Call for Proposals

Defining New Norms

We invite thought leaders, innovators, and creatives to share your expertise, insights, and vision at the 2024 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange. Propose a session for our mainstage, impact labs, or power talks.

As we navigate a world marked by rapid advancements like the deployment of generative AI, and face challenges to our progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion, the imperative to define new norms has never been greater. With evolving corporate needs and the rise of minority populations to majority status in several states, NMSDC is at the forefront of this essential transformation.

Under the conference theme "Defining New Norms," we value your unique perspectives to help shape the future of business. Join us to redefine norms, spark transformative conversations, and set a bold path forward.

Why Participate?

Impactful Conversations: Engage in dynamic discussions that challenge conventions and drive innovation and creative solutions.
Thought Leadership: Share your experiences, strategies, and success stories.
Networking: Connect with fellow visionaries and expand your professional network.

Who Can Participate?

Capital providers.
Corporate members.
DEI thought leaders.
MBEs.
Regional Partners.
Policymakers.
Strategic/Ecosystem partners.

Session Proposal Categories

Defining Growth through Capital to Reach New Markets:
- Explore funding models, market entry strategies, and risk management.
- Discuss venture capital, IPOs, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
- How can capital infusion unlock new market opportunities?
Defining Growth through Opportunities and Contracting:
- Unleash growth by optimizing contracts and supplier relationships.
- Share best practices in procurement, supplier diversity, and contract management.
- Uncover growth opportunities in high-margin professional services by collaborating with business line leaders.
Defining Growth through Innovation in New Markets:
- Identify the key opportunities in emerging sectors where MBEs can have a significant impact, identify the main obstacles they face, and propose solutions to address these challenges.
- Explore breakthrough technologies, emerging sectors, and global expansion.
- How can innovation open doors to uncharted territories? Embrace disruptive thinking and market creation.
Defining Growth through Public Policy and Federal Investments:
- Drive policies that dismantle barriers and enable MBEs to compete in both public and private sectors.
- Explore how strategic policy interventions can spur growth and create new opportunities.
- Explore opportunities and share best practices for engaging with unprecedented federal investments.
Defining Growth through Leveraging Our Networks and Partners:
- United networks are the lifeblood of progress.
- Share strategies for building and leveraging diverse networks and partnerships.
- How can we harness the power of connections for collective growth?

Proposal submission closed June 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selected speakers will be notified by the end of July.

Call for Proposals Submission Acknowledgement

Selected speakers will not receive compensation for speaking (honorarium, travel expenses, complimentary full registration, etc.). However, if you only plan to come for the day of your presentation, we may provide a complimentary day pass.
NMSDC has the right to ask for changes to your session title, description, and speaker lineup. If requested changes are not made, NMSDC reserves the right to rescind the invitation to speak.
If you have included speakers other than yourself, you have contacted them and they have agreed to be a part of your submission.
If not selected to speak at the conference, NMSDC may invite you to repurpose your proposal as a webinar leading up to the conference or post-conference.
If selected, I will submit my bio and headshot within two weeks of notification.