Welcome, Prospective Presenters!
The 2027 NIRSA Conference & Campus Rec Expo is the premier stage for NIRSA members to share new or renewed ideas with the campus recreation community. Whether you’ve been working on a project for 10 years, you tried out a new method for staff training that was majorly effective, or you would like to spread the word on how you’ve successfully delivered new programs, this is the best possible place to connect with the industry and amplify your impact.
NIRSA members value tactical strategies that they can take back to their campuses and adapt for their specific needs, so proposals that highlight actionable outcomes will have the best chance to stand out this year.
Presenter Timeline
Before You Submit a Proposal
Prospective Presenter Resources
Proposal Applications
Sponsored Opportunities
Review and Selection
Conference Branded Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Presenter Timeline
| Date | |
|---|---|
| Call for proposals opens for all session formats | August 3, 2026 |
| Proposal deadline for: • General Education Sessions & Panel Session Proposals • 20-minute Expo Session Proposals • Virtual Session Proposals • Fitness Forum Proposals | September 18, 2026 |
| Conference Registration Opens | November 2026 |
| Proposal Status Notification (i.e., accept/decline notices) | November 2026 |
| Virtual Session Presenter Recording Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Proposal deadline for: • Poster Presentation Proposals | December 16, 2026 |
| Conference Program Live | January 2027 |
| Early Bird Registration Deadline | January 20, 2027 |
| Poster Presentation Proposal Status Notification | February 2027 |
| 2027 NIRSA Conference | March 1-4, 2027 |
| 2027 NIRSA Campus Rec Expo | March 2-3, 2027 |
Before You
Submit a Proposal
A Checklist for Prospective Presenters
What do you need to do before submitting a proposal?
- Understand the requirements for speaking at the 2027 NIRSA Conference
- NIRSA membership is required for presenters. Proposals may be submitted without active membership, but accepted presenters must hold a membership prior to the event.
- Presenters must agree to NIRSA’s speaker terms and conditions before submitting a proposal.
- All presenters must register for the conference. Registration for the 2027 event will open in early December.
- Consider what the Programming Committee is looking for this year
- The programming committee is on the hunt for proposals that clearly define actionable outcomes for attendees!
- NIRSA’s strategic framework guides educational programming. For 2024–2027, top priorities include: Professional Pipeline, Advocacy, Wellbeing
- Review the PDF proposal outline and presenter resources so you can have all of your materials prepared and thoroughly crafted.
- Be mindful of the proposal submission deadlines for the various formats.
- General Education Session (lecture-style, and panel-style), Expo Session and Virtual Session proposals are due September 18.
- Accepted Virtual Session presenters are responsible for recording and uploading their recorded session(s) by December 1.
- Poster Session proposals are due December 16.
Prospective Presenter Resources
Give your proposal the best shot to showcase your ideas for NIRSA audiences. Use these NIRSA tools as you prepare or refine your proposal:
- NIRSA Presenter Information & Resources
- NIRSA Core Competency Guide
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: A Resource Guide for Leaders in Collegiate Recreation (members only)
Additional resources that may help you craft your proposal or hone your learning outcomes:
- Writing Learning Outcomes for NIRSA Educational Event Proposals Short Webinar
- Presenting for Impact: Presentation Skills Training (Tagoras)
- Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to Write Effective Learning Outcomes (University of Arkansas)
- Writing Learning Outcomes – ABCD Method (UC San Diego)
Proposal Applications
Due: September 18
General Education Sessions & Panel Session Proposals
This year, we’re opening proposal applications for lecture-style and panel-style sessions, each lasting 45 minutes. Lectures are the classic classroom style session, whereas panels are hosted by a small group of experts who offer their unique perspectives on common experiences.
Due: September 18
20-minute Expo Session Proposals
Last year we had Expo sessions and learned a lot. While this isn’t the place for sales demos, it is a great chance for associate members to share educational content with campus partners. This is the best spot for quick, powerful bursts of content and best practices that you and your colleagues can share with one another. We’ll make sure the audience can hear you loud-and-clear.
If you’re interested in a sales demo, contact Nick Zumbrun..
Due: September 18
Virtual Session Proposals
We’ll be sharing a selection of pre-recorded sessions virtually through the PheedLoop app this year. If you’re unsure about making it to Kansas City, please consider submitting a virtual session proposal!
Due: September 18
Fitness Forum Class Proposals
At the Fitness Forum, part of NIRSA’s strategic commitment to health and wellbeing, you’ll discover trending workouts, learn new instruction techniques, and connect with fitness enthusiasts from colleges and universities across North America. Please submit a proposal to put NIRSA attendees through a workout!
Due: December 16
Poster Presentation Proposals
Poster presentations are ideal for sharing research, pilot programs, case studies, and emerging ideas in a visual, interactive format.
Sponsored Opportunities
Details are coming soon!
Review and selection
NIRSA Conference session selection involves a double-blind review process benefiting from the experience of more than 50 trained reviewers. Submissions are evaluated for:
- Strength and clarity of learning objectives
- Relevance to audience needs
- Alignment with NIRSA competencies and topic areas
- Program design and approach to the session’s delivery
- Potential to inspire growth, innovation, or action
- Overall quality
In addition to the individual proposal reviewer evaluations, the NIRSA Conference Program Committee reviews for learning outcome quality and alignment with conference priorities.
This year, the committee wants to see intentionally designed programs that clearly define actionable takeaways that members can apply immediately at their institutions.
Presenters of accepted sessions will be supported through the PheedLoop speaker portal, which will include instructions for uploading materials, updating your bio, and communicating with event staff.
Subject area experts are invited to apply to serve as a proposal reviewer by September 18.
If you’re interested in volunteering as a proposal reviewer,
please apply here!
Conference Branded Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to use AI to design my proposal?
You may use AI to assist with your proposal design, but the idea for the session must be original, and should your proposal be selected, you must be able to deliver the content represented in your session description and learning objectives. You must list AI as a source of material if your proposal features content or supporting materials produced through AI tools.
Can I submit a proposal if I am not a current NIRSA member?
Yes, nonmembers can submit a proposal, but by the time the conference rolls around, you must hold a current NIRSA membership.
When are session schedules shared with presenters?
Presenters will be notified of the session scheduled, including your specific date and time, in early January 2027.
Where can I find important information about my session?
If your proposal is accepted, you’ll receive an email with a link to your personalized speaker portal in Pheedloop. The speaker portal is regularly updated with information!
Will NIRSA be offering Continuing Education Credits this year?
Because the CSAEd program is recently discontinued, no CEUs will be offered for sessions this year.
Thanks to the NIRSA Program Committee!
This year, NIRSA is pleased to welcome several new faces to the Program Committee. NIRSA thanks them for their time and contributions in support of a content-rich event.
Committee chairs commit dozens of hours of volunteer work over three years to respond to member needs and desires for the evolution of the profession.