2027 Call for Speakers

Deadline for submission: October 15, 2026, or when 50 proposals have been received.

 

Notification of acceptance: November 2026

 

Session format

 

To be considered, sessions must:

• Align with our conference theme

• Be interactive, thought-provoking, and clinically useful

• Fit within a 60-minute timeframe (45 minutes for presenting and 15 minutes for audience Q&A)

• Conducted with no more than three presenters

• Delivered in person

 

About the Conference theme

 

Presentations by Clinicians

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The 2027 NCAFT conference theme is "Innovations and Treatment Advances." To this end, we give first priority to family-based treatments and interventions that are novel, interesting, and of clinical value to the conference attendees. Attendees will consist of clinicians (beginners, intermediate, and advanced), as well as parents of neurodivergent children and teens.

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Proposals for treatment approaches that include some attempt at data collection and measuring outcomes will be given greater consideration (but this is encouraged, not required). Some suggested topics include treatment approaches for children and teens in the areas of ODD, ADHD, DMDD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety disorders, self-harm, school refusal/avoidance (EBSA), and Extreme (Pathological) Demand Avoidance.

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We really like cool stuff! This is an opportunity for you as a clinician or your clinic to show off your amazing work. 

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Presentations by Parents

Parents are strongly encouraged to submit your speaking proposal as well. This is where your lived experience can help other parents and therapists to have a better understanding of the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of raising one or more neurodivergent children. 

 

Tell us your story! What worked, what didn't, and if you like, get feedback from audience members if you're wanting help with a particularly challenging issues in your family.

 

Speaker requirements

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• Speakers must register for the conference and are responsible for all travel-related expenses. Speakers will receive a $50 discount on their conference registration.

• By submitting a proposal for consideration, you agree that if selected, you will be available to speak on the day and time assigned to you (we're happy to work with you on this).  

• As speakers representing NCAFT, you agree to be respectful of all attendees, speakers, volunteers, organizers, and hotel staff. Discrimination or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated, and will result in immediate removal from the conference.

Please note: We are expecting approximately 200 attendees. Breakout sessions occur two at a time. NCAFT cannot guarantee a specific headcount.

 

Submission instructions and guidelines

 

NCAFT will accept online applications only (click “Submit a Proposal” below). Note that there is a separate link for clinicians and parents. If you have questions about completing the form, please email info@myIFFT.org for assistance.

You must click "save submission" and then "submit." Once submitted, a green pop-up box will confirm that your submission has been received.

 

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Review and selection process

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There are a limited number of sessions available for the conference, making the selection process is very competitive. The final decision on presentations selected for the conference will be made solely by the NCAFT review team.

Acknowledgment: Once you have submitted your completed proposal, you will receive an email confirmation acknowledging receipt. Please note that a proposal is not completely submitted until you press the final submit button and you receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your proposal is not complete. 

Notification: All applicants will be notified about the status of their submission by November 2026.

 

Follow-up: Selected session presenters will be notified of next steps and given one week to accept their invitation to speak.

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Proposal scoring rubric

 

Each proposal undergoes a review process and rated (or graded) based on the following questions NOTE: Scoring for parent presentations is much more informal):

• Is the session description clear and well-defined? 

• How well does the proposal fit into the selected topic area? 

• How important, timely, and vital is the topic to our attendees? 

• How action-oriented is the session? How clear, relevant, and practical are the action steps for implementing learning? 

• How well does this proposal align with NCAFT’s mission of promoting family-based, compassionate treatment for children and teens, and our commitment to lived experience, equity, access, and prevention?

 

Please note: All session presenters are responsible for registration fee, all their travel-related expenses, including transportation and hotel accommodations. Please do not submit a proposal if you cannot accept responsibility for registration and your travel-related expenses. Speakers will have access to NCAFT’s discounted room rate at the Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel and Spa.