Call for Proposals: Holiday Showcase 2026 December 2–3, 2026 | McCormick Place, Chicago Step into something ICONIC. Holiday Showcase 2026 is more than an event - it's a defining moment. A place where legacy meets innovation, bold ideas take center stage, and influential leaders shape what’s next for associations. We’re calling on visionary speakers, creative facilitators, and industry changemakers to help craft an unforgettable, high-impact experience - one that celebrates what makes associations iconic while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.. What We’re Looking For: We’re seeking session proposals that go beyond the expected—designed to spark action, inspire creativity, and equip attendees with meaningful takeaways. Whether it’s a new way to lead, a breakthrough solution, or an out-of-the-box member experience, your idea should reflect where our industry is heading. We want our attendees' minds opened to possibilities. What iconic things can they do in their jobs? What iconic thoughts or experiences can you share? How can they make a real impact and move themselves, their careers, their organizations, their industries forward? Next Level Formats and Content: We’re evolving the way we present and engage. In addition to traditional sessions, we’re especially interested in:
Why Submit? Be part of the industry’s most festive, forward-thinking gathering and help association professionals unlock what’s next. Holiday Showcase 2026 is your platform to share innovations, spark connections, and make an impact. Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026 (11:59 pm CT) Submit your proposal today and help define what’s ICONIC in association leadership, engagement, and the future of our community.
Here’s the must-read information prior to submission:
Each primary speaker/moderator can submit up to three (3) proposals.
Education sessions vary in length: *60-minute sessions for deep dives and case studies *30-minute sessions for focused ideas, practical takeaways, and high-impact, actionable insights [20 minute presentation + Q&A] *5-minute Ignite presentations for conveying simple concepts in a fun and engaging way [20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds; speaker presents without notes]
Priority will be given to presentations with formats that are bold, exciting, innovative, engaging, and interactive. For example, fishbowl format, point/counterpoint debate format, pitch contests, etc.
Priority will be given to presentations that touch on one or more of these critical issues:
Intrapreneurship: empowering individuals to develop innovative approaches within their organizations
Tomorrow is Now: emerging thinking and technologies that chart a path toward a thriving future
"New Power" Leadership: new leadership styles and approaches based on contemporary perspectives
We are looking for content on diverse topic areas, especially leadership, technology, meetings & events, member engagement and ethics
Please note that the Call for Proposals will close at 11:59 p.m. CT on Monday, June 1, 2026. Important: After creating an account, your username and password will be sent to you. You can log in to the Proposal Service Center to edit your submission through the submission deadline. Submissions will not be reviewed before this deadline. If you start a submission but wish to finish later, you must enter placeholder text in all the remaining required fields in order for the presentation proposal submission to be saved; you will then have the option to edit a previously submitted entry. The following information will be collected in the proposal:
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