Great session idea? Let’s hear it!
We're putting together the speaker lineup for AWC’s 2026 conferences, and we welcome subject matter experts with knowledge to share. Whether you’ve got a fresh take, a cool project, or a story others can learn from, we’d love to hear what you’ve got to share.
We welcome speakers with passion, insights, data, and your unique perspective. The most popular sessions are interactive, hands-on, and inspiring. Submit your session idea today and help make these events unforgettable!
Due to the high volume of session ideas we receive, we only reach out to those selected. We truly appreciate the time you take to share your ideas with us.
Thank you for your interest in the Association of Washington Cities!
Questions or comments: awcspeakers@awcnet.org
AWC general call for conference and eLearning session ideas
Year-round | Various events & online
Learn more about conferences and eLearnings
Your information will be kept in our speaker's directory for up to one year. We will reach out to you if your subject matter aligns with our event needs. Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Association of Washington Cities' events.
Healthy Worksite Summit
March 4-5, 2026 | Lynnwood
Learn more about Healthy Worksite Summit
Timeline:
- October 31: Deadline to submit ideas
- November: Review of ideas
- December: Speaker invitations
Healthy Worksite Summit aims to elevate workplace well-being through dynamic, engaging, and thought-provoking sessions. We are looking for keynote speakers and breakout session presenters to help create an inspiring and energizing experience for our attendees. We seek speakers who provide evidence-based information with practical applications, actionable takeaways, foster audience participation, and align with our theme: Connected, thriving workplaces.
Our attendees are administering workplace wellness programs in private and public organizations large and small across the Pacific Northwest. Our audience ranges from new, wellness committee members serving in other organizational roles, to advanced practitioners in workplace wellness:
- Wellness and health promotion professionals
- Benefits and human resource leaders
- Safety and risk management professionals
- Insurance industry professionals
- Wellness committee members
We welcome ideas on topics such as:
- Keynote addresses
- Workforce equity and belonging
- Creating accessible workplace wellness programs
- Supporting well-being for diverse populations
- Building healthy workplace cultures
- Health literacy and crafting culturally relevant communications
- Well-being in a hybrid work environment
- Organizational case studies
As a nonprofit organization, we operate with a limited budget to support speaker fees and travel expenses. Priority for financial support will be given to keynote speakers. We welcome session ideas from all interested speakers and encourage submissions from those who are local or already planning to be in the region during the conference. While we are open to discussing support options on a case-by-case basis, preference will be given to speakers who are willing to offer a nonprofit discount or reduced rate or to present on a pro bono basis for a mission-aligned event.
AWC Annual Conference
June 23-26, 2026 | Spokane
Learn more about Annual Conference
Timeline:
- January 31, 2026: Deadline to submit ideas
- February 2026: Review of ideas
- March 2026: Speaker invitations
Why present
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Conference tracks
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Conference platform
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- Amazing professional development opportunity
- Civic engagement
- Collaborate with elected officials
- Expand your professional portfolio
- Networking opportunities
- Visibility and recognition
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- City managers/administrators
- Essentials for new and returning elected officials
- Hot topics and emerging issues
- Informal dialogue hubs
- Mayors
- Small cities
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- All conference sessions are in-person within a classroom setting.
- Sessions are one hour, except for a few early start sessions which are 90 minutes, typically held for our sponsors.
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The AWC Annual Conference brings together city leaders from across Washington to explore innovative ideas, share practical solutions, and strengthen communities. We’re looking for dynamic keynote speakers and breakout session presenters to help us create an engaging, thought-provoking experience for our attendees.
This year we’re seeking sessions that offer:
- Evidence-based insights with real-world applications
- Actionable takeaways for city leaders and staff
- Opportunities for audience interaction and engagement
- Fresh perspectives that align with the challenges and opportunities facing Washington’s cities today
Our audience includes elected officials, city administrators, department heads, city clerks, and professionals working in areas such as:
- Community and economic development
- Public safety and risk management
- Human resources and employee wellness
- Infrastructure and sustainability
- Civic engagement and leadership
If you’re passionate about helping cities thrive and have a message that resonates, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your idea and be part of shaping the future of Washington’s cities.
As a nonprofit organization, we operate with a limited budget to support speaker fees and travel expenses. Priority for financial support will be given to keynote speakers. We welcome session ideas from all interested speakers and encourage submissions from those who are local or already planning to be in the region during the conference. While we are open to discussing support options on a case-by-case basis, preference will be given to speakers who are willing to offer a nonprofit discount or reduced rate or to present on a pro bono basis for a mission-aligned event.
Guidelines
Information you will be asked to provide with your session suggestion:
- Name and contact information – Address, phone, email, website, and video,if applicable.
- Brief bio – Include a bio for each speaker. Please include experience giving similar presentations.
- Session title – Descriptive titles work best.
- Session description – Provide two to three sentences about the proposed presentation or session including content and method of delivery (case study review, interactive exercises, PowerPoint presentation, panel discussion, etc.)
- Keynote – Include any fees that you are requesting (note that payment is not guaranteed).
- Three references – Provide references who can speak to your previous speaking engagements.
Selection criteria
In order to ensure a balanced perspective in educational sessions, all ideas are reviewed and evaluated by a committee. Special consideration may be given to AWC’s Associate Members. Learn more about Associate Membership.
If your idea is selected for a conference or eLearning, you will be notified via email. You are welcome to make multiple submissions should you have more than one idea to present.
Thank you for your interest in advancing the education of elected officials.
Terms for speaker compensation
We seek speakers who are willing to share their expertise without the expectation of payment in the spirit of cooperation and networking. Speakers are generally responsible for their own travel, lodging, and expenses.
For more information on AWC conferences, events, and eLearnings, click here.