Guidelines

Twenty Years of Connection and Impact

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

The focus and learning outcomes are well presented and thoughtfully articulated
The proposal offers new concepts and thoughts that have not been presented previously at NAMES’ conferences
The proposal is relevant to the topic that it is presented under
The proposal is relevant to the region and/or is global in nature and addresses actual needs
The proposal ideas and organization are well-conceived and developed

Session Formats: Share Your Expertise

The NCPC 2026 invites proposals across a variety of engaging and interactive formats to ensure a dynamic and collaborative conference experience. We encourage contributors to select the format that best supports their content and fosters maximum participant involvement.

Please indicate your preferred format in your submission. Note that the NCPC 2026 may suggest an alternative format during the review process to optimize the overall conference schedule and flow.

Format	Description & Duration	Focus & Engagement Style
1. Presentation or Paper	A traditional, formal presentation of a case study, research, or innovative project. 20 minutes per speaker (15 min presentation, 5 min Q&A)	Best for sharing completed work, key findings, or established best practices that merit focused attention and structured discussion.
2. Interactive Workshop	A hands-on, practical session designed to teach a specific skill, tool, or methodology relevant to the conference themes. 60 or 90 minutes total	Highly encouraged for topics requiring active participation, problem-solving, and direct application of new knowledge (e.g., prototyping an outreach program, using a specific engagement tech).
3. Spark Talk (Lightning Session)	A concise, high-impact presentation with a strict time limit and a focus on one core idea or lesson learned. 5-7 min per speaker; 60 minutes total	Ideal for quickly sharing a bold new idea, an unexpected failure/success story, or a unique regional challenge/solution that can "spark" a longer conversation.
4. Panel Discussion	A moderated discussion among 3-4 experts on a contemporary or complex topic, followed by an audience Q&A. 60 minutes total	Excellent for debating diverse viewpoints, comparing regional approaches to a shared challenge, and exploring the "Paths Forward & Regional Collaborations" theme.
5. Roundtable Discussion	An informal, seated discussion led by a facilitator to explore a specific issue or question in depth with focused participant input. 60 minutes total	Best suited for crowd-sourcing solutions, sharing practical resources, and fostering deep networking on a niche topic within the main themes.
6. Confession Session	A facilitated, safe space for participants to share professional mistakes, project failures, and lessons learned. The session revolves around dialogue: What did we learn? 5-7 min per speaker; 60 minutes total	Focuses on vulnerability and deep learning from setbacks. This format embodies the spirit of "fail better" and promotes a culture of experimentation.
7. House of Commons	A dynamic, moderated debate where participants vote on pre-determined motions (statements) by physically choosing a 'Yes' or 'No' side. Participants argue to persuade others to change sides. 60 minutes total	Ideal for tackling controversial or topical issues related to the field. Promotes critical thinking, argumentation, and understanding diverse aspects of a complex issue.