2026 Professional Development Call for Proposals
Submission deadline: 11:59 PM (CT) on Thursday, February 12, 2026
All proposals will be reviewed for relevance, feasibility, and their potential to contribute to a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic conference experience. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions by April 1, 2026.
The Midwest Arts XPO is a gathering place for curiosity, connection, and bold professional growth. With more than 12 hours of learning opportunities, including workshops, panels, roundtable conversations, presentations, and a keynote address, the conference is designed to spark ideas, strengthen practice, and energize arts leaders at every stage of their careers.
We invite proposals that explore emerging trends in the arts, offer imaginative solutions to real-world challenges, and push our field forward. We’re seeking presenters who can share both foundational knowledge and advanced strategies: sessions that leave participants inspired, better equipped, and eager to collaborate in new ways.
We are especially drawn to proposals that reflect the cultural richness of the Midwest, elevate voices that have historically been underrepresented, and illuminate the transformative role of the arts in communities of all sizes. Topics may include (but are not limited to) creative entrepreneurship, arts education, community engagement, technology in the arts, equity and inclusion, artistic curation, arts advocacy, and organizational sustainability.
Proposals should clearly outline learning objectives, describe how participants will be actively engaged, and note any technical or space requirements.
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Craig Valentine, President of The Communication Factory, LLC
Craig Valentine, MBA, is an award-winning speaker and trainer, and has traveled the world helping speakers, executives, and salespeople turn their presentations into profits. Known as the Master Storyteller, he is a professional speaker and has spoken in the United States, Taiwan, Canada, Jamaica, Qatar (Doha), England, Bahamas, Hong Kong, China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Africa, Japan, and Ireland, giving as many as 160 presentations per year.
He is the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking for Toastmasters International, winning out of more than 25,000 contestants in 14 countries. He has an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and he is certified as a Co- Active Coach and a Guerrilla Marketing Coach.
“People who have attended the conference for years said that this was the best session the conference has ever had.” – Sarah M. Heaton, Grants Manager Network
NEW COLLEAGUE PROGRAM
The New Colleague Program is generously sponsored by: Illinois Presenters Network, Iowa Presenters Network, & Wisconsin Presenters Network
Questions?
Contact Laurel Canan, New Colleague Program Coordinator, laurel@siegelartist.com
New to the Performing Arts industry? New to your position? We’re here to make your conference experience the best it can be! Our New Colleague Program has been carefully crafted to create connections and foster a welcoming environment for industry newcomers, and also provide guidance to those who may have attended a conference before.
How does this work? It’s simple! Sign up for an advisor during registration. An advisor will be matched to the new colleague to serve as a resource to answer questions and provide guidance to prepare for a successful XPO experience. Matches will be made, notifications and important resources will be sent out well in advance of the XPO to provide time to connect and prepare.
We encourage all new colleagues and their advisors to join us at the New Colleague Connection session on Tuesday, September 22 at 4 p.m. to get XPO updates, hear about presenter consortiums and have the opportunity to ask/answer questions about the XPO. A tour of the Marketplace Hall for new colleagues is also in the works!
2026 MAX SCHEDULE COMING SOON
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
