The Power of Storytelling (PoS) is an award-winning conference built on the idea that well-crafted stories can bridge divides, heal wounds, inspire action and create change.

This is a one of a kind event in Eastern Europe. Since 2011 it has brought to Bucharest more than 80 storytellers in all fields – from media, to arts, to activism, to business – for inspirational talks meant to foster belonging, empathy, and revive hope in a better society.

After a five-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, PoS is returning for its 10th anniversary edition, brimming with fresh energy and a renewed commitment to bringing people together through compelling storytelling.

More than just a spark of creative optimism, PoS is also a chance for professionals to master storytelling as a powerful tool across journalism, the creative industries, civil society, business, and tech.

The Power of Storytelling was created and organized by the team behind Decât o Revistă (DoR), which closed down in 2022. None of the past editions would have been possible without the fierce support and dedication of our alumni, partners and sponsors.  – THANK YOU!

Past speakers (2018)

Over the years, our speakers have included multiple winners of Pulitzer Prizes, National Magazine Awards, Emmys, and many other accolades. They were writers, editors, producers, digital innovators, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and musicians, all among the best in their respective fields.

Team

Cristian Lupșa

Cristian is the host of The Power of Storytelling, a conference he started alongside his colleagues from DoR, a now defunct magazine devoted to narrative journalism and storytelling.

Ioana Gonțea

Ioana Gonțea is the Manager of The Power of Storytelling. She likes to sleep, and when she doesn't, she fights with the bureaucracy. She is obsessed with excel & Gantt charts.

Sorana Stănescu

Sorana Stănescu is the conference technical producer and participants’ coordinator. That means she will know all the names in the audience, and all the speakers’ technical preferences. At least.

Carla Lunguți

Carla is a journalist and fundraising coordinator. She helps independent journalism projects become more sustainable. This year, she runs the commercial partnerships, making sure that sponsors, partners and participants have memorable experiences. She's watched Grey's Anatomy four times. All seasons. (Don't judge.)

Andreea Vîlcu

Andreea is our speakers’ coordinator, making sure everyone feels at home and has an unforgettable experience. She's obsessed with the Friends series and has a matchbook with the name of her hometown tattooed on her arm.

Ioana Burtea

Ioana is the communication coordinator, former DoR alumni and published author. She's been working with the conference since 2015, making sure it makes a proper splash around the world.

Alina Cristea

Alina is Ioana’s sidekick on the communications team. She writes content for the website and spreads conference buzz far and wide. That is, unless her feline overlords are calling.

Ruxandra Neagu

Ruxandra is the Venue Manager. With a background in organizing corporate and private events, she will do the magic ‘behind the scenes’ so that you can have a great experience next to the conference stage. :) She is a food enthusiast who loves coffee, yoga and everything about summer.

Tuan Nini

Nini is the illustrator and animator of our visuals. Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, a series of happy coincidences led her to study, live and love in Bucharest. As a child, she wanted to be a stewardess–but she now sees that the work of a visual storyteller is also an act of hospitality.

Policromic

Special thanks to our friends at Policromic studio for the art direction and graphic design.

Mihai Ciobanu

At PoS as well as in his real life, Mihai is a photographer and web developer. He’s also passionately into all things bikes.