• Call for Sessions open until January 16, 2026
  
• Review of submissions by early February
• Speakers will receive selection notification in early February
• Conference Registration opens February 17, 2026
• Conference is July 15-17, 2026

NCCI Learning Framework

All submissions should reflect one or more of NCCI's learning framework pillars of Institutional Transformation, Continuous Improvement, Impactful Innovation and one or more of NCCI's core areas of focus including:

• Change Management
• Emerging Trends
• Leadership
• Strategy
• Project Management
• Organizational Development

More information can be found on our website: https://ncci-cu.org/education/learning-framework/

Session Format Definitions

Speed Networking: The facilitator provides a short presentation and then participants are broken into small teams to speed network through a set of prompts provided by the facilitator. In this highly interactive format, small teams brainstorm on how to resolve challenges. 

Workshop/Deep Dive: An interactive workshop or activity that offers insight, practice, or instruction to learn by doing. Presenter provides a take-away for participants.

Presentation with Facilitated Discussion: Presentation integrated with group discussion.

Panel: Multiple speakers offer their perspectives on a topic.

Poster: Presenters display a poster that summarizes their research, project, or findings using text, charts, images, and key points. During the session, attendees walk around, view the posters, and talk directly with the presenters, who stand by their posters to answer questions and discuss their work.

Other format: A unique format that does not replicate existing formats.

Inclusion

NCCI is committed to providing welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environments at its conferences and events. During our programs, we highly encourage all participants to share ideas, network, and enjoy the company of others. We recognize that our ability to create a rewarding community experience depends on the behavior of all in attendance.

Event speakers are expected to conduct themselves according to NCCI's values and the ethical standards of the profession. All members of the NCCI community are to be considerate; refrain from any demeaning, harassing, or discriminatory behavior or speech; and immediately comply with any requests to discontinue objectionable behavior. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior:  

• Offensive, hostile, or derogatory comments.
• Disruptive actions unrelated to the intended purpose of the event.
• Conduct that demonstrates a lack of professionalism or respect for another individual.

We ask that all presenters at the NCCI conference be mindful that our audiences include professionals from all types of campuses and educational institutions, as well as corporate and nonprofit members and partners. Every effort is expected of presenters and speakers to include appropriate language, material, and examples for NCCI's community.

Eligibility Guidelines

Every presenter at the NCCI Annual Conference must be registered for the event. Speakers are responsible for expenses incurred in conjunction with the conference. Speakers must have availability to present in person, in Pittsburgh, at any session on the dates of July 15, 16, or 17. Additionally, all presenters must be one of the following:

A professional or student at a NCCI member institution registered for the conference at the member rate.

A professional or student at a nonmember higher education institution registered for the conference at the nonmember rate. Nonmembers are encouraged to present with NCCI members whenever possible.

A consultant with an organization that partners with higher education institutions and has an individual consultant membership with NCCI.

An employee of a NCCI sponsor company at the $5,000 level with a co-presenter from a NCCI member institution. If the session does not include a member co-presenter, a sponsorship at a minimum level of $10,000 is required.

Technical Standards

To successfully deliver your content, we will require each presenter to:

Provide presentation materials for posting to the NCCI website , as well as in our conference app (Eventsential), in advance of the conference.

Inform NCCI with more than two weeks notice if an unavoidable conflict arises, making every attempt to record or substitute a presenter.

Grant NCCI permission to distribute and subsequently utilize all session content without any expectation of rights, remuneration, or interest unless otherwise specified and agreed upon in writing with NCCI.

Be publicly listed as a session presenter.