Call for Speakers

Tech Forward brings together experts from around the world to be a part of the discussion surrounding nonprofit technology. Do you have expertise or experience that will benefit our attendees and want to share on our stage? If so, we invite you to submit a speaker proposal, below.

We are looking to share examples of real-world, innovative technology uses in the nonprofit sector from organization leaders themselves, including lessons learned, advice for other leaders, surprising benefits and challenges, and experiences as a whole. If you’ve had success implementing a new, creative or innovative tech solution that helped you create a bigger impact in your community or gain efficiencies with your teams, we want our audience to learn from you. Some areas of interest include:

Data analysis, data science, and data implementation stories/expertise
Automation implementation, ideas, and success stories
Chatbots and AI, machine learning
Innovative digital fundraising tactics
Infrastructure updates, building tech teams, and user buy-in
Remote and virtual program delivery
Data sharing and collaborations with other organizations, funders, government agencies or external groups
Tech funding success stories

We are also looking to incorporate thought-leadership, expert advice, and practical strategies from knowledgeable sources in the sector on topics including nonprofit security, data management and use, internal capacity building, fundraising marketing and communications, and productivity.

Tech Forward’s goal is to provide practical, real-world information and experiences to attendees from speakers from varying backgrounds. There are three speaker opportunities at the conference:

Plenary Talk

Main Stage talk to full audience discussing a wide-range topic on innovative technology (20 -30 min)

Breakout Session

Smaller group sessions focused on specific topics, discussions, or workshops that attendees self-select (30-45 minutes)

Lightning Talk

5-minute, prepared talk on main stage showcasing an innovative or successful use of technology or thought-provoking insight (5 min)

Tech Forward is looking for:

Strong content that encourages audience engagement through workbooks, exercises, demonstrations, etc. and provides takeaways or actionable steps for attendees to take back with them
Energizing talks that include case studies and/or personal experiences to relate back to main topic
Passionate speakers excited about sharing expertise, real-life strategies and knowledge on topics around nonprofit security, marketing and fundraising, data management and use, innovative technologies, constituent communication, productivity, and internal capacity building
Openness to work with Tech Forward team to deliver best possible content and experience for attendees
PowerPoint presentations that can be shared with attendees
Interest and availability in attending entire conference and engaging with attendees at breaks, meals and parties
Sharing and promoting participation in Tech Forward with social networks or constituent emails

Proposals Should:

Avoid being product specific and any perception of a sales pitch
Plan to fit within the noted time frame
We welcome submissions from those outside the nonprofit sector, but preference will be given to those with strong ties to the nonprofit sector

Speaker Submission Timeline

Call for Speakers: January- April 15, 2023
Speaker Notifications: Starting March 2023 and on a rolling basis through July 2023
PLEASE NOTE: Only speakers with accepted proposals will be contacted starting in February/March. If you have question on your proposal or would like to check on its status, please email Tech Forward for more information.

Speakers receive free registration to the conference along with hotel assistance. More information will be provided to selected speakers.

Please fill out the below form to submit a proposal.

2023 Speaker Submissions

Name*
Organization*
Title*
Contact Email*
Talk Title*
Talk Synopsis*
Key Takeaways*
Which opportunity are you interested in?*
Which opportunity are you interested in?
- 5 Minute Lighting Talk
- 45 Minute Breakout Session
- 20 Minute Plenary Talk
Do you work for a nonprofit, or a company that works exclusively with nonprofits?*
Do you work for a nonprofit, or a company that works exclusively with nonprofits?
Have you spoken at any conference in the past? If so, where?
Please list up to three past conferences
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tech Forward will only contact you if we require more information or if we feel your proposal fits our attendees’ needs. Thank you for your interest!