2027 INVEST IN WOMEN FORUM | CALL FOR SPEAKERS

January 21, 2027 | Embassy Suites San Marcos, TX

Submissions Due: October 15, 2026

BECAUSE

She Can | We Will | It Matters

Every leader has a because.

A reason they stepped forward. A challenge that changed their perspective. A person who opened a door. A moment that required courage. A lesson learned along the way. An opportunity they chose to create for someone else.

For the 2027 Invest in Women Forum, we're looking for speakers, especially those in the design and construction industry, who are ready to share those experiences—and, more importantly, turn them into meaningful lessons others can use.

This year's theme, BECAUSE, explores the purpose behind leadership and the impact that follows when we choose to act. The Forum will move through three intentional conversations:

BECAUSE SHE CAN — Individual potential, growth & possibility

BECAUSE WE WILL — Collective action, support & opportunity

BECAUSE IT MATTERS — Impact, purpose & the future

We're looking for authentic stories, practical insights, bold ideas, and meaningful conversations that give attendees something to think about—and something to do with what they've learned.

VIEW THE FULL 2027 CALL FOR SPEAKERS + TOPIC IDEAS

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

As you develop your proposal, consider:

• Where does your "because" fit?
• Which part of the day's journey best connects to your proposed session?
• Why does this topic matter?
• What challenge, opportunity, or conversation are you addressing?
• Why you?
• What experience, expertise, or perspective do you bring?
• What will attendees carry forward?
• What should they think about, write down, discuss, or do differently because they attended your session?

You do not need to include "Because" in your session title or force your content into the theme. We're interested in the connection behind your content.

What We Ask of Our Speakers

We encourage speakers to:

• Be authentic. Share real experiences, lessons learned, challenges, successes, and even the moments that did not
• go according to plan.
• Be substantive. Inspiration is important, but attendees should also walk away with useful ideas, strategies, or perspectives they can apply.
• Be conversational. Speak with the audience rather than at them. We want sessions to feel engaging, approachable, and human.
• Be inclusive. The Forum brings together women and allies from different industries, career stages, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Be forward-looking. Help us explore not only where women are today, but what we can collectively do to create greater opportunity tomorrow.
• Avoid a sales pitch. Speakers are encouraged to share their professional expertise and experiences, but presentations should be educational and thought-provoking rather than promotional.
• Give attendees something to carry forward. A question to consider, an action to take, a conversation to start, or an idea they can bring back to their organization or community. We will be providing a workbook to attendees.

Above all, we encourage you to consider your own “because.” What drives you? What have you learned along the way? Who helped create an opportunity for you—and how are you creating opportunities for others?

Our goal is for every session to contribute to a larger conversation about what becomes possible when we intentionally invest in women and in one another.

Come prepared to share your “because”—and help someone else discover theirs.

Speakers are to register at special presenter/panelist rate.