Become a Convention Speaker

Proposal Tips

The strongest proposals:

• Clearly explain attendee takeaways
• Focus on practical industry education
• Match the intended audience level
• Prioritize education over product promotion

For additional guidance, proposal examples, and presentation recommendations, download the NCSG Call for Speakers – Best Practices Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are office and CSR-focused sessions encouraged?

Absolutely. NCSG strongly encourages educational proposals designed for office managers, CSRs, leadership teams, and other customer-facing or administrative roles in addition to technical and field-focused education.

Potential topics may include customer communication, scheduling systems, office operations, workflow management, leadership development, hiring, company culture, sales processes, and customer experience.

Can manufacturers, suppliers, or industry partners submit proposals?

Yes. NCSG welcomes educational proposals from manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, trainers, and industry partners when sessions prioritize attendee education over product promotion.

Sessions should focus on practical industry education, field experience, lessons learned, technical application, or professional development rather than functioning as sales presentations or product commercials.

Do I need previous speaking experience to submit a proposal?

No. NCSG welcomes both experienced presenters and first-time speakers.

Practical field experience, industry knowledge, real-world lessons learned, and relevant expertise are often more important than professional speaking experience alone.

Can I submit more than one proposal?

Yes. Multiple submissions are welcome and encouraged.

Speakers may submit a variety of topics, session formats, or audience levels for consideration. Each proposal should be submitted separately through the official proposal form.

Are panels or co-presented sessions allowed?

Yes. Panel discussions and co-presented sessions are welcome when appropriate for the topic.

Panels should include a designated moderator responsible for coordinating panelists, managing pacing, and facilitating attendee discussion.

Will accepted speakers receive presentation guidance and support?

Yes. Accepted speakers will receive additional resources and guidance throughout the Convention planning process, including:

• Presentation templates and formatting standards
• Speaker deadlines and submission guidance
• Orientation meetings and educational expectations
• A/V and presentation logistics information
• Speaker Guide and onboarding materials

NCSG’s goal is to help speakers feel prepared, supported, and successful throughout the process.

What types of sessions are most successful at NCSG Convention?

The strongest NCSG sessions are practical, experience-driven, and focused on information attendees can apply immediately in the field, office, or business.

Attendees consistently respond well to:

• Real-world lessons learned
• Case studies and field examples
• Practical problem-solving strategies
• Interactive discussion and Q&A
• Actionable takeaways and best practices
   

Can previously presented sessions or returning topics be submitted?

Yes. Previously presented sessions and returning topics are welcome; however, NCSG encourages speakers to refresh and update content whenever possible.

Strong returning sessions often include updated codes, new field examples, additional case studies, expanded discussion points, or lessons learned from recent industry experience.

How are sessions selected?

Session proposals are reviewed by the NCSG Speaker Selection Committee and evaluated based on factors including:

• Educational value and attendee relevance
• Practical application and industry usefulness
• Clarity and completeness of the proposal
• Topic balance across the Convention program
• Speaker expertise and experience
• Overall educational quality and attendee benefit

Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance.

What if I’m not sure my topic is a good fit?

We encourage you to submit it.

NCSG values a wide range of educational perspectives and industry experience. If you are unsure whether a topic aligns with Convention programming, feel free to contact Brittney Burton prior to submission to discuss ideas, session development, or educational focus.