The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) invites you to submit a proposal to present at the 2026 NASW National Conference – Beyond the Breaking Point: Connection Through Purpose and Power, taking place June 10–13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. 

The 2026 conference will bring together social workers and allied professionals from every discipline and every level of practice. It is a moment to learn, connect, and lead together on the issues shaping our communities and our profession. In a national election year, the conference will also serve as a rallying point for the collective voice of those who champion mental health, equity, and social justice. 

We are seeking dynamic, evidence-based, and practice-informed presentations that speak to the full spectrum of social work and the broader mental health and human services professions. Whether your expertise is clinical, community-based, academic, or policy-driven, this conference is your opportunity to share ideas that drive meaningful impact. 

Attendees are looking for sessions that deliver more than information. They want tools, frameworks, and strategies they can use immediately in their practice, advocacy, or leadership roles. Presenters are strongly encouraged to design sessions that give participants tangible takeaways they can apply the moment they return to work. 

By presenting, you’ll help strengthen the profession’s shared knowledge base and inspire others to turn learning into action. 

Proposal Guidelines 

The 2026 NASW National Conference will showcase best practices, innovative research, and forward-thinking policy solutions across all levels of practice: micro, mezzo, and macro. 

To meet the growing demand for actionable learning, NASW offers 60 and 90-minute sessions, allowing presenters flexibility to structure sessions that combine real-world examples, research, and hands-on engagement. The most successful sessions will emphasize interactive learning, skill development, and immediate applicability. 

Topic Areas 

Proposals are invited in the following issue and practice areas: 

• Administrative/Supervision 
• Advocacy 
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Caregiving 
• Child Welfare 
• Children and Families 
• Clinical Practice 
• Community Organizing 
• Cultural Competence/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism 
• Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice 
• Disabilities 
• Social Work Ethics 
• Ethnicity & Race 
• Health Care 
• Housing/Homelessness 
• Higher Education in Social Work 
• Immigrants, Refugees & Displaced Persons 
• Interpersonal Violence 
• LGBTQ+ 
• Mental Health 
• Older Adults 
• Political Social Work 
• Private Practice 
• Research & Program Evaluation 
• School Social Work 
• Service Members/Military/Veterans 
• Social Policy 
• Social Work Leadership 
• Substance Use Disorders/Chemical Dependency 
• Teens and Young Adults 

Presentation Formats 

• Symposium (90 minutes): A topic-focused panel featuring two to three speakers. 
• Individual Presentation (60 minutes): A single presenter delivering a focused session. 
• Poster Presentation: Posters displayed throughout the conference. Presenters are encouraged to engage attendees during designated breaks. 

Submission Guidelines 

Proposals must be submitted online through Proposal Space. Emailed or paper submissions will not be accepted. 

Submissions must include: 

• Presenter information and biographies 
• Presentation title and format 
• Marketing description (maximum 500 characters) 
• Abstract (maximum 3,000 characters) including: issue focus, description, target audience, methodology, findings, conclusions, and learning objectives 
• Audience engagement strategies 
• Primary issue/topic area and level of intervention 

Learning Objectives 

All proposals must include at least three measurable learning objectives and clearly describe how participants will engage with the material. Presenters should explicitly outline what attendees will take away and be able to apply in their work or advocacy. 

Review Criteria 

Proposals will be reviewed based on: 

1. Alignment with Conference Theme and Vision 
   How well does the proposal connect to the 2026 conference theme and advance ideas that matter to the profession and the moment we’re in?
2. Relevance and Practical Impact 
   To what extent does the session offer meaningful, applicable takeaways for attendees to use in their practice, advocacy, or leadership? 
3. Innovation and Originality 
   Does the proposal introduce new ideas, approaches, or perspectives that expand the profession’s understanding or approach to its work? 
4. Audience Engagement and Learning Design 
   How effectively does the proposal outline an interactive and engaging session that encourages participation and active learning? 
5. Clarity of Purpose and Objectives 
   Are the learning objectives, methods, and outcomes clearly defined, measurable, and achievable within the session? 
6. Evidence and Credibility 
   Is the content grounded in credible research, data, or professional experience that demonstrates expertise and reliability? 
7. Overall Contribution to the Conference Program 
   Does this session enhance the overall conference experience by adding balance, new perspectives, or high professional value? 

Important Dates 

• Submission Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET 
• Notification of Acceptance: February 2026 
• Conference Dates: June 10–13, 2026 (presenters must be available June 11–13) 

Presenter Information

Presenters must register for the conference and will receive a discounted registration rate. Beyond this discount, speaking at the NASW National Conference offers significant professional benefits: 

• Peer Recognition: Showcase your work before thousands of social workers, educators, and allied professionals from across the nation. 
• Professional Visibility: Elevate your professional profile, share your research or innovation, and reach new collaborators and partners. 
• Knowledge Exchange: Learn from your audience as they learn from you. Presenters consistently report that discussions following their sessions lead to fresh ideas, collaborations, and future projects. 
• Career Growth: Strengthen your reputation as a thought leader while contributing to the advancement of your field. 

Please note that if you choose to submit multiple proposals, we will only accept one proposal where you are the primary/lead presenter. You may be included as a co-presenter in a different proposal. All selected proposals must be presented live and in person. Virtual only sessions will not be accepted. Note: A number of selected in-person sessions will be simultaneously live streamed to a virtual attendee audience. Presenters will be notified if their session will also be broadcasted on-demand at a later date.

Submission Technical Instructions 

 

• As you begin the submission process, your proposal will be issued a unique ID. This ID is separate from the confirmation number you will receive when you register for the conference.  
• Fill out the form completely. Most fields are required. Only completed and submitted forms in the system will be considered for review.   
• Please know that your proposal is saved while you work in ProposalSpace. You do not have to complete your proposal at once. Rather, you can work on it over days and weeks. However, please be sure you complete all the required fields and submit the proposal before the deadline. 

For technical questions, contact support@proposalspace.com or call 877-324-3204. 

For general inquiries, email naswconference@socialworkers.org. 

Join the Movement 

The 2026 NASW National Conference is more than a professional gathering. It is an opportunity to connect, educate, and stand together at a defining moment for our professions and our nation. 

Share your insights. Exchange ideas. Inspire change. 

Your voice belongs in this conversation. 

Submit your proposal today!