Call for Speakers
Share Your Expertise.
Shape the Conversation.
We're seeking leaders, innovators, researchers, educators, and changemakers to contribute to the discussions shaping the future of innovation, talent development, and strategic partnerships at LEAD Conference 2026.
Speaker Expression of Interest
Share your expertise at LEAD Conference 2026. Speaker submissions should align with one or more of the conference’s four strategic pillars.
Please indicate which pillar or pillars your proposed topic relates to:
1. Co-Innovation & Research Collaboration
Exploring how academia and industry can partner to accelerate research, innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization.
2. Strategic Philanthropy & Infrastructure Investment
Examining sustainable investment models that strengthen institutional capacity, research infrastructure, and regional innovation ecosystems.
3. The Talent Bridge: Student Professional Development & Immersion
Creating pathways that connect students with industry through mentorship, experiential learning, internships, and workforce readiness initiatives.
4. Building the Ecosystem: Community Colleges & Economic Development
Strengthening collaboration between education, workforce development, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders.