Session Proposals

ACT 2026 International Conference Event Banner

Call for Proposals: 2026 ACT International Conference
Philadelphia, PA | July 26-29 2026

We’re shaking things up for ACT’s 40th Annual International Conference!

For years, our conference has featured insightful, expert-led panel discussions—and while we’ll continue that tradition, we’re also expanding opportunities for engagement, creativity, and collaboration.

This year’s program will include several new session formats designed to spark dialogue, showcase innovation, and encourage peer learning. Whether you want to present, facilitate, or host a hands-on experience, we invite you to share your ideas and help shape an exciting and dynamic program in Philadelphia!

Learn about the proposal process, submission requirements, selection criteria, desired themes, and more in the PDF below

Call for Proposals Information

Submit your proposal here


Important Dates
  • Call for Proposals Opens: November 7, 2025
  • Proposal Submissions Due: December 23, 2025
  • Initial Selection Notifications: February 27, 2026
  • Final Selection Notifications: March 6, 2026

Session Formats 

Start the day in the spotlight! Our classic 90-minute sessions feature 3–5 speakers and a moderator offering diverse perspectives and practical takeaways on a key TDM topic. These sessions serve as the centerpiece of the International Conference. Discussions should be interactive, with the moderator guiding conversation and leaving time for audience Q&A.

Ideal for: Showcasing innovative programs, research findings, partnerships, or policy impacts through multiple viewpoints.

Note: These sessions are not intended for product promotion. If you wish to highlight your company’s offerings, please consider submitting under the Sponsor Showcase format.

Proposal Questions for this format:

  1. Proposed Session Title (10 words or fewer)
  2. Full Session Description (up to 400 words)
  3. Website Description (150–200 words) – concise summary of session content, objectives, and takeaways
  4. Learning Objectives (2–3 bullet points)
  5. Why is this topic timely or important to the TDM community?

These small-group, interactive discussions dive into a single topic or challenge, creating space for peer-to-peer learning and real-time problem solving. Roundtable facilitators will guide the conversation, but the focus is on participation—not presentation. Think of it as your own mini focus group of 8–10 participants, offering an opportunity to gather feedback, explore challenges, or spark great conversation. Each session room will feature multiple simultaneous discussions, allowing attendees to stay engaged in one topic or move between tables.

Ideal for: Sharing experiences, exchanging strategies, and exploring emerging issues in an informal, conversational setting.

Note: Because conversations flow better with sweets, ACT will provide candy at each table.

Proposal Questions for this format:

  1. What is the specific topic or challenge your discussion will explore?
  2. Why is this topic timely or important to the TDM community?
  3. What 2–3 key questions will you pose to participants to spark conversation?
  4. What do you hope participants will gain from this discussion?

A dedicated platform for vendors, consultants, and solution providers to showcase their tools, technologies, services, and success stories. Each presenter will have 10 minutes to highlight their offering (up to 5 presenters per session). This showcase provides a fast-paced, educational, and engaging experience.

Ideal for: Companies or organizations looking to highlight impactful solutions that support TDM programs and goals.

Note: Submission and selection for this format do not require or guarantee conference sponsorship; however, active sponsors and exhibitors may receive priority consideration.

Proposal Questions for this format:

  1. Product / Service / Solution Name
  2. Presentation Description (150–200 words) – what you will present and how it supports TDM programs or professionals
  3. How does your presentation go beyond product promotion to educate attendees? (2–3 sentences)
  4. What problem does your solution address in the TDM field?
  5. What makes your offering innovative or unique?
  6. Will you include a client or partner as a co-presenter?
  7. Are you sponsoring or exhibiting at the conference?

Length: 60 minutes to 3 hours

Take learning out of the conference room and into the real world! These offsite, field-based sessions bring learning to life by highlighting local TDM, transportation, or mobility projects in the Philadelphia region. Typically hosted in partnership with local agencies, organizations, or businesses, these sessions provide participants an up-close look at practical solutions in action—and an opportunity to show off what you’re doing.

Ideal for: Demonstrating successful TDM strategies, infrastructure, or partnerships in action.

Proposal Questions for this format:

  1. Proposed Session Title (10 words or fewer)
  2. Session Description (150–200 words) – overview of what attendees will see, learn, or experience
  3. Locations to be visited
  4. Proposed Session Length
  5. Session Theme/Focus Area
  6. Estimated Group Capacity
  7. Is transportation needed for this session?

A faster-paced version of our Spotlight Panels! These sessions feature 2–3 presenters (max) sharing insights on a focused topic in rapid succession, offering attendees a broad view of challenges, strategies, and innovations in a short timeframe. Designed for interactive Q&A and lively discussion, these sessions keep energy high while delivering diverse expertise and actionable takeaways.

Ideal for: Sharing multiple perspectives and concise insights on a focused topic in an engaging, fast-paced format.

Proposal Questions for this format:

  1. Proposed Session Title (10 words or fewer)
  2. Full Session Description (up to 400 words)
  3. Website Description (150–200 words)
  4. Learning Objectives (2–3 bullet points)
  5. Why is this topic timely or important to the TDM community?

Bring the fun—and the learning—to life! These sessions turn TDM and mobility concepts into game-style experiences where participants collaborate, compete, and problem-solve in real time. Through challenges, simulations, or scenario-based activities, attendees actively engage with the content, test strategies, and explore creative solutions in a lively, hands-on environment.

Ideal for: Sparking discussion, building connections, and reinforcing key takeaways in a fun, interactive setting.

Proposal Questions for this format:

  1. Proposed Session Title (10 words or fewer)
  2. Session Description (150–200 words)
  3. Session Theme or Focus Area
  4. Why is this topic timely or important right now? (1–2 sentences)
  5. What knowledge, strategies, or skills will participants practice or reinforce through your game?
  6. Describe the game mechanics (e.g., team challenge, simulation, role-play) and session flow. Include timing if possible.
  7. What is the ideal number of participants for your activity?
  8. List any materials, AV, or space requirements.

Questions about the International Conference can be directed to Casey Murphy.