Thank you for your interest in speaking at the 2025 National Zero Waste Conference.

The proposal deadline is May 1, 2025.

The Program Committee will respond by late July. Please note, no more then 2 proposals will be considered from one person or organization.

There are two forms to fill out – once you are prepared to submit your proposal. The first is below. The second form, the 2025 Potential Speaker Profile, will pop up after you complete the first. Use it to enter your 250-word profile and submit your headshot.

Please note, for your application to be considered complete, your speaker profile and headshot must be submitted as well as your proposal. A separate profile will need to be filled out for each speaker, so save this link!

Before Starting Your Proposal

  • Consider the relevance of your topic for the zero waste movement in October of 2025
  • Draft your session abstract with clear zero waste impact and outcomes
  • Confirm speaker participation and availability
  • Collect speaker biographies and contact details

Proposal Submission Options: You can submit your proposal in one of two formats:

  1. Complete Panel Session
    • Include up to 3 speakers plus an optional moderator (Primary Contact).
    • Ideal for comprehensive topics requiring multiple perspectives
    • Perfect for case studies, regional initiatives, or complex zero waste solutions
  2. Individual Presentation
    • Single speaker format
    • Will be matched with complementary presentations if accepted
    • Best for specific zero waste innovations or focused case studies

Complete Panel Requirements

  • Written permission from all speakers is required
  • Full contact information and biographies for all participants
  • Direct contact info, please, not general office contacts
  • Detailed session abstract
  • The Programming Committee may modify the panel composition or add speakers
  • Incomplete submissions (missing bios or abstracts) may not be reviewed
  • Optional facilitator recommendations are welcomed

Individual Presentation Details

  • All presentations will be grouped into themed panels
  • Required materials:
    • Speaker Biography
    • Presentation abstract
    • Contact information
    • Speaker permission
  • Your presentation may be combined with related topics

Important Note: Only complete submissions meeting all requirements will be reviewed by the Programming Committee.

If you have questions for the Committee, please enter them in the Comments box below, or if you are not ready to submit them, send a note to the office.


     
     


     
     

     
     

    Reminder: The form you’re on now only needs to be filled out once. However, right after you click “submit” for this form, you will be directed to the Speaker Profile form. Please also fill it out. For your application to be considered complete, your 250 word speaker profile and headshot must be submitted in the form that will appear right after submittal of this form. For panels, each proposed speaker will also need to fill out the speaker form. Please only fill it out once for each proposed speaker.

    Terms and Agreements: Your submittal of both these forms means you agree with these terms and agreements.