Get Prepared

Call For Proposals Checklist

CFP CHECKLIST

Prepare a strong, well-structured submission aligned with the technical depth, leadership advancement, and people-centered innovation we champion at GHC.

Follow These Steps to Prepare a Strong Proposal

1

Review the CFP FAQ

Understand requirements, evaluation criteria, and the four GHC 26 pillars.

2

Choose Your Session Type

Select the format that best fits your content and engagement style:

  • Panel: 45 minutes (1 moderator + 3–4 panelists)
  • Presentation: 45 minutes (1–2 speakers; 30-minute talk + 15-minute Q&A)
  • Workshop: 60 minutes (2–3 facilitators; interactive, hands-on learning)
3

Select Your Pillar & Track

Identify the pillar (Trained, Funded, Hired, or Advanced) and choose the track that aligns with your expertise and intended impact.

4

Confirm Your Speaking Team

Secure all speakers, panelists, or facilitators and ensure they are prepared to complete their speaker profile.

5

Prepare Your Proposal Materials

Gather all required components, including:

  • Session title (100-character limit)
  • Session description (1,000-character limit)
  • Detailed session outline (up to 5,000 characters)
  • Learning objectives or key takeaways
  • Speaker bios, headshots, and profile information
6

Review for Clarity and Alignment

Ensure your proposal is structured, outcome-driven, inclusive, and aligned with the goals of GHC 26.

7

Submit by February 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT

All speaker forms and session materials must be completed by the deadline.

Important Dates

Mark Your Calendar

January 29, 2026

GHC 26 Call for Proposals opens.

February 27, 2026

GHC 26 Call for Proposals closes.

March 5, 2026

Public voting opens.


March 19, 2026

Public voting closes.

April 1, 2026

Speaker notifications sent.

Comprehensive FAQs

Your Questions Answered

Call for Proposals for Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 opens on January 29, 2026 and closes on February 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm PT. All required submission materials must be completed by the deadline to be considered.

Call for Proposals is open to people in tech of all identities, backgrounds, and career stages from around the world. We encourage submissions from first-time speakers as well as experienced presenters.

Speakers may submit proposals for the following session types:

  • Panel (45 minutes)
  • Presentation (45 minutes, including Q&A)
  • Workshop (60 minutes, interactive and hands-on)

Session format details and requirements are outlined in the submission form.

Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 will feature both in-person and virtual sessions. During the submission process, speakers will indicate their preferred session format.

Session selection follows a two-phase process:

  1. Public Voting: Eligible proposals are shared for community voting. Public engagement plays a significant role in identifying sessions that resonate with attendees.
  2. Executive Review: Proposals with strong public support advance to a final review by a curated Executive Review Committee. This review considers public voting results, content quality, alignment with GHC 26 pillars, and overall program balance.

Final selections are made based on this combined evaluation.

Public voting carries substantial weight in the Call for Participation process and is a primary factor in determining which sessions advance for final review. While voting is not the sole decision-maker, it strongly informs programming decisions.

GHC 26 programming is strongly guided by public voting. In limited cases, additional sessions may be reviewed to address content gaps or ensure balanced representation across pillars, tracks, and audiences. These exceptions are rare.

There is no limit to the number of proposals an individual may submit, and speakers may participate in multiple sessions. Final scheduling will take speaker availability into account.

Speakers selected through the Call for Participation receive complimentary registration to Grace Hopper Celebration 2026. Travel and hotel accommodations are not provided, and additional speaker compensation is not offered.

No. Sessions may not include recruiting pitches, job postings, or product or service sales. All content must be educational, experience-driven, and aligned with the GHC mission.

Yes. Company- or industry-affiliated sessions are welcome as long as the content is educational, non-promotional, and designed to share insights, research, or practical expertise rather than sell products or services.

Yes. Proposals may be edited at any time before the Call for Participation submission deadline. Once Call for Participation closes, submissions cannot be modified.

If a selected speaker becomes unavailable, the programming team will work with the submitter to explore alternatives. In some cases, sessions may be adjusted or withdrawn depending on impact.

Public voting will run from March 5 through March 19, 2026.

Speaker notifications will begin on April 1, 2026, following the completion of public voting and final review. Not all notifications may be sent on the same day.

Yes. AnitaB.org can provide visa support letters confirming participation in Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 for selected speakers. Visa processing timelines vary by country, so speakers are encouraged to plan early.