2026 Neighborhood Conference Speaker Application

2026 Speaker Application

Thank you for your interest in submitting an application to speak at the 2026 Inspire Neighborhoods Conference- the City of Fort Wayne's annual event to equip neighborhood associations and their leaders, and, celebrate the great work they do for our community.
Submission Deadline: 11:59 pm, Tuesday March 31st
Before you start, please let us know what type of session topic you plan to submit*

A break-out session presentation or workshopA keynote presentation
Thank you for reaching out to express your interest in being a part of the Inspire Neighborhoods Conference. Our keynote and plenary speaker selection process is highly curated and conducted by invitation only.

Because our programming is tailored to the specific needs of our regional audience and neighborhood leaders, we do not typically accept unsolicited keynote or fee-for-speaker proposals.

If your keynote topic is relevant to our audience of grassroots neighborhood association leaders and you would like to be considered for our 2027 Conference, please contact our staff by emailing inspire@cityoffortwayne.org.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and wish you continued success.

Helpful Tips & Things to Keep in Mind
Conference Theme: The 2026 Inspire Neighborhoods Conference is tentatively scheduled for September 11th. City of Fort Wayne residents can register to attend at no cost.

Learning Tracts for the Neighborhood Conference align with the focus areas of the Neighborhood Planning & Activation Workgroup. We encourage speakers to submit proposals for presentations, workshops, and activities in the following four categories: Connection, Collaboration, Resources, and Vibrancy. (Descriptions of all learning tract are available for viewing below and can be downloaded here.)
Conference Theme & Learning Tract Descriptions
Speakers do not need prior presenting experience or formal training to submit a proposal. This year, Inspire will offer a limited number of optional speaker-coaching opportunities to support first-time presenters and anyone who would benefit from help shaping their session or building confidence.

Questions & Brainstorming:If you have any ideas for or questions about the application-our team is happy to help! Please reach out to us by calling or emailing Réna Bradley at 260-427-2284 or rena.bradley@cityoffofortwayne.org.

Tell us about... you and your team!

Please use the space below to let us know who you are. (We'll provide space later on for you to let us know which person or neighborhood you are nominating.)
Primary Contact: Speaker 1
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Neighborhood/ Organization *
Title*
Social Media Handles
How many speakers are involved in your presentation?*

1 Speaker (yourself only)2 Speakers total3 Speakers Total4 Speakers TotalOther

Additional Speakers

Use this space to provide us with contact information for each of your additional speakers.
Speaker 2
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Neighborhood and/or Organization
Title
Social Media Handles
Speaker 3
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Neighborhood and/or Organization
Title
Social Media Handles
Speaker 4
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Neighborhood and/or Organization
Title
Social Media Handles

Speaker Bios, Headshots, et. al.

Provide a brief (100-word) bio and high-resolution photo of yourself and each of your speakers.
Speaker Bio(s)*
Provide a brief (100-word) bio for each of your speakers.
Headshot File Upload *

Upload a high-resoluution photo for each of your speakers.
Cancelof
First-Time Speakers*

YesNoI’ve presented informally (e.g., community meetings,workshops, neighborhood events)
Coaching Support: Would you like to be paired with a speaker coach to support you in developing or delivering your session? (Coaching is optional, free, and available to a limited number of participants.)*

Yes, I would welcome acoachMaybe / I’d like more informationNo, I do not need coaching at this time

2026 Speaker Application