2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting

Call for Session Proposals

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11:59 PM on September 19, 2025

Background and Theme

The 2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place in Charlottesville, VA in February or early March (exact dates pending).

This keystone technical assistance opportunity, convened by NPS Chesapeake Gateways, is an opportunity for network members to learn from NPS staff, experts in the field, and most importantly, other members of the Chesapeake Gateways Network. The 2026 Annual Partner Meeting is expected to welcome 120-150 attendees who represent the wide range of organizations we serve - governmental agencies, nonprofits, and even private businesses. Chesapeake Gateways partners and communities help manage sites, provide programs, and promote visitation to the special places that connect people to the Chesapeake’s natural, recreational and cultural heritage.

The theme for the 2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting is “America's Story Begins in the Chesapeake.” This theme honors the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a momentous occasion to reflect on the past and plan for the future. The agenda will feature 18 sessions scheduled within four tracks. Participants will be able to attend four sessions for each track as well as two non-track sessions during the two-day meeting:

1. Community-Driven Placemaking for America at 250 - Prepare your organization/community to activate the power of place by connecting local voices to our nation’s history; it begins right here in the Chesapeake.

2. Revolutionary Ideas for Economic Development - Explore innovative partnerships that boost local economies and tourism while promoting the Chesapeake’s natural and cultural treasures within public access and outdoor recreation sites.

3. Sharing America's Story through the Chesapeake Gateways Network - Learn from the inspiring work being done in education, interpretation, conservation, and recreation as we unite as a network to steward and connect people to the beauty of America’s largest estuary.

4. Foundations and Futures for Sustainable Organizations - Frame a bold future for your organization with proven strategies to strengthen capacity, unlock funding, and amplify community impact.

Session Guidelines

Presenter Expectations:The Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting is an in-person convening. All presenters must be present on-site for the day of their presentation. There are no virtual options.

It is our priority that both speakers and participants get the most out of each session. Speakers are expected to attend a webinar on giving effective and meaningful presentations. In the month leading up to the Annual Partner Meeting, presenters are encouraged to participate in a virtual run-through of their session with National Park Service staff in preparation for the event.

NPS Chesapeake Gateways may offer invitational travel for presenters on a limited basis. If you or a co-presenter will require financial assistance at this year’s event, please note this request in your proposal. This will not affect consideration of your proposal.

Proposal Evaluation:
Each session is scheduled for 75 minutes. Sessions may take the form of a panel (3+ people), presentation (1-3 people), chat/discussion (2 people), or workshop.

Sessions may spotlight a case study(s) or introduce new, innovative, and/or “hot” topics; be in-depth presentations that facilitate discussion; give participants opportunities to workshop ideas or programs; or provide an opportunity to take a deeper dive into a topic of choice about which the presenter(s) have special experience, knowledge, or expertise.Sessions are expected to be creative, engaging and meaningful with opportunities for practical learning and networking.

We will evaluate each proposal based on the following criteria:

1. Relevancy and Timeliness – The proposal suggests a clear understanding of the target audience within Chesapeake Gateways that would likely benefit from the session. The title, topic and abstract present a unique perspective that addresses current trends from the field in relation to the theme.

2. Skill Building and Utility - The proposal clearly explains the intended learning outcomes for the target audience. It includes tangible resources and takeaways participants can use on their own.

3. Interactivity - The proposed session is designed to engage participants beyond the traditional lecture format through interactive activities.

4. Feasibility and Planning - All planned activities are appropriate for the session format and make appropriate use of time. The proposed session will feature speakers with a unique perspective or other expertise on the content.

While more than one session proposal per organization may be submitted, each proposal must be submitted separately. Because we are looking to provide a range of learning opportunities for attendees, priority will be given to selecting at least one proposal per organization before considering additional proposals from the same organization.

NOTE: The Planning Team will consider the geographic and thematic distribution of proposals received in determining the selection of presenters. We may also ask presenters to combine sessions, switch tracks, or consider additional speakers. Please note your willingness to do so in your proposal.

Session topics to consider:The following list includes some suggested topics for sessions related to each of the Annual Partner Meeting tracks. We also encourage topic submissions that are not listed here, especially if the topic is theme-related and creative.

Track	Suggested Topics	Suggested Topics
Community-Driven Placemaking for America at 250	Commemoration planning Large event planning Creating welcoming spaces Connecting with state representatives Community building	Incorporating the arts Making the past relevant Multi-disciplinary programming Civic engagement Collecting oral histories Interpreting nature and recreation
Revolutionary Ideas for Economic Development	Cultural heritage tourism Rural experiences Adaptive reuse Indigenous tourism Developing water trails	Marketing and promotions Workforce development Public access Gateway communities Recreation-related amenities
Sharing America's Story through the Chesapeake Gateways Network	Youth and education Public-Private partnerships Collaborations, coalitions, & communities of practice	Innovative funding Interpretation techniques Descendant communities Shared stewardship
Foundations and Futures for Sustainable Organizations	Succession building Multigenerational workplaces Unconventional partnerships	Alternative sources of funding From sponsored to sustainable Executive leadership Boards and volunteers

Where do I go to submit my session proposal?
Submit your proposal through our ONLINE FORM. It is best to prepare your proposal in advance by reviewing the questions below.

Click for Online Form Question Review

2026 Chesapeake Gateways Annual Partner Meeting Request for Proposals
Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM on September 19, 2025 

Before applying, we would like to encourage you to read the request for proposal for sessions closely. If you have questions regarding the proposal submission process, contact Brittany Hall, Training Specialist at e-mail us or 443-608-2091. *required

MAIN PRESENTER - GENERAL INFORMATION 

First name *
Last name *
Organization *
Title City *
State *
Zip code *
Email address *
Phone number * 

Main presenter bio*  
0/100 words

Additional speaker information
0/200 words

PROPOSED SESSION DETAILS

Session title: * 0/10 words

Provide an abstract, or summary, of what your session will cover in a few sentences. *   0/200 words

What TRACK does your session best align with? *  

• Community-Driven Placemaking for America at 250 
• Revolutionary Ideas for Economic Development   
• Sharing America's Story through the Chesapeake Gateways Network
• Foundations and Futures for Sustainable Organizations

 What topic(s) does your presentation address? *  
0/50 words

Describe your target audience. *
0/50 words

Briefly outline how your session will run. Remember each session is scheduled for 75 minutes. How will you allot time for each activity? *
0/100 words 

Which style of presentation will you use? *

• Panel (3+ people)
• Presentation (1-3 people)
• Chat/discussion (2 people)
• Workshop
• Other

List the practical lessons and/or skills your target audience will take away from this session. Please be specific as to why these are practical lessons and/or skills best suited for the target audience's knowledge/skill level. Are these lessons and/or skills relevant and transferable across sectors? If so, how? *0/200 words

How does the session relate to the Annual Partner meeting theme, “America's Story Begins in the Chesapeake”? *0/100 words 

The Annual Partner Meeting Planning Team may ask speakers to combine sessions, switch tracks, or consider additional speakers. Are you willing to work with the Planning Team to refine your session? *

• Yes
• No

Previous Annual Partner Meeting presentation experience (select all that apply):*

• I have never presented.
• I have presented at least once in the past five years.
• One or more of my co-presenter(s) have presented.

Preferred Session Date/Time: *

OPTIONAL: Do you or your co-presenter require financial assistance in order to present at this year's Annual Partner Meeting? NPS Chesapeake Gateways may offer invitational travel for presenters on a limited basis. Please specify the need below.

• Yes.
• No.