All proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET, January 10, 2024.
General Rules
- All submissions must be made through this website.
- Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
- Use inclusive and respectful language in session descriptions and presentations.
- Ensure that your presenters and your session content includes a diversity of experience, perspectives and points of view.
- No session is allowed to spotlight a company, product or service.
- If your proposal is selected, you must be available to present at any time during NAMICon. We cannot accept requests to change assigned session dates & times.
Audience
NAMICon attendees are wide-ranging and include individuals with mental illness, caregivers and family members, mental health providers and NAMI grassroots leaders.
NAMI endeavors to include and thread justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) throughout all the programs, services and presentations of the organization.
Your proposal must consider and explain how JEDI and/or cultural competence will be addressed or demonstrated in your presentation. It should be clearly stated in the workshop description, objectives and recommendations.
Additionally, NAMI is seeking workshop proposals from subject matter experts experienced in matters of social justice, racial/ethnic identity and equity-minded practice.
Ensure your subject matter addresses the varied experiences, backgrounds, cultures and identities of our convention attendees.
Program Tracks
We’ve curated an enriching experience with diverse tracks designed to explore and address critical aspects of mental health and well-being. Submit a proposal on a topic or an issue that holds great significance to you, ensuring that attendees will gain valuable insights and meaningful perspectives. Here’s a glimpse into the compelling tracks we have lined up for NAMICon 2024.
Advocating for Access to Care
Join discussions on breaking down barriers to mental health care, addressing disparities and advancing policies that promote accessible and equitable mental health services for all.
Hope for Caregivers via Research
Delve into the latest research and innovative approaches that offer hope and support for caregivers. Explore how advancements in science and understanding contribute to the well-being of those who provide essential care to their loved ones.
Youth & Young Adults
Tailored for the unique challenges faced by the younger generation, this track explores mental health issues specific to youth and young adults. Lead and engage in conversations about support systems, coping mechanisms and fostering resilience during critical life stages.
Workplace Mental Health
Uncover strategies for creating mentally healthy workplaces. From stress management to cultivating positive organizational cultures, this track focuses on promoting mental well-being within professional environments.
Peer Stories
In this powerful track, people with lived experiences share their stories, providing a platform for empathy, understanding, and connection. Explore narratives that inspire, educate, and foster a sense of hope and community.
Help Not Handcuffs (Justice Diversion)
Discuss the intersection of mental health and the justice system, advocating for a transformative shift in thinking towards more compassionate and effective approaches, and improving crisis response systems. Explore alternatives to incarceration, emphasizing mental health treatment and support over punitive measures.
Session Format: Impact Sessions
- A presentation on a topic, a small panel discussion, or an interactive discussion with the audience
- 60 minutes, including at least 15 minutes of Q&A
- 1–3 presenters
Review Criteria and Selection
Unfortunately, given limited space and time, we can’t accept all submissions.
A committee of NAMI subject matter experts review and grade all submissions. We select the proposals that best meet our criteria:
Attendees
- Will the content be compelling and interesting to our audience?
- Does the proposal address contemporary topics in an interesting way?
- Will the session actively engage the audience?
Presenter
- Does the presenter have relevant knowledge, experience, and expertise?
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)
- Does the proposal include diverse voices and perspectives, both in terms of presenters and subject matter?
- Does the proposal enrich attendees’ understanding of diverse cultures, identities, experiences, and backgrounds?
Proposal
- Does the proposal have clear and easy-to-understand learning objectives?
- Does the proposal fit well in the selected convention track?
- Does the proposal align with and advance NAMI’s strategy and policy priorities?
We do not provide guidance or suggestions to individual submitters.
Some sessions — including keynote speakers and invited presentations — are determined solely by NAMI. These sessions are not part of the regular Call for Proposals process.
Sharing Your Presentation Resources
Presenters are required to upload related resources (for example, documents or links) prior to their presentation.
These resources provide support for the presentation and then become a part of the NAMICon proceedings so that this valuable information is accessible beyond the session.
If your proposal is selected, you will be provided with instructions on uploading your presentation materials.
Accept or Decline Notifications
We will notify all you about the status of your submission by February 16, 2024.
Accepted Proposals And Presenter Registration
All accepted Impact Session presenters are entitled to an exclusive speaker registration rate.
All accepted presenters are responsible for registering for the convention by the Early Bird registration date and paying their convention registration fee. Plan and budget accordingly before submitting your proposal.
We do not reimburse speaker-related expenses, online tools, assessments, books or other presentation materials.