Join the 11th OTT Conference in Barcelona, Spain!
🗓️ 12–13 May 2027 (main conference) | 11 & 14 May (fringe events)
đź“Ť Equitat.org, Barcelona, Spain
Join the one-and-only annual gathering for and by thinktankers who want to connect, challenge each other, and shape the future of the sector.
OTT Conferences are built differently. Rather than a fixed programme handed down from a podium, sessions are shaped by participants themselves — so the conversations that matter most to you are the ones that actually happen. Whether you come with a burning question, a half-formed idea, or a project you want to stress-test, there’s space for it here.
The programme weaves together formal sessions with room to breathe: extended coffee breaks, long lunches, participant-led sessions, and fringe events spread across Barcelona’s think tank community. Some of the most important conversations at past conferences have happened in the corridors, over coffee, or at a fringe event the night before.
Over the years, OTT Conferences have brought together more than 1,630 thinktankers from over 100 countries — researchers, communicators, directors, funders, and everyone in between. The 2027 edition continues that tradition in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
Keynote speakers
More to be confirmed — scroll down to read their bios!
The 2027 OTT Conference will be hosted in partnership with Equitat.org and supported by the Hewlett Foundation, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Stiftung Mercator, and Soapbox.
View highlights from the 2026 OTT Conference:
Conference theme: Think tanks and People
The Conference theme is decided by the OTT community. It is the result of recommendations from the previous Conference, insights from the State of the Sector Report and OTT Member suggestions.
But, as always, the Conference will host discussions and practical sessions on a range of topics, including think tank governance, management, organisational culture, fundraising and financial planning, strategic communications, AI integration, monitoring and evaluation, and more.
Hear from the participants of the 2026 OTT Conference:
Key information
- Dates: The main Conference will take place on 12th and 13th May 2027, with fringe events on the 11th and 14th.
- Location: The main Conference will take place at equitat.org, with fringe events taking place at think tanks across the city. Visit our city guide for more information.
- How to join: OTT members, School Alumni and past Conference participants will receive an invitation to register. If you wish to attend for the first time, please express your interest here. We aim to welcome new participants who can make a positive contribution to the community.
- Fees & payment: Please refer to the 2027 fee and payment guidelines for details.
Do you want to support the OTT Conference?
We are looking for funders to help cover the cost of this global festival of think tanks, and partners to host fringe meetings in and around Barcelona.
If you are interested in supporting the global community of thinktankers, please get in touch.
Learn more about OTT Conferences
Watch the sessions and read the articles from recent conferences here:
