Chorus America invites you to submit a session proposal for our 2026 Conference, June 3-6, in Minneapolis, MN. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, November 14, 2025. 

Questions about applying or presenting? Email Karyn Castro at [email protected].  

We are also inviting suggestions for questions or topics that you would like our Conference event to explore and speakers that you would like to see at the event. Please email your suggestions to [email protected] by Friday, November 14. 

About Our Conference Programming

Our Conference programming draws on the expertise and insights of those working in the choral field, as well as in the arts, education, and general nonprofit sectors. The Conference promotes skill-building and facilitates collaboration, exploration, and connections on multiple levels.  

We program sessions across a variety of artistic and administrative topics, with focuses on innovation and relevance in the current climate and access, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the choral field. Our goal is to work with a diverse group of Conference speakers that represent different demographics, geographic locations, organization sizes, and points of view. 

Selected sessions will receive a presenting slot, audio/visual support, and will be included in Chorus America's Conference materials. Selected and invited Conference speakers are offered 50% discount on registration to thank them for being part of Conference programming. 

Tips for a Successful Submission

• Get inspired by past sessions. Browse examples of session titles from previous conferences here to see what resonates.
• Think beyond tradition. We welcome fresh, innovative ideas that push boundaries. Don't just consider the choral field as it is today, imagine all it could become.
• Craft a compelling description. Read this helpful article, Write a great session description: Five do's and don'ts, for practical tips on writing a description that will capture the attention of both reviewers and attendees.

What will I be asked to submit on the application?  

Applicants will be required to submit information both about the proposed session and the involved speaker(s). Specifically, 

• Title of proposed session
• Session description
• Session topic(s)
• Target audience for session (dropdown list)
• 5 Learning Outcomes from the proposed session
• Session format (case study, presentation, workshop, etc)
• Name, email, phone number, title and organization, location, and experience with the topic for all speakers involved in the presentation (up to 5 total)
• Select availability for each session block (Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, Friday afternoon, and Saturday afternoon) 

What's next after I submit? 

Once the call for sessions closes on November 14, Chorus America's staff and Conference stakeholders will review the submissions. As sessions are developed, a staff member will be in touch with all applicants to inform them of their proposal's status by the end of January 2026. Please note: we may contact presenters who have submitted similar session proposals to explore whether they are willing to collaborate. 

Submissions will be reviewed based on: 

• Overall balance of variety of sessions being presented
• Session format, design, and creativity
• Presenter expertise and experience with topic
• Clarity of message
• Relevance to current issues and conversations happening in the field
• Variety of perspectives within the field  

Questions? Please email Karyn Castro, associate director of programs and membership, at [email protected].