Call for Proposals

Our year-round Leadership Conference program is part of ASSP’s investment in the development of the current and rising volunteer leaders. Attendees enhance their leadership skills to strengthen their communities’ ability to deliver great value to ASSP members. Learn more. 

 We are soliciting proposals for our In-Person Leadership Conference, taking place on June 6, 2027, New Orleans, LA. Sessions should support our program objectives for this event:

• Build and practice core leadership skills - clear communication, influencing without authority, facilitation, coaching/delegation, and navigating conflict, through interactive workshops, real scenarios, and feedback that translate to any workplace or community setting.
• Apply leadership development strategies that strengthen team performance and engagement (strengths-based leadership, motivation, recognition, and succession planning) so participants can develop others and drive results within ASSP and across their broader careers.
• Strengthen decision-making and execution by using practical tools for prioritization, alignment, and accountability (e.g., clarifying outcomes, roles, and next steps) that improve follow-through in committees, projects, and professional teams.
• Expand and activate peer networks by building relationships that enable ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, mentorship, and accountability beyond your ASSP leadership role and across the EHS profession.
• Strengthen inclusive leadership practices by equipping leaders to create psychologically safe, welcoming, and equitable environments in meetings, decision-making, and talent/volunteer engagement—skills that transfer directly from volunteer to workplace leadership.  

Desirable Speaker Attributes

• Current members OR external speaker with expertise in one of the areas described above
• Reflect the growing diversity of ASSP and the safety profession
• Demonstrated ability to teach through facilitation, not lecture
• Uses evidence-based frameworks and provides take-home tools/templates

Please note: No more than two proposals from one speaker will be considered. Please complete a separate application for each proposal.

Speaker Expectations

• Address practical skills and strategies that support the conference's learning      objectives.
• Explore leadership concepts through evidence-based frameworks, real-world examples      and practical applications.
• Identify two to three specific outcomes attendees will achieve.
• Provide tools, templates or strategies attendees can apply in volunteer and      professional leadership roles.
• Use facilitation, discussion, scenarios and hands-on activities rather than      lecture-based instruction.
• Create opportunities for attendees to practice leadership skills and receive      feedback.
• Foster a welcoming environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Structure the 60-minute session to balance instruction, active participation and      reflection.  

Call for Proposals

Our year-round Leadership Conference program is part of ASSP’s investment in the development of the current and rising volunteer leaders. Attendees enhance their leadership skills to strengthen their communities’ ability to deliver great value to ASSP members. Learn more. 

We are soliciting proposals for our In-Person Leadership Conference, taking place on June 6, 2027, New Orleans, LA. Sessions should support our program objectives for this event:

Leadership Sparks

Short talks that spark fresh ideas, inspire action, and energize leaders.

We're introducing a new learning experience at the ASSP Leadership Conference!

Leadership Sparks are short, high-energy, content-rich talks centered on one practical idea, lesson learned, or leadership experience. They complement—not replace—the conference’s traditional hour-long education sessions. Speakers share focused insights that attendees can apply to their ASSP volunteer leadership roles and, where relevant, their professional safety careers.

Goals/Learning Outcomes

• Add energy and variety to the conference through a faster-paced learning format.
•  Expand the range of volunteer voices and perspectives, including first-time speakers.
• Share practical, replicable ideas and candid lessons that do not require a full hour.
•  Help attendees leave each talk with one specific action, tool, or fresh perspective.
•  Encourage peer learning across chapters, practice specialties, common interest groups, and other ASSP leadership communities.

 Presenter Expectations

•  Present one clear idea—not a condensed 60-minute education session.
•  Prepare approximately 15 minutes of substantive content.
•  Use a specific story, example, demonstration, or practical tool; explain what worked, what did not, and what others can adapt.
• Build in audience interaction when appropriate (quick poll, reflection, show of hands, or Q&A).
• End with one memorable takeaway or action attendees can try.
• Use slides only if they help; avoid dense decks, sales pitches, and lengthy introductions.
• Meet deadlines for bio, presentation title/description, accessibility and AV needs, and any requested slides or handouts. 
• Please note: No more than two proposals from one speaker will be considered. Please complete a separate application for each proposal.