IMPACT 2026 Lightning Talk Submissions Form

Join us at the 2026 Cooperative IMPACT Conference as we celebrate the Year of Cooperatives and explore how cooperatives are “Built for this Moment" by submitting a Lightning Talk idea. This year's theme emphasizes the central role cooperatives play in communities across the country and also marks a decade of bold ideas, practical solutions and shared purpose.

For a chance to be featured at IMPACT 2026, we invite you to submit a Lightning Talk idea in one of the following five categories:

• Affordability and Accessibility: Lightning Talks in this category should focus on how cooperatives help create an economy that is affordable and/or accessible. For example, sharing successes/lessons learned in shared or limited equity housing, food cooperatives serving their communities, cooperative real estate efforts, providing reliable and affordable energy/broadband in rural and underserved areas, policy/advocacy efforts that promote affordability and accessibility, etc.
  
  
• Cooperative Ecosystems: Lightning Talks in this category could focus on place-based case studies for strengthening cooperative ecosystems, successes or lessons learned relating to cross sector collaboration and P6—cooperation among cooperatives, strengthening cooperative support organizations (public or private), or the broader enabling environment for cooperatives.
  
  
• Financing Solutions for Cooperative Development: Lightning talks in this category should look at innovative financing solutions and partnerships to support cooperative development, including start-ups, expansions, and broader cooperative ecosystem strengthening and development. This could include public and private financing.
  
  
• The Next Generation of Cooperative Leadership: Lightning Talks in this category should look at how cooperatives are developing the next generation of cooperative leaders, including education and training programs, mentorships and coaching, succession planning, and could also include youth-led cooperatives.
  
  
• Support and Belonging in the Cooperative Community: Our society faces growing inequalities and divisiveness, and the work we do to strengthen a cooperative economy that is just and equitable can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Lightning talks in this category should look at how cooperatives—through a lens of mutualism, concern for community, and cooperation among cooperatives—foster environments where all people feel supported and experience true belonging in our cooperative movement.

To ensure full and fair consideration, proposals will be evaluated and selected by NCBA CLUSA according to criteria that include:

• Length: Each Lightning Talk should be 5-8 minutes.
• Relevance: Directly addresses the conference theme and program focus.
• Clarity: Offers clear description of the proposed session and learning objectives.
• Innovation: Presents a unique way to operate, create or manage.
• Application: Participants will be able to learn practical tools or lessons.
• Program Balance: NCBA CLUSA strives to create a balanced program covering a wide range of topics with diverse presenters.

Applicants will be notified of selection decisions by Friday, August 7, 2026.

All Lightning Talk submissions for consideration at IMPACT 2026 must be submitted electronically via this form. Submissions are due by Friday, July 17 at 11:59pm EDT.

If selected, Lightning Talk speaker headshots, bios, presentation titles, session descriptions and learning objectives will be shared on the 2026 Cooperative IMPACT Conference website and used for event marketing and promotion purposes.

Questions? Email NCBA CLUSA's Membership Team at membership@ncba.coop. We look forward to receiving your proposal.