Call for presenters
Share your expertise
The 2026 Canadian Trail Summit is seeking engaging presenters. If you have expertise, experience or innovation that aligns with the Summit’s theme and streams, we encourage you to submit a proposal to present.
As a presenter, you will play an important role in the advancement of the trail sector by sharing your expertise, sparking new ideas and inspiring action among a diverse community of trail professionals, advocates and enthusiasts.
Submit by: November 28, 2025 (by midnight, ET)
Conference dates: June 16 to 19, 2026
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Summit theme: Trails for a Changing World
As the world changes, so must our approach to building, maintaining and stewarding trails. Trails for a Changing World invites leaders and learners from across the trail sector — managers, suppliers, researchers, advocates, governments and enthusiasts — to exchange bold ideas and practical solutions that will shape the future of trails. From adapting infrastructure and building for climate resilience to advancing inclusion, supporting healthy living and strengthening community ties, this summit is a call to action for everyone invested in the value of trails. Together, we’ll explore how to ensure that trails and the trail sector remain sustainable, inclusive, resilient and essential for generations to come. Sessions will focus on three streams:
Innovating trail management
Exploring techniques and best practices in trail design, construction and maintenance to ensure sustainable, climate-resilient trail systems and excellent trail experiences.
Strengthening the trail sector
Examining the systems, technologies and strategies — from fundraising and training to volunteerism and government engagement — that enable trail organizations to operate sustainably, respond to change and grow their impact.
Fostering healthy communities
Exploring how access to well-designed trails and the removal of barriers can encourage physical activity, support mental well-being, advance reconciliation and strengthen community cohesion.
Proposal guidelines and information for presenters
Potential presenters should review the following guidelines carefully before submitting their proposal to ensure eligibility and alignment with event expectations.
Proposal format
Proposals to present can be submitted online. If you face barriers to accessing the form (e.g. remote internet access), contact jvalant@tctrail.ca to arrange an alternative submission process.
Deadline
Submit proposals by November 28, 2025 (by midnight, ET)
Notification
Applicants will be informed of acceptance by January 23, 2026.
Presentation type
Presenters may choose the format that best suits their content and style. Most sessions at the Summit will be either multi-presenter or single-presenter breakout sessions. Summit organizers will make final scheduling decisions based on session availability. Proposals may be submitted for the following formats:
- Multi-presenter breakout session: Two to four presenters with similar subjects are grouped to deliver short, related presentations within a single session.
- Single-presenter breakout session: One presenter delivers a focused session on a specific topic. This can be workshop or presentation style.
- Experiential session: An interactive session conducted outdoors, offering hands-on or immersive learning experiences.
- Panel discussion: Approximately four panelists provide brief remarks, followed by a moderated discussion with audience participation.
- Keynote or plenary: A presentation delivered to all Summit attendees, providing insight, inspiration or expert perspective on a major theme.
Theme alignment
All proposals should align with the summit theme and streams.
Language
Presentations must be delivered in either English, French, ASL, LSQ, or LSF. Efforts will be made to organize sessions or panels by language.
Translation
Simultaneous translation will be available during all sessions via mobile device.
Presenter material
Presenters will have access to a standard presentation set-up, including:
- Projector screen
- Computer to present via Powerpoint
- Microphone
- Podium
- Other items as needed, within reason (chart paper, markers, etc.)
- All presentation material will need to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the conference and will be loaded onto the presenting computer.
Presenters should not load their presentation on the day of the event or bring their own device for their presentation.
Presenters are not required to prepare a slide deck, but should prepare a brief introduction of themselves and their topic.
Accessibility
Presenters should integrate accessibility into their presentation content and delivery. We encourage you to review the following resources:
Registration
All presenters must register for the Summit; discounted rates are available for confirmed presenters.
Availability
Presenters are expected to be available in Winnipeg from June 16 to 19, 2026. If you are selected but can no longer attend, notify organizers as soon as possible. The Canadian Trail Summit is an in-person event only; no virtual presentation option is available.
Scheduling
Presentation dates and times will be confirmed by spring 2026.