We encourage proposals from New Mexico-based:

• Local journalists, editors, and newsroom staff

• Community organizers and nonprofit leaders

• Students and educators (especially from rural or underserved areas)

• Creators of bilingual or multilingual media

• Technologists and communications professionals working on local solutions

• First-time presenters—we’re here to support you!

We also welcome proposals from out-of-state presenters if your work:

• Directly supports or informs New Mexico communities or newsrooms

• Addresses a specific gap in local knowledge or resources (e.g., cybersecurity tools, AI ethics, rural media infrastructure)

• Offers practical insight or training that New Mexicans can apply in their work

If you’re unsure whether your idea fits, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

We prioritize and encourage proposals from individuals and organizations based in New Mexico, particularly from:

• Rural communities

• Spanish-speaking or bilingual communities

• Tribal or Indigenous communities

• Young and emerging media professionals
  We especially welcome first-time presenters, and we’re happy to offer support and guidance through the proposal process.

We will consider proposals from out-of-state speakers if they meet one of the following criteria:

• The session content directly benefits or applies to New Mexico communities

• The presenter has clear experience working in or with New Mexico-based newsrooms or communities

• The proposal fills a gap in local expertise (e.g., cybersecurity for small newsrooms, ethical AI tools, nonprofit tech infrastructure)

Out-of-state proposals may be selected for virtual participation depending on travel logistics and space availability.

• Presentations can be panels, talks, workshops, or creative formats

• Sessions will run between 10–20 minutes [give options for lightening talk (10 mins), session (20 minutes), panel (30 mins)]

• Proposals must be relevant to local news, information access, or community connection

• We welcome collaborative proposals across sectors and disciplines

• Out-of-state presenters may apply if their work clearly benefits New Mexico

• Priority will be given to community-rooted, NM-relevant content

• All sessions should be accessible, engaging, and rooted in clear, inclusive language.

• Proposal Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025

All proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM MT.

• Finalist Notifications: Week of February 17, 2025

  Applicants will be notified if their proposal has been selected.

• Presenter Confirmation Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025

  Finalists must confirm participation to secure their session slot.

• Materials Submission Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2025

  Presenters will submit session titles, descriptions, bios, and any slides/handouts for inclusion in the program.

What Finalists Will Need to Submit

• Final session title and description (100–150 words)

• Presenter bio and headshot

• Tech/setup needs (A/V, accessibility, etc.)

• Any slides, handouts, or supporting materials (optional but encouraged)