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Call for speakers

Deadline for submission: March 26, 2026, or when 350 proposals have been received.
Notification of acceptance: Mid-May 2026

Session format

To be considered, sessions must:

• Align with our conference theme;
• Be interactive, thought-provoking, and action-oriented;
• Fit within a 60-minute timeframe (45 minutes for presenting and 15 minutes for audience Q&A)
• Be conducted with no more than three presenters;
• Be able to be delivered in person from Washington, DC, October 8-9, 2026.

About the Conference theme

This year’s conference will focus on the theme: More Good Days, Together. Through this theme, the conference will explore how to make more good days possible for all by connecting people to the right support at the right time and recognizing that “good” is defined by unique mental health experiences and goals.

Experts should share practical strategies, innovative tools, and lived experiences to help attendees shape effective advocacy, engagement, and care in their own communities.

Presentation topics of interest

We welcome proposals in English or Spanish on the following topics:

• Innovation: New and emerging approaches to advancing mental health and well-being, including creative program models, policy solutions, technology, treatments, and community-driven practices. Sessions may explore evidence, ethics, and/or access related to innovative treatments and approaches that transform how mental health support is designed, delivered, or scaled for impact.
  
  
• Whole health: Approaches that recognize the connection between mental and physical health, with a focus on practical strategies that support whole-person well-being. Sessions may explore sleep, stress, movement, nutrition, substance use, and integrated care models.
  
  
• Mental health across the lifespan: Strategies and solutions that support mental health and connection at every stage of life. Sessions may explore age-specific challenges, transitions, and innovative supports that meet people where they are across the lifespan.
  
  
• Access & workforce transformation: Innovative ways to expand access to mental health care and support, especially for populations facing barriers to care. Sessions may explore workforce development and well-being, value-based care, health system transformation, telehealth, peer support, and policy approaches that bring care closer to home.

Mental Health America speaker requirements

• Speakers receive a complimentary registration to attend the conference and are responsible for all travel-related expenses.
• Speakers are required to attend one 30-minute meeting with an assigned session moderator in the weeks before the event.
• Sessions may be recorded. Speakers should be mindful of any audiences who may watch recordings of the session. 
• By submitting a proposal for consideration, you agree that if selected, you will be available to speak any time during October 8-9, 2026.
• As speakers representing Mental Health America, you agree to be respectful of all attendees, speakers, volunteers, organizers, and hotel staff. Discrimination or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated, and will result in immediate removal from the conference.

Please note: Breakout sessions occur four at a time. Attendance can be anywhere from 30 to 200 people per session. Mental Health America cannot guarantee a specific headcount.

Submission instructions and guidelines

Mental Health America will accept online applications only (click “Apply online” below). If you have trouble completing the form, please email events@mhanational.org for assistance.

Please note: you must click "save submission" and then "submit." Once submitted, a green pop-up box will confirm that your submission has been received.

Preview submission form and questions (PDF).

Review and selection process

There are a limited number of spots available for the conference, making the selection process is very competitive. The final decision on sessions selected for the 2026 conference will be made solely by Mental Health America's review team.

Acknowledgment: Once you have submitted your completed proposal, you will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt. Please note that a proposal is not completely submitted until you press the final submit button and you receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your proposal is not complete. 
Notification: All applicants will be notified about the status of their submission by mid-May 2026.
Follow-up: Selected session presenters will be notified of next steps and given one week to accept their invitation to speak.

Proposal scoring rubric

Each proposal undergoes a three-round review process by Mental Health America's proposal review team, and rated (or graded) based on the following questions:

• Is the session description clear and well-defined? (5 points)
• How well does the proposal fit into the selected topic area? (5 points)
• How important, timely, and vital is the topic to our attendees? (10 points)
• How action-oriented is the session? How clear, relevant, and practical are the action steps for implementing learning? (10 points)
• How well does this proposal align with Mental Health America’s mission and our commitment to lived experience, equity, access, and prevention? (10 points)

Please note: All session presenters are responsible for all their travel-related expenses, including transportation and hotel accommodations. Do not submit a proposal if you cannot accept responsibility for your travel-related expenses. Speakers will have access to Mental Health America’s room block at the Capital Hilton at a discounted rate.