Just Economy Conference Proposal Details

Summary

This informational webinar, hosted by Caitie Rountree and Haley Schneider of NCRC, detailed the application process and content priorities for the 2026 Just Economy Conference, scheduled for April 2026 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC.
The session covered the target audience, desired content formats and topics, application logistics, and answered frequently asked questions about proposals.
The deadline to submit session proposals is July 25, 2025, with applicants notified around October 2025.
Key updates include in-person participation requirements, limited travel support, and the use of a program committee and audience voting in session selection.

July 25, 2025 – All Prospective Applicants: Submit session proposals via the conference website.
September 2025 – NCRC (Caitie & Haley): Open conference registration for attendees.
October 2025 – NCRC Program Committee: Notify proposal applicants of acceptance or rejection.
Post-webinar – Haley: Distribute webinar recording, past session examples, and transcript including live Q&A to attendees.
Post-webinar – Haley: Provide link to previous conferences and session examples to interested applicants.

NCRC is a coalition dedicated to building equitable wealth and addressing racial and economic inequality across the US.
The Just Economy Conference is a longstanding, two-day annual event focused on actionable solutions, networking, and peer learning to advance economic justice.
Attendees include non-profits, government representatives, financial institutions, academics, students, business, faith, and philanthropic leaders, with an emphasis on diverse participation.

Content should focus on intersectionality, with an emphasis on forward-looking ideas addressing current funding challenges, environmental justice, housing, wages, and policy shifts.
Two breakout session formats are available:
- Lightning Sessions: 1–2 speakers, 10–15 minutes, focused on a single impactful idea with a Q&A.
- Standard Sessions: 2–3 speakers and a moderator, 75 minutes, designed for robust conversation and Q&A with diverse viewpoints encouraged.
Diversity among speakers is strongly encouraged to reflect the audience and enrich discussions.

Proposals must be submitted online by July 25, 2025; applicants create or use existing accounts.
Required: session title, description (max 5,000 characters), target audience, preferred session type, and speaker demographics (race, ethnicity, gender identity).
Multiple proposals per applicant are encouraged if relevant.
Only in-person presenters will be considered due to the interactive nature of breakout sessions.
Session rooms are equipped with projectors, microphones, and audience seating; presenters are encouraged but not required to use slides.
Around 225 proposals are expected, with about 35 breakout sessions selected.

A diverse program committee reviews and grades proposals, narrowing down finalists.
Some proposals may be put to a broader voting process among stakeholders if the committee is divided.
Final session formats may be adjusted by staff in consultation with proposers.
Not all proposals in preferred formats may be accepted as submitted; staff may suggest moving proposals between standard and lightning sessions.

Registration for the conference will open around September 2025.
Speakers receive complimentary registration, with very limited financial or travel support.
Examples of well-received previous submissions will be shared via email and are available on the website.
Recordings and all referenced materials/slides will be sent out after the webinar.
The 2026 conference theme is under development, with a focus on resilience and strategies for major funding changes.

No virtual presenters allowed — In-person presence is required to maintain interactive session quality.
Complimentary registration for speakers — Limited financial support for travel or accommodations.
Final session format flexible — Staff may change the session type after discussion with proposers to accommodate more content.

Official theme for the 2026 Just Economy Conference will be finalized later in the summer and communicated to applicants.
Additional travel support options may be revisited if resources become available.
Attendees are encouraged to direct further questions regarding proposals to the conference team via the provided channels.