NASW-CT 2026 Call for Conference Proposals
When can I submit my presentation proposal for the 2026 NASW-CT Annual Conference?
We are currently accepting submissions to present at the 2026 NASW-CT Annual Conference Social Workers: Defend, Uplift, Transform. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 11:59pm (EST) February 16, 2026.
When and where will the conference be held?
The 2026 NASW-CT Annual Conference will be held May 21, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol, 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010.
What is the fee to submit a proposal?
There is no fee to submit a proposal.
Where do I submit a proposal?
Proposals are submitted online. Click on this link to access the Call for Proposals site: https://naswct.socialworkers.org/Events/NASW-CT-Annual-Conference-Call-for-Proposals-Form
Do I have to be an NASW member to submit a proposal?
NASW membership is not a prerequisite for submitting a proposal or being listed as a co-presenter on a proposal. However, we do encourage you to become a member and receive the many benefits associated with membership including reduced rates for conference registration. Click here to join: www.socialworkers.org/join
What is the difference between the primary presenter and the co-presenters on the conference proposal?
NASW-CT assumes that the primary presenter is the “author” who will organize the session if the proposal is accepted. The primary presenter is responsible for signing the speaker contract on behalf on co-presenters and ensuring that all co-presenters register on time.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
You may be a part of two program submissions as either a primary/lead presenter or a co-presenter. Please note that due to limited workshop times, it may only be possible to present once and the review committee may need to choose the best workshop option if both are under consideration.
Do I need to be a social worker to submit a proposal?
No, you do not need to be a social worker. Social workers and allied professionals across practice areas are encouraged to submit a proposal.
What are the registration requirements for presenters for the 2026 NASW National Conference?
ALL PRESENTERS MUST REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE. We ask that you register for your own workshop and/or any other workshops you may be attending. This is very important as we need to assign rooms and give lunch counts to the hotel and must make sure Presenters are included. Presenters are asked to pay for their lunch. If you are attending but not eating lunch, we still ask that you register and choose the no lunch option.
Presenters must register for the conference by April 6th, 2026, to confirm their sessions
Am I automatically registered for the conference by submitting a proposal?
No. You must register for the conference separately.
What type of session formats will be offered for the 2026 NASW-CT Annual Conference?
- 1.5 hour, 2-hour and 3-hour presentations based on topics that support this year’s conference theme.
What issue areas do I select from when submitting my proposal?
You will be asked to select a specific issue area and level of intervention for your proposal from the broad topics noted below. Please keep the “Social Workers: Defend, Uplift, Transform” theme in mind when submitting your proposal.
The NASW-CT 2026 Annual Conference theme “Social Workers: Defend, Uplift, Transform" describes the core functions of social work: social workers defend vulnerable individuals and communities by advocating for their rights and needs, uplift them by providing support and resources to improve their circumstances, and transform lives and communities by working toward long-term social justice, empowerment, and positive change. This is achieved through various means, including case management, counseling, advocacy, and policy change
(Examples only. You are not limited to these topics.)
- Addictions
- Administrative/Supervision
- Advocacy
- Aging Older Adults
- Anti-Racism
- Artificial Intelligence
- Caregiving
- Child Welfare
- Children and Families
- Clinical and Private Practice
- Community Organizing
- Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice
- Cultural Competence
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusive
- Domestic/ Interpersonal Violence
- Health Care
- Higher Education in Social Work
- Housing/ Homelessness
- Immigrants, Refugees & Displaced Persons
- LGBTQ+
- Mental Health
- Military/ Veterans
- PTSD/ Trauma
- Race & Ethnicity
- Research & Program Evaluation
- School Social Work
- Social Policy
- Social Work Ethics
- Social Work Leadership
- Teens and Young Adults
What are the levels of social work practice that your workshop will cover?
You will be asked to select one of the following for your proposal:
Reviewers will prioritize proposals based on a balanced program as well as the listed review criteria.
How will I know that my proposal has been received?
You will receive an acknowledgement email as soon as your proposal has been submitted.
When will I be notified about my proposal?
You will be notified via email at the end of February advising whether your proposal has been selected.
Where can I receive additional information if I have a question?
Please email pnixon.naswct@socialworkers.org or call us at 860-257-8066