2026 Call for Keynote Speakers
Pathways With Promise: Centering Students, Strengthening Systems
Are you a thought leader, innovator, or expert in your field? Do you bring a unique perspective that can inspire and inform a national audience of education, nonprofit, government, and advocacy-focused professionals?
NAEHCY invites you to submit a proposal to serve as a keynote speaker at our 38th Annual Conference, taking place October 31 – November 3, 2026 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Join us in shaping a powerful conference experience that centers students and strengthens systems across the country.
How to Submit
To be considered, please submit the following:
To be considered as a keynote speaker, please submit a proposal that includes responses to the questions below, along with any supplemental materials such as a media kit or sample video content from previous speaking engagements.
All materials must be submitted by Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm (EDT).
Proposals will only be reviewed if they include a complete written submission and responses to all required questions. Applicants will be notified regarding selection decisions in early August 2026. If you have questions, please contact speakers@naehcy.org.
Keynote Proposal Submission Details
Written Guidelines & Questions
Please provide a written summary (100–400 words) outlining the goals and objectives of your proposed keynote presentation. In addition, include responses to the following:
- First and last name, and email address
- Company or organization name and current role or title
- A professional headshot (submitted as an attachment)
- A brief professional bio (100 words or less)
- The target audience for your presentation
- Your proposed presentation title
- Confirmation that your content can be adapted to a 60–90 minute presentation
- Information about where and to whom you have delivered this presentation previously
- A description of your experience as a keynote speaker or conference presenter
- The largest in-person audience you have addressed
- Your requested honorarium for the presentation
Supplemental Materials
Applicants are encouraged to include supplemental materials that highlight their speaking experience, such as media kits, recorded presentations, or video clips.
Travel Arrangements
NAEHCY will cover travel-related expenses for selected keynote speakers, including airfare or mileage, hotel accommodations, and meals. Travel arrangements will be coordinated by NAEHCY staff in collaboration with each presenter.
Please note that NAEHCY does not cover expenses for administrative staff, support personnel, or additional travel companions.
Submission Requirements and Restrictions
NAEHCY seeks keynote presentations that align with our mission and conference theme. Proposals should focus on meaningful content, innovative strategies, and actionable insights that support children and youth experiencing homelessness.
NAEHCY will not consider proposals for keynote presentations that promote products or services. Sales-oriented presentations, self-promotional content, or endorsements of products or services are not permitted.
Organizations interested in promoting services or products are encouraged to explore sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities through the conference.
If you (or your organization) represent a service or product, visit the our conference website or contact christina.cartwright@spargoinc.com to learn more about conference sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
Be Part of the Experience
The NAEHCY Conference is a national platform for elevating ideas, amplifying voices, and driving impact. We invite you to contribute your expertise and help shape a conference experience that reflects the promise and potential of every student.
We look forward to reviewing your proposal.