Call for Proposals: Speak at Conference

AAFCS invites you to submit your proposals for educational sessions for the 2026 AAFCS Annual Conference in Louisville, June 18-21, 2026. AAFCS encourages students, emerging and experienced educators, researchers, industry professionals, and advocates of Family and Consumer Sciences to submit a proposal. 

All proposals are reviewed through the AAFCS peer review process and selected presenters are invited to submit their session information for inclusion in the conference proceedings publication. 

The 2026 AAFCS Annual Conference aims to inspire personal and professional growth among Family and Consumer Sciences students and professionals. Presentations should focus on equipping participants with knowledge, skills, and resources to address current challenges and opportunities in the FCS field. 

AAFCS is interested in proposals that explore innovative approaches, practical strategies, and collaborative solutions in one (or more) of the following educational conference tracks.  

  1. Support and Resources for Emerging Professionals.
  2. Trends and Technology.
  3. Advocacy, Leadership, and Collaboration.
  4. Research and Scholarship.
  5. Tools for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.

Proposals will be evaluated based on relevance, clarity, originality and practical application. 

Important Dates

Applications Close: November 11, 2025
Peer Review of Applications: November 17 - December 10 
Notify Applicants: January 7, 2026

Submission Guidelines: (Please note that a MyAAFCS profile is required to access the submission portal. Membership is not required to create a MyAAFCS profile.) 

AAFCS is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice as demonstrated through the work of FCS professionals to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. We ask that you consider the diversity of the field and the people we serve when developing your presentation proposals. 

Proposal Types: Presentations, workshops, panels, and interactive sessions 

Submission Requirements: Include a title of no more than 150 characters, a session description (300 words), name of the group sponsoring/submitting the session, and added value to the attendee, conference and profession (300 words or less) 

Session Details: Describe the proposed content and format. Be as specific as possible to accurately describe the session 

Professional Practice Setting: FCS professionals can be found in academic education, community education, business and industry, government, and health and human services, among others. Identify the practice setting that best represents the focus of your proposed session. 

Inspiration: Explain the motivation for the development of the proposal. What framework, research, and/or foundation does the proposed session build upon or validate? 

Session Framework 

Instructional Focus:

  1. Practical Applications 
  2. Strategies for Implementation 
  3. Emphasis on Research 
  4. Case Studies 
  5. Tools/Techniques 

Learning Objectives: A total of three Learning Objectives required. Click here for information on writing learning objectives. 

Outline: Identify/describe content and method of delivery (presenter, PowerPoint, demonstration, etc.) and any interactive elements plan to use during the discussion. 

Presentation Requirements: 

  • All conference presenters MUST register to attend the AAFCS Annual Conference and pay all applicable registration fees and be available any day during the conference to accommodate possible schedule changes. 
  • Presenters must register by March 1, 2026, to confirm their inclusion in the conference agenda. Failure to register by the deadline may result in an alternate presenter being selected. 
  • Proposals may include up to six (6) presenters. The submitter will provide the name, title, organization, and email address of session co-presenters. 
  • Presentation submitters are responsible for communicating proposal acceptance and details with any co-presenters. Current email addresses must be available to AAFCS for communications regarding conference logistics. Failure to respond promptly to emails may impact your ability to present at the Annual Conference. 
  • AAFCS will provide LCD projector and podium. Presenters must supply the laptop/device and may also supply additional AV equipment for use during their session.  
  • AAFCS will work with presenters to accommodate scheduling requests within reason. 

Join AAFCS and help shape the content at this year’s conference by sharing your expertise and innovative ideas. 

For questions or additional information, please contact AAFCS here.