Presenter Proposals
Questions?
Contact the Conference Education Co-Chairs:
or, NATA Staff:
Code of Conduct
Theme
NATA (National Association for Temple Administration) and NAASE (North American Association of Synagogue Executives) invite proposals for workshops for our joint conference The One for Synagogue Executives on October 26-29, 2026 in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
The Conference Leadership Team has chosen the theme of ‘Friends’, from the hit 90's sitcom.
With Friends as our conference theme, we seek to celebrate individual uniqueness while building a community of joy, support, and shared learning. Our educational offerings will align with one or more of our conference goals and reflect our theme.
Please prepare your submission to include how your workshop topic or area of expertise might fit into the overall themes of the conference as described below. Contact the Conference Education Co-Chairs Alex Pomerantz and Becky Oliver if you have questions or need more guidance.
The One for Synagogue Executives
This conference brings together synagogue professionals in senior executive roles representing a wide range of experiences, congregation sizes, and organizational cultures.
Our goal is to offer programming that is practical, relevant, and engaging—while also nourishing participants and strengthening relationships across communities and perspectives.
The One Where We Build Bridges by creating opportunities to foster connections across difference.
The One Where We Develop Tools by providing actionable practices that can be applied to our work.
The One Where We Feel Nourished by supporting professional growth and personal sustainability.
The One Where We Gain Insight by addressing timely and important issues facing synagogues today.
Overview of Educational Programming
Oct. 27: The One Where We Learn From Experts
- Keynote Speaker focusing on building bridges across difference
- Expert Presenters sharing subject-matter expertise
Oct. 28: The One Where We Learn From Each Other
- NATA & NAASE Members highlighting collective wisdom and real-world application
Oct. 29: The One Where We Look Ahead
- Keynote Speaker facilitating synthesis of conference learning
- Small Group opportunities to create actionable plans
Submissions: Peer & Expert Presenters
Members of NAASE and NATA who are serving as synagogue executives are encouraged to submit peer proposals for workshops that emphasize mutual learning and sharing.
We encourage proposals that include case studies, lessons learned, and best practices drawn from lived professional experience.
Timeline for Peer Presenters
- February 10, 2026: Submission period opens for all presentation opportunities
- April 30, 2026: Final date to submit proposals
- May 15, 2026: Presenters notified of decision
- May 2026: Conference registration opens
- June 1, 2026: Schedule is finalized and shared with presenters
- August 2026: Presenters will attend a mandatory pre-conference orientation
- September 30, 2026: Presenter materials are due
Expert-led keynote sessions and workshops are facilitated by subject-matter experts who are not currently serving in a synagogue in an executive position. These sessions are focused on skill-building and applied learning.
Possible topics may include but are not limited to leadership & professional development, change management & organizational transition, crisis management, data & metrics, operations & financial management, fundraising, technology, staff management.
Timeline for Expert Presenters
- February 10, 2026: Submission period opens for all presentation opportunities
- Keynote Presentations
- March 15, 2026: Final date to submit proposals
April 10, 2026: Presenters notified of decision
- March 15, 2026: Final date to submit proposals
- Expert-led Workshops
- April 15, 2026: Final date to submit proposals
- April 30, 2026: Presenters notified of decision
- May 2026: Conference registration opens
- June 1, 2026: Schedule is finalized and shared with presenters
- August 2026: Presenters will attend a mandatory pre-conference orientation
- September 30, 2026: Presenter materials are due
About the Review & Selection Process
The selection and schedule of educational opportunities for the conference are determined by the Conference Education Committee, comprised of volunteer members of NATA and NAASE.
Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.
The review process includes an initial blind evaluation, followed by additional review of presenters and proposals as needed.
Further conversations or interviews may be requested to better understand proposals and
their fit for the conference.
Important Guidelines & Expectations
- Limit submissions to 2 per person.
- DO NOT include any reference to your name in the session title, description, or learning objectives. The Conference Leadership Team uses a blind review process for proposals. Only provide speaker information when asked for those details like name, bio, speaking history.
- ALL proposals must be submitted using the online form.
- Commit to providing a high-quality educational workshop.
- Engage attendees through audience participation and discussion.
- Coordinate with staff regarding any logistical needs.
- Ensure the workshop is not perceived as an infomercial for any particular product, service, or organization.
- We are deeply appreciative of NATA and NAASE members who serve as peer presenters. Peer presenters receive a gift of appreciation from the Conference Leadership Team. Peer presenters must register for the conference as an attendee, and do not receive financial compensation for participation.
- PLAN your submission in advance. You will not be able to save your application and return to it at a later time, so please collect your thoughts before going to the online form to make your submission process easier.