WHAT IS MEMBER-TO-MEMBER LIVE?

This concept was first presented in General Session II at our 2026 Annual Meeting. View the recording on our website.

In this session, we'll create a space for a select few NAPA members to give short, 8-minute talks in the spirit of TED/TEDx. Your talk will reach 800 attendees in the roadbuilding industry. You’ll gain additional exposure through event communication and in our meeting recap. Presenting at Member-to-Member Live positions you as a thought leader in the industry and may lead to future opportunities!

YOUR CHANCE TO INSPIRE

We’re issuing this call for speakers for you to pitch yourself and your highly focused, industry-relevant topic. We’re looking for talks that connect professional expertise, industry relevance, and personal passion.

We’re seeking a variety of topics. Have you pioneered a new safety protocol? Led a cultural change in your company? Advocated for industry improvements? Found creative solutions to operational challenges? Your experience can inspire others. Relevant, personal stories are encouraged! Your story could stir change, spark innovation, or help others overcome challenges.

We’ll review submissions to identify uniqueness, fit, and readiness. You don’t need to be a professional speaker, but you should be prepared to put in the work – more on that in the Support section below.

NOMINATIONS FOR SPEAKING SLOTS

You’re invited to nominate yourself to participate. You must be a NAPA member in good standing. Non-members are not eligible.

Depending upon interest, topics, and scheduling, we anticipate 4 NAPA members to be awarded this opportunity.

⭐HOW TO APPLY, STEP BY STEP⭐

To nominate yourself for Member-to-Member Live, follow these 3 simple steps.

1. YOUR TALK – Identify a topic you’re willing and capable of speaking on for up to 8 minutes in front of a large audience. Consider what perspective or insight you’re driven to share, how you’ll present, and what impact you’ll generate or what you’re asking the audience to do. Your topic should be unique, personally and professionally relevant, and appropriate for a General Session.
2. HOW TO SUBMIT – Applying is easy! We’re asking you to demonstrate your passion for this event by recording a short video and completing a short form.
   1. YOUR INFO – Complete the form above to capture your details. Once you submit the form, you'll be directed to the video recording page.
   2. VIDEO – Use our VideoRequest platform to record your pitch. It will guide you through the recording, but it’s up to you what you say and how you show up!
      • Technical info: VideoRequest is a recording platform that can be used on your computer or mobile. You must record your pitch using this software – not your own video software/device – to ensure we receive consistent submissions and can evaluate each one fairly. The software will guide you through the recording step by step, on screen, in real time.
      • Video content: In your recording, we’re looking for your elevator pitch. Who are you? What’s your topic? Why are you uniquely qualified to speak on it? Have you delivered any similar speeches? What will you bring to the stage that we’d otherwise be missing? Recordings are limited to 2 minutes max. You may choose to script your video and upload it to VideoRequest (similar to a teleprompter) to ease your recording or calm your nerves.
3. IMPORTANT DEADLINE – We want to know that you’re committed – and for you to know that we’re committed to supporting your success. All video + form submissions must be received by September 30, 2026. You will NOT receive an automatic confirmation.

SELECTION & NOTIFICATION

NAPA staff will review all qualified submissions. We will notify all submitters of their selection status by October 1. (Incomplete or unqualified submissions will not be reviewed and will not receive responses.)

What is a complete, qualified submission? – You are a NAPA member in good standing and you’ve submitted your video and details via the prescribed channels.

REVIEW CRITERIA

We are seeking submissions and speakers from which we can create a dynamic session around connecting themes, which will be determined by the submissions. While you do not need to be a practiced speaker, you should be willing to practice and receive coaching to help you command the stage. We are not seeking podium presentations or technical talks; we are seeking speakers who ignite the audience through delivery and content.

HOW YOU'LL BE SUPPORTED

If selected, we ask you to confirm participation within 48 hours of notification.

NAPA staff will introduce you to our speaking coach. She'll provide about 3 months of guidance on developing and rehearsing your talk, including individualized coaching sessions. You'll receive professional, expert resources and support to help you command the stage. Onsite, you’ll have access to a green room for speaker readiness, a staff point of contact, and access to your coach.

QUESTIONS ABOUT SUBMITTING?

If you've read all this (whew!) and still have questions, please contact Ester Magorka or Bill Rowan.