Call for Presentations - NIGP Forum 2026

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A New Era: Where the Future of Public Procurement Takes Shape

NIGP Forum—the largest gathering of public procurement professionals in North America—steps into a new era this year. Guided by new leadership, we’re reimagining the experience to better reflect the needs, priorities, and aspirations of our community. 

We invite you to submit your presentations for NIGP Forum 2026 held August 23 – 26 and offered in person in Columbus, OH and virtually. 

This year’s themes and topic ideas are shaped by extensive member feedback and focus on delivering relevant, actionable content for public procurement professionals at all levels.

Please use the resources provided to help you prepare the best proposal possible and review the NIGP Forum 2026 Conference & Exposition Proposal Call for Presentation (CFP) Proposal Requirements before beginning the process.    

We welcome your submission. 

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

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KEY DATES

Application Period Opens
December 17, 2025

Deadline to submit proposals
January 18, 2026

Final Notifications
February 13, 2026

LEARNING SESSIONS

75-minute presentation-based sessions that provide attendees with relevant and actionable material and takeaways in a particular content area or subject.

We welcome proposals, Foundation Level to Advanced, that align with the below themes and formats

Foundation Level

Designed for professionals who are building or strengthening their understanding of public procurement. Content should focus on fundamental to intermediate concepts, helping attendees establish a strong knowledge base and advance toward greater proficiency.

THEMES:

  • Procurement Process Fundamentals 
  • Contracting & Compliance Basics
  • Communication & Collaboration Skills
  • Customer Engagement & Service Mindset
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Digital Tools & Technology Readiness

Theme Descriptions and Topic Ideas

Advanced Level

Intended for professionals with a solid grasp of procurement fundamentals who are seeking deeper, more complex content. Advanced sessions should assume prior knowledge and focus on expanding expertise through nuanced, high-level discussion.

THEMES:

  • Strategic Leadership & Organizational Impact
  • Strategic Digital & AI-Driven Procurement
  • Data-Informed Decision-Making & Metrics
  • Political Acumen & Organizational Navigation
  • Leadership Maturity & People Management 
    Leadership Maturity & People Management 

Theme Descriptions and Topic Ideas

WORKSHOPS

2 ½ hour (two 75-minute sessions) active learning sessions that incorporate highly experiential activities, problem solving activities, and small group discussions and presentations back to peers.

Workshops

TOPIC IDEAS:

  • Advanced Contracting & Risk Mitigation
  • Advanced Requests for Proposals
  • Advanced Negotiations & Relationship Management 
  • Advanced Legal
  • Advanced Cooperative Procurement
     

FAQs

QUESTIONS

Contact Chanda Taylor Carpenter
Director, Content Research & Development
at ccarpenter@nigp.org