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    SHARE YOUR BIG IDEA!

    Apply now for your chance to speak at NAPA's 2026 Annual Meeting.

    We’re curating a lineup of thought-provoking, TED-style* talks for General Session II on January 27. We welcome your idea – your chance to present from the main stage!

    Rooted in years of mentorship and knowledge-sharing among NAPA members, this is your opportunity to capture hearts and minds. Each presentation should be concise (8 minutes), story-driven, and spark curiosity and inspire change.

    If you have a powerful idea, a breakthrough experience, or a vision for the future of the industry that others need to hear – we want to hear from you. 

    Submit your idea before December 2.
    1. Read about the project below.
    2. Think about your talk topic (and prepare your video submission script, if you want one).
    3. Complete the form.
    4. Upon completion of the form, you'll be taken to the video submission site to record your pitch.

    * Our event is not associated with TED. We’re just inspired by them – and you!

    Apply to speak!

    NAPA sign and speaker on stage

    WHAT IS MEMBER-TO-MEMBER LIVE?

    This concept is rolling out in General Session II (GS2), the second major speaking event of the 2026 Annual Meeting. Your talk will reach 800 attendees in the roadbuilding industry. You’ll gain additional exposure through event communication and in our meeting recap.

    GS2 creates a space and stage for a select few NAPA members to give short, 8-minute talks in the spirit of TED/TEDx. 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 up to 5 NAPA members may be awarded this opportunity.

    ⭐HOW TO APPLY, STEP BY STEP

    To nominate yourself for Member-to-Member Live, follow these 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 software to record your pitch. The software 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 the VideoRequest software (similar to a teleprompter) to ease your recording or calm your nerves. (A teleprompter may be available during the live event, though we prefer you be well rehearsed to deliver your talk.)
    3. IMPORTANT DEADLINE – With Annual Meeting in 3 months, 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 before Tuesday, December 2, 2025. You will NOT receive an automatic confirmation. We will contact you directly after we review your submission, no later than December 8.

    SELECTION & NOTIFICATION

    NAPA staff will review all qualified submissions. We will notify all submitters of their selection status no later than December 8. (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 similar 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.  Over the next 2 months (December and January), NAPA staff and/or consultants will provide further guidance on developing and rehearsing your talk, providing professional, expert resources to help you command the stage. Onsite, you’ll have access to a green room for speaker readiness and a staff point of contact. We do not require a slide deck, but you may choose to use one.

    QUESTIONS ABOUT SUBMITTING?

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