to undergo significant transformations in the digital age? This session starts with a thought provoking impulse by Isabelle Sonnenfeld. Thereafter, we bring together leading innovators and strategists to explore the emerging trends and future directions of political tech and democratic politics. From the rise of AI and machine learning to advancements in data analytics, digital campaigning, and voter engagement, the discussion will cover the technologies poised to reshape the political arena. We will discuss visions for how these developments will influence election strategies, governance, and public participation and ask the question: is it all doom-and-gloom or do we need more of the audacity of hope?
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, disinformation poses a significant threat to democracy, undermining public trust and destabilizing institutions. This panel brings together leading political tech entrepreneurs, tech policy experts, and FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference) specialists to explore how cutting-edge tools are being deployed to detect and combat false narratives.
From AI-driven tools to real-time data analytics and cross-sector collaborations, panelists will discuss the latest strategies for safeguarding democratic processes. By highlighting examples like Sweden's Psychological Defense Agency—renowned for its proactive efforts in monitoring disinformation campaigns and educating citizens—this session will provide actionable insights into combating the cultural assault on reality. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how technology is being deployed to protect the integrity of candidates, organizations, and democratic elections. Additionally, the panel will explore what can be done to make societies more resilient in the face of this growing threat.
As our democratic societies delve deeper into the digital age, the intersection of technology and politics presents both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges. This keynote will explore the ethical and social implications of political tech, offering a critical examination of how these tools are reshaping our democratic processes. From issues of privacy and data security to the potential for misinformation and voter manipulation, the session will address the pressing questions that arise as political tech becomes more pervasive. Which responsibilities come with deploying these new technologies? How do we find the right balance required to ensure they serve to enhance, rather than erode, public trust in democracy? How does technology change our perception of truth and our ontological view to view the world?
The global technological landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the accelerating race for dominance between global powers like the United States and China. As AI continues to redefine economies and societies, nations grapple with the urgent need for regulation to ensure safety and fairness while avoiding stifling innovation. This session delves into the key dynamics shaping this race: the implications of AI regulation on global competitiveness, the potential policies of the incoming Trump administration, and how these intersect with broader geopolitical tensions. Participants will gain insights into how the digital arms race is influencing global politics. We’ll also explore the changing digital information ecosystem, discussing the impacts of disinformation, censorship, and the evolving role of social media in shaping public opinion. Join our distinguished panelists as they examine the strategic challenges and opportunities posed by this unprecedented technological era, and what it means for the future of global stability and governance.
As political technology advances, calls for effective regulation are becoming louder. This session will examine the challenges of creating a regulatory framework that balances innovation with accountability. Key topics include data privacy, transparency, and preventing digital manipulation. Attendees will gain insights into current legislative efforts and best practices for ensuring political tech serves the public good. Essential for those navigating the intersection of tech and politics, this session offers a clear view of the evolving regulatory landscape.
This session will explore the use and adaptation of political technology within repressive regimes, highlighting both challenges and innovative solutions. Focusing on resilience, the discussion will examine how activists, dissidents, and civil society groups stress-test political tech tools under extreme conditions, where traditional communication and organisational methods are compromised. We will delve into low-tech applications that remain effective in restricted environments, secure communication strategies to evade surveillance, and the cybersecurity essentials needed to protect critical operations. By learning from these extreme cases, participants will gain insights into the adaptability of political tech as a force for change and resilience in hostile contexts.
From AI-mageddon to Zoomer (Gen Z) politics, the role of political technology in shaping US elections has never been more prominent than in the 2024 election. This panel brings together leading political operatives to discuss their observations from the US election and how cutting-edge tech tools have impacted the campaigns and shaped the playing field in fields such as fundraising, digital campaigning, Canvassing, and Campaign organisation. Our experts from both sides of the aisle will provide insights into the successes and challenges of deploying the latest technologies in recent elections.
As the supply and demand for innovative technological solutions in politics is rapidly growing, the Political Tech Sector becomes interesting for investors looking for new investment opportunities. This panel brings together top investors and industry experts to explore the opportunities and challenges in this growing, yet unique sector. Discussions will focus on areas of high growth, such as AI-driven analytics, digital advertising, and cybersecurity solutions. Our experts will provide insights into what makes Political Tech ventures attractive (or not), potential returns and partnership strategies, and the risks involved. This session is essential for investors, start-up founders, and political strategists looking to capitalise on the expanding opportunities in this dynamic field.
What skills should political organisations prioritise when recruiting, and how can they develop existing staff? How can they foster a culture where staff are encouraged to explore, experiment and innovate with these tools? What can be outsourced and what skills should be kept in-house? By prioritising these questions, this discussion will show how organisations can build teams that are ready to maximise the potential of AI in today's political landscape.
The official session description will follow soon and will be provided by the organisers. If you have any questions about the session, please contact the organisation team.
In today's unpredictable political landscape, transformation is essential for success. We bring together a panel of experienced political party intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs to explore both strategies to transform and professionalise political parties. Learn how innovative strategies can reshape party structures, enhance technological adoption, and foster growth from within. Whether you're building a new movement or transforming an established party, this session offers actionable insights from leaders on the frontlines of political innovation. The session will be based on a case study, followed by a discussion.
This session provides an in-depth look into the workings of a modern political campaign, covering all aspects—from planning to execution—based on a successful campaign in Bulgaria. Participants will gain insights into the preparation, strategies, and tech setup that drive successful campaigns, making it ideal for those looking to understand the essentials of running an effective political campaign. This session will be hosted by NationBuilder in cooperation with its partners who were involved in the campaign case.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content creation, offering political campaigns new ways to produce compelling and targeted messages at scale. This session explores how AI can be harnessed to enhance your content strategy, from automating social media posts and generating personalized messages to crafting impactful visuals and videos. Participants will learn about the latest AI tools and techniques that can streamline the content creation process, improve efficiency, and ensure that your campaign's messaging resonates with diverse audiences. The session will also discuss the ethical considerations of using AI in content creation, ensuring that authenticity and integrity are maintained. Ideal for communication teams, digital strategists, and campaign managers, this session will empower you to integrate AI into your content creation process and maximize your campaign's impact.
As Europe witnesses a wave of political transformation, candidates and groups are reshaping traditional power structures with bold visions and innovative approaches. But what technological tools and resources do they need to succeed? This session explores the evolving demands of political actors across the continent, from grassroots movements to rising parties.Through real-world examples and expert insights, we’ll uncover the critical role of digital tools, data analytics, and communication platforms in empowering these change-makers. What barriers do they face in accessing cutting-edge technology? And what can be done to identify, assist with and promote winning strategies, tools and techniques to build power for electoral success? Join Multitudes and a group of seasoned experts for a thought-provoking discussion on how technology can fuel a new era of political leadership in Europe.
In today’s hyperconnected world, where politics and technology increasingly shape market landscapes, companies can no longer afford to overlook the power of political advocacy. Brussels insider and veteran political campaigner. Jerry Zagoritis will make the case for why every major business should consider appointing a Chief Political (Tech) Officer to navigate political complexities, shape public policy, and leverage technology for strategic advantage. Following this, a panel of experts will provide additional perspectives, exploring how this emerging role is critical to safeguarding your brand, influencing legislation, and driving growth in an ever-evolving political and technological environment. Discover the intersection of politics and business—and why it's the next frontier for corporate success.
In 2025, we’ve seen successful campaigns moving away from transactional tactics and returning to the foundation of true mobilization: meaningful relationships. This talk explores how volunteer-driven, long-term strategies are reshaping the political landscape, emphasizing connection over quick wins. From “forever campaigning” and decentralized organizing to creating spaces where people can gather and share information, campaigns are becoming more than just vehicles for elections - they’re fostering communities. Learn how innovative tools can support these efforts, streamline organization, and empower campaigns to build sustainable movements.
With Airbnb and HateAid, two players shed light on the complex dynamics of platform governance within the European Union - and its implications for businesses, governments and users. In 2024, EU legislative milestones like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the EU regulation on data sharing for short term rentals were top of mind for many. Are these new regulations a step toward more transparency and accountability? Airbnb welcomed the EU short term rental regulation as a watershed moment for the industry’s relationship with governments. Will authorities in Europe leverage platform data to craft more effective policies? And can they demonstrate that these policies are achieving the intended effects? HateAid fights for the protection of digital rights. Why is the DSA important to effectively tackle hate speech and disinformation on digital platforms? And last but not least: What role does the soon to be elected German government play in making these regulations a success?
Envision converting complex and inaccessible participation processes into a seamless experience using intuitive and engaging tools. This approach facilitates citizen participation in daily activities, whether in a pub, on public transportation, or at home. Our session examines the integration of political tech to enhance citizen-state interactions. We will analyze how current processes often fall short due to outdated technology and complex interfaces. By leveraging civic tech, these tools can transform participation into user-friendly, accessible processes, fostering increased public engagement. Examples include the "Forum against Fakes," which engaged over 420,000 participants, and insights from scaling the Polis platform across Finland. We also examine AI's role in citizen participation and the future of digital democracy. The panel with experts from the Bertelsmann Stiftung (Germany), the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the OECD (Innovative, Digital, and Open Governance) will share insights and involve the audience to explore ways to make digital participation more participatory, both from a political as well as a technological perspective. The aim is to identify how political tech can foster more appealing, accessible, and inclusive participation, increasing efficiency and involving people on a large scale.
Discover insights from one of the most successful campaigns in 2024. This session will share insights from The Labour Party’s record breaking General Election campaign, which combined cutting edge technologies with tried and tested approaches. We'll explore how tried-and-true tactics were effectively combined with modern approaches to engage voters and drive results. The session will feature Labour Party staff, and technology providers sharing their unique perspectives, plus their plans for the future.
Since its founding in 2016, Tainan Sprout has been dedicated to monitoring Tainan’s city council and municipal affairs. Through published reports and an online database, the organization enabled citizens to easily access each council member’s inquiries and related documentation. In 2024, FNF Global Innovation Hub and Tainan Sprout collaborated to develop the Tainan City Council WatchBot, a LINE chatbot powered by generative AI. This tool provides users with quick access to AI-curated summaries of council meeting records, using advanced language model technology.
The official session description will follow soon and will be provided by the organisers. If you have any questions about the session, please contact the organisation team.
Political parties face a critical decision when it comes to implementing technology: whether to build custom solutions in-house or purchase existing tools. This panel will guide participants through the key factors to consider when making this choice, including cost, scalability, customization, and time-to-market. Participants will learn about the benefits and challenges of both approaches, with insights into how to assess their party’s specific needs and resources. The session will also provide case studies of political parties that have successfully navigated this decision, offering practical advice on how to ensure that the chosen tech solutions align with strategic goals. Ideal for IT managers, campaign leaders, and political strategists, this session helps you make informed decisions that will enhance your party’s technological capabilities.
This session provides a comprehensive analysis of how political parties across Europe are leveraging social media platforms in the context of the European Elections. Participants will explore case studies highlighting successful digital campaigns, learn about the diverse strategies employed by different parties, and gain insights into the role social media plays in different countries. The discussion will also cover the challenges and opportunities of using social media in a politically diverse and culturally varied continent. This session is ideal for political strategists, campaign managers, and communication professionals looking to enhance their social media strategies in future elections.
This session addresses the emerging threats of DeepFakes, CheapFakes, and Synthetic Media in the digital landscape, with a particular focus on their impact on political actors. As these deceptive technologies become more sophisticated, they pose significant challenges to the integrity of political campaigns and the trustworthiness of public discourse. Participants will learn about the latest cybersecurity challenges and strategies for detecting and countering these threats to safeguard political organizations and individuals in an era of rising cyber risks. Pavel Goldman Kalaydin, Head of AI/ML at Sumsub, will share his expertise in developing digital fraud prevention technologies, offering insights into how artificial intelligence and machine learning can help combat these threats. Richard Kuchta, an analyst specializing in disinformation strategies and foreign interference, will provide a unique perspective on how digital political manipulation, extremism, and foreign information campaigns are evolving. Together, the speakers will provide critical knowledge on how to navigate and defend against these emerging threats to political integrity.
The official session description will follow soon and will be provided by the organisers. If you have any questions about the session, please contact the organisation team.
As election cycles intensify, so do efforts to shape narratives on key platforms like Wikipedia. This session explores how political organizations can strategically engage with Wikipedia—whether to defend their image, correct misinformation, or utilize the platform effectively. Through practical case studies, we’ll dive into the challenges of maintaining impartiality during campaigns and discuss how Wikipedia’s editing community responds to the surge in activity during politically charged times. Participants will gain insights into the dynamics of Wikipedia's editing processes during election seasons and learn best practices for combating misinformation while ensuring accurate representation.
In the platform era, memes have become a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. This session Marcus Bösch, researcher and strategist specializing in the intersection of media, tech, and politics, delves into the strategic use of memes in political communication, exploring how humor, irony, and cultural references can be weaponized to engage audiences and spread political messages effectively. Participants will learn about the anatomy of viral memes, how to create content that resonates with target demographics, and the ethical considerations of using memes in political campaigns. Ideal for political strategists, communication professionals, and social media managers, this session offers a deep dive into the art of meme warfare in modern politics.
The official session description will follow soon and will be provided by the organisers. If you have any questions about the session, please contact the organisation team.
The official session description will follow soon and will be provided by the organisers. If you have any questions about the session, please contact the organisation team.
Discover insights from one of the most successful campaigns in 2024. This session will share insights from The Labour Party’s record breaking General Election campaign, which combined cutting edge technologies with tried and tested approaches. We'll explore how tried-and-true tactics were effectively combined with modern approaches to engage voters and drive results. The session will feature Labour Party staff, and technology providers sharing their unique perspectives, plus their plans for the future.
This session examines the evolving strategies for engaging voters across different generations, focusing on the unique (digital) behaviors and preferences of different age groups. Attendees will gain insights into how each generation interacts with political content and makes voting decisions, enabling campaigns to effectively tailor their messaging. The discussion will also highlight recent political trends in Europe and their impact on upcoming elections, particularly the German election. Brent Buchanan, a veteran pollster and messaging strategist, is the founder and president of Cygnal, bringing deep expertise in voter engagement. Janina Mütze, a political commentator and founder of Civey, will provide valuable perspectives based on the latest European trends. Together, they will explore how campaigns can better communicate with and mobilize voters from diverse age groups, ensuring their strategies resonate across generations.
AI is already supporting Members of Parliament in decision-making, legislative scrutiny, citizens engagement and social media monitoring. However, its rapid adoption raises critical questions about transparency, ethics, accountability, and the balance of power between the different branches of government in a democratic country.The UK’s Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), who recently published Guidelines for integrating AI in parliamentary functions, together with the German and Hellenic Parliaments and other tech experts, will discuss the potential of AI to foster innovation and resilience in parliaments worldwide, balancing technological opportunities with ethical and cultural complexities.
Digital advertising has become a key tool for campaigns looking to engage voters and shape election outcomes. By using data-driven targeting and tailored messaging, campaigns can reach specific voter groups more effectively. In this Masterclass, Dr. Simon Kruschinski and Dr. Fabio Votta will guide participants through the strategies and tools that make digital political ads so powerful, as well as the ethical considerations they raise. You will gain valuable insights into how these techniques can be leveraged to influence voters’ attitudes and a deeper understanding of how platforms and algorithms steer political messages to specific voters. Finally, the master class addresses critical considerations around fairness and transparency so that these tools are wielded responsibly in a way that upholds democratic principles.
In today's digital age, online hate has become a significant challenge for political campaigns, affecting candidates, campaign strategies, and narrative control.In this masterclass, Tomáš Halász, CEO of TrollWall AI and former social media manager for the Vice-President of the European Parliament, will examine the state of online hate through real-world examples from the European and Romanian elections in 2024.We will then discuss the effects on campaign management and gender-based violence, as well as how political technology and legislation play their roles in combating online hate.Join us for an insightful session that includes a Q&A segment, where you will gain valuable insights in protecting your campaign and fostering democratic discourse in the age of hate.
In the high-pressure environment of modern fast-paced politics, maintaining mental wellbeing is crucial for effective leadership. This workshop introduces three evidence-based training programs specifically designed for political professionals to enhance mental health, creativity, and strategic thinking, vital for thriving in a demanding political landscape.
As trust in social media declines and social media landscapes becomes more fractured, newsletters are emerging as a powerful tool for direct and meaningful communication. This session explores how political parties can leverage the resurgence of newsletters to engage supporters, disseminate information, and build loyal communities. Drawing insights from journalism, participants will learn about the key elements of successful newsletters, including content strategy, audience segmentation, and the art of storytelling. The session will also discuss how newsletters can complement other digital strategies, offering a reliable and personal alternative in the age of social media skepticism. Ideal for communication professionals and campaign managers, this session provides actionable strategies for harnessing the enduring power of newsletters.
In this interactive session on social media monitoring, we will explore and draw the fine line between misinformation, malinformation, and content violations under the DSA and platform policies. Whether you’re a researcher, political communicator, or just simply curious, this masterclass will sharpen your social media monitoring skills - giving you the tools to identify and classify digital harms. From hate speech to coordinated inauthentic behaviour, you’ll become familiar with all the distinctions between harmful content online while tackling real-world examples in our dynamic exercise. Get ready to get hands-on with us!
This session will cover how to build your brand and reach new audiences on YouTube, with a focus on political, government, and civic creators. We'll discuss responsible content creation and the benefits of using YouTube for podcasts.
A Q&A session will follow.
In an era where AI is transforming digital campaigns, the core of impactful engagement remains the same: human connections. In this session, we'll explore the power of relational organising to create meaningful interactions that inspire action, build power through influence and drive long-term loyalty. By leveraging NationBuilder’s tools, you will learn how to prioritise authentic relationships to build a movement, scale your efforts and organically grow supporter engagement. Together, we’ll unpack actionable strategies for recruiting supporters, cultivating donors, and growing memberships—keeping the heart of community-building at the forefront of modern campaigns.
This masterclass takes you into the world of deepfakes and AI-generated content, teaching you how to combine human analysis with software detection tools. Explore real-world cases, hands-on techniques, and cutting-edge technologies to identify manipulation and protect authenticity in an AI-driven landscape.
In this workshop, participants will learn about TikTok’s Research Tools. Presenters will demonstrate TikTok's Research Tools in real time and the application of Research API wrappers. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. This event is free to attend, and will require registration ahead of the conference. We invite researchers across academia and NGOs to attend.
This session explores how regionalized micro-campaigns can deepen community connections by addressing hyper-local issues and “Not in My Backyard” concerns. We’ll discuss how micro-influencers amplify these localnarratives, helping to build a loyal supporter base. With a focus on best practices, we’ll dive into strategies that target what matters most to individuals, strengthening bonds, growing membership, and driving election success. Join us to discover how localized strategies can make your campaigns more relevant, impactful, and community-focused.
Turn your volunteers into leaders by simplifying your distributed organising processes. In this session, campaigners from parties, non-profits or unions are invited to learn about SupporterBase – a CRM add-on that gives your volunteers greater power to lead campaigning without compromising data privacy. Using three use cases — mass mobilisation, non-profit organising, and electoral campaigning — learners will map their campaign goals onto the SupporterBase framework to learn how to better use their supporters. SupporterBase, developed by Code Nation, was awarded “Best Innovation in Advocacy” by the 2023 Reed Awards.
