Information and Resources for Applicants

Successful events are built on the foundation of strong education sessions. We want to help you craft an excellent proposal so you can make your voice heard, and deliver impactful, inspiring solutions, stories, and ideas to the Total Rewards community. This is your opportunity to highlight your expertise and offer real solutions to the most urgent problems Total Rewards and compensation professionals face today.

We are offering the following resources to support you, our applicants:

  • Read the information on this page to learn about selection criteria, topics, available session formats, and speaker types.
  • Download the Submission Planning Worksheet to help you think through your submission before heading to the digital form. We highly recommend completing your submission in the Planning Worksheet first and then copy and pasting that information into the online form as it can timeout due to inactivity. You will not be able to save the online form as you go. 
  • Attend the Call for Content Webinar. Join us on August 5 from 1:00-1:45 PM ET for a special webinar all about the Total Rewards '26 Call for Content. Whether you're thinking about submitting a proposal or just want to better understand the process, this session is for you. Hear directly from a past Total Rewards speaker about their experience, get tips and tricks for crafting a standout submission, and bring your questions—we’ll have time to answer them all.
  • Attend an Office Hour session. During this time WorldatWork staff will be available to review and provide feedback on submissions, help solve any technical problems, or answer general questions about the event or Call. Staff will be waiting to help in a Teams meeting during the following times. You should feel free to attend for as short or long of a time as you need, and we take questions on a first-come-first-serve basis.
    • Thursday, August 21, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
    • Wednesday, September 3, 3:00-4:00 PM ET

 

All submissions must be completed through the online form and are due by September 8 at 5:00pm PT. If you need an accommodation or have questions, please email us at speakers@worldatwork.org

What are the Key Dates?

Monday, August 4

Call for Content Opens

Tuesday, August 5, 1:00-1:45 PM ET

Call for Content Webinar (Watch the Recording)

Thursday, August 21, 1:00-2:00 PM ET

Office Hour

Wednesday, September 3, 3:00-4:00 PM ET

Office Hour

Monday, September 8, 5:00 PM PT

Call for Content Closes

By late October*

Notifications Sent

April 19-22, 2026

Total Rewards '26 in San Antonio, Texas

*After sessions are selected, accepted speakers will receive more details about the venue, technical requirements, deliverables, and training.

What is the selection criteria?

Our selection advisory committee will be looking for ideas that will intentionally engage participants and will make selections based on the following criteria:

  • Session Outcomes: Are they actionable and participant-centered?
  • Topic: Is it a unique or progressive take on the evolving trends or emerging challenges faced in the Total Rewards and compensation landscape? See below for a list of key topic areas.
  • Alignment of Level: Does the information provided align with the stated learning level?
  • Speaker Profile: Does the applicant demonstrate a unique point of view, expertise, and enthusiasm for the topic for all speakers included in the submission?
  • Speaking Skills: Does the applicant provide evidence of ability to engage participants? Examples of evidence include prior speaking experience in your bio, quotes from past participants, or speaking sample video. 

For Consultant and Service Partner submissions, please note there are new guidelines

Want your submission to stand out? Follow these tips:

  • Get specific: The more details you provide in your description, the more likely you are to be selected.
  • Be creative with your session format: How can you present your ideas in a new or different way? How can you ensure participant engagement?
  • Include Practitioners: If you will have multiple speakers in your session, be sure to include at least one who has executed the strategies “from the inside.” The in-house perspective, combined with consultant expertise, is highly valued by attendees, as there is no substitute for sharing lessons learned from an internal viewpoint.
  • Be timely: The event will occur in April. What will be top of mind for Total Rewards professionals during that time? How can you connect your content to a larger trend in the macro environment?

What Key Topic Areas can sessions address?

Total Rewards '26 sessions are organized by the areas of the Total Rewards model. Within the topics below, we hope to see submissions that help participants steer through unpredictability, innovate rewards to enable new work models, harness AI solutions to revolutionize work and total rewards, boost productivity and workforce results, enhance holistic well-being, advance equity in the workplace, and ultimately maximize impact. 

Strategic Total Rewards

Highlight the impact of Total Rewards on organizational results and employee experiences, focusing on emerging practices in strategy design, alignment, and measurement. Share techniques for managing ROI across a comprehensive Total Rewards portfolio and explore the connection between Employee Experience and Total Rewards as a key driver of engagement. 

Compensation

Share innovative strategies in base pay, variable compensation, equity-based compensation, communication, and recognition. Feature solutions for addressing and solving unintended pay gaps, and demonstrate how to leverage AI and analytics to tackle challenges in market evaluation, performance measurement, and compensation predictions. Help attendees elevate employee trust and the perceived value of comp programs through clear, personalized, and engaging communications. 

Executive Compensation

Examine complex and nuanced executive compensation design strategies, including approaches to executive retention and succession planning, LTIPs and equity compensation trends, goal/target setting for LTI and STI plans, evolving compliance and disclosure requirements, and compensation committee governance.

Sales Compensation

Explore design/measurement and collaboration strategies for compensation practitioners to effectively partner in sales compensation, examine how AI is transforming sales roles and impacting the measurement of compensation plan success, and discuss proven strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in today’s evolving environment. 

Benefits

Discuss emerging strategies in healthcare, retirement, time off, and holistic benefits that enhance employee well-being and productivity. Guide attendees through challenges like budget constraints, complexity, globalization, and evolving regulations, while introducing effective techniques for engagement, communication, personalization, and measurement. 

Well-Being

Demonstrate holistic well-being strategies that deliver measurable impact on both people and organizations. Highlight culture shifts, programs, and mindset changes that boost workforce productivity, with a focus on physical, mental, family, financial, and purpose-driven well-being. Share program success and strategies to enhance the well-being journey.   

Career Growth

Showcase career pathways shaped by job architecture, career pathing, upskilling, and global mobility. Explore innovative approaches to deploying talent beyond traditional job structures and how they are rewarded. Help organizations optimize talent, build capabilities, and foster thriving environments with strong career commitment. Provide insights to strengthen Total Rewards leadership and guide professionals through coaching and mentorship. 

Recognition

Share strategies on how to utilize recognition programs to motivate employees, enhance engagement, reduce turnover, and foster a positive workplace environment and company culture. Explore how to utilize employee recognition as a strategic tool when integrated as a part of an organization’s overall Total Rewards strategy to improve employee morale, performance and retention.

EmpowerU

Where career development meets modern leadership. From storytelling and strategic influence to team dynamics, executive presence, and productivity, this track is designed to help you grow into the most effective, authentic version of yourself—at work and beyond. It's not just about skills. It’s about transformation.

 

What types of Session Formats will be at Total Rewards '26?

We all have different learning preferences. To meet as many individual preferences as possible, Total Rewards '26 will offer a variety of session formats. The submission form will ask you to suggest which of the following formats you believe will best help participants engage with your ideas. If your submission is accepted, you will work with the WorldatWork team to finalize your session format. 

Case Study (45 or 60 Minutes)

This session format is designed for speakers who want to showcase a real-world example of a project, initiative, or strategy implemented within their organization. The goal is to walk the audience through what you did, why you did it, how you did it, and what you learned—both the successes and the challenges.

Ideal for:
Implementing new programs, technologies, communication strategies, or organizational changes.

Your session should include:

  • Clear Storyline: Walk the audience through the situation, what you did, and what happened—like telling a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
  • Multiple Perspectives: Share how different people or teams were involved and what their experiences were.
  • Honest Insights: Be real about what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned along the way.
  • Audience Interaction: Leave time for questions or discussion so attendees can connect the story to their own work.

Presentation style:
This is a narrative-driven, behind-the-scenes look at your experience—not a product demo or sales pitch. Storytelling, transparency, and practicality are key.

Presentation (45 or 60 Minutes)

This is a speaker-led session designed to share insights, data, tools, or experiences that are relevant and actionable for today’s Total Rewards professionals.

Ideal for:
Topics that provide new thinking, practical frameworks, or strategic guidance.

Your session could include:

  • Key Insights: Research, trends, or expert guidance.
  • Real Examples: Case snapshots, stories, or applications.
  • Tools & Frameworks: Models or methods attendees can use.

Presentation style:
Use slides, stories, or examples to support your content—but keep the focus on delivering value and application, not just information.

Panel (45 or 60 Minutes)

A Panel brings together 2–4 experts or practitioners to share diverse perspectives on a key topic. A moderator guides the conversation, creating a dynamic and engaging discussion.

Ideal for:
Exploring complex issues, trends, or challenges from multiple angles.

Your session should include:

  • Facilitated Dialogue: A cohesive, well-moderated conversation—not a series of mini-presentations.
  • Diverse Viewpoints: Panelists should bring different roles, industries, or experiences. 
  • Real Stories & Lessons: Honest reflections, examples, and practical insights.
  • Audience Engagement: Time for questions or interaction when possible.

Presentation style:
Keep it conversational, insightful, and focused on exploring challenges, opportunities, and takeaways—not just sharing individual opinions.

Workshop (75 Minutes)

A Workshop is an interactive, hands-on learning experience designed to engage participants in collaboration, practice, and real-time application of concepts.

Ideal for:
Speakers who want to lead attendees through skill-building, problem-solving, or facilitated learning using active methods.

Your session should include:

  • Clear Learning Objectives: What participants will take away or be able to do.
  • Structured Agenda: A planned flow that balances content with engagement.
  • Interactive Elements: Group exercises, role-playing, case work, or discussion.
  • Feedback & Reflection: Space for participants to process and apply their learning.

Presentation style:
Highly participatory and engaging. The focus is on doing, not just listening—creating a rich, shared learning experience.

TR Talk (30 Minutes)

A TR Talk is bold, inspiring, and thought-provoking—delivered in 30 minutes or less. It’s our version of a TED Talk, designed to spark new ways of thinking through a single powerful idea, story, or discovery.

Ideal for:
Presenters with a clear, compelling message they can deliver through storytelling or a personal/professional revelation.

Your session should include:

  • A Focused Message: One big idea or theme that drives the talk.
  • Authentic Storytelling: Personal, engaging, and memorable—more narrative than instructional.
  • Aha Moments: Insight that shifts thinking or inspires action.
  • Lasting Impact: A takeaway that resonates and sticks.

Presentation style:
Keep it tight, dynamic, and meaningful.

How it differs from a Presentation:
While a Presentation delivers structured content, data, or tools for immediate application, a TR Talk is designed to inspire and provoke thought, not necessarily to teach. There’s less emphasis on frameworks or slides—and more on story, voice, and presence.

Ask Me Anything (45 Minutes)

Ask Me Anything sessions are informal, interactive conversations where a featured expert shares real-world insights, stories, and advice—driven by participant questions.

Ideal for:
Seasoned Total Rewards professionals eager to share lessons learned, career insights, and practical guidance.

Your session should include:

  • A Defined Topic Area: Ground the conversation in your area of expertise (e.g., leadership, career growth, tech implementation).
  • Brief Intro: Kick things off with a short overview of your background and perspective.
  • Audience Q&A: The bulk of the session is driven by attendee questions—open, honest, and dynamic.
  • Candid Conversation: Focus on sharing personal experiences, real examples, and actionable advice.

Presentation style:
No slides or formal structure—just a lively, engaging exchange where participants ask and you answer.

Roundtable (30-60 Minutes)

A Roundtable is a structured yet informal discussion where everyone participates. Led by a facilitator, this format encourages open dialogue, shared experiences, and peer learning around a focused topic.

Ideal for:
Topics that benefit from multiple perspectives, collaborative thinking, and real-world discussion.

Your session should include:

  • A Clear Topic or Question: Centered on a challenge, trend, or key issue.
  • Facilitated Conversation: A moderator guides the flow, encourages contributions, and keeps the group on track.
  • Participant Engagement: All attendees are invited to share insights, ideas, and questions.
  • Collaborative Learning: The goal is shared discovery—not formal teaching.

Presentation style:
No slides or lectures—just a guided, inclusive conversation that taps into the group’s collective experience.

 

What types of speakers present?

Academic: Full or part-time professor with no other source of employment.

Consultant*: A professional hired to provide expert advice to multiple clients or organizations. Does not include internal consultants. See practitioner definition.

  • Examples: Partner, Managing Director, Principal, Practice Leader, Attorney

Non-Profit Organization Representative: Advocate from a relevant non-profit, offering industry-specific insights and expertise, aligning with our event's cause and mission. 

Practitioner: “Internal” professionals accountable to influence or deliver rewards for that one specific organization. Excludes those working in professional services supporting external customers.

  • Examples: SVP Total Rewards, Manager, Compensation Manager, Director Employee Benefits, CHRO, Financial Analyst, Benefits Specialist, Compensation Committee Chair, Chief Legal Officer, Recruiter

Service Partner*: A supplier or someone who works for a company that provides organizations with services other than management consulting. See consultant definition.

  • Examples: IT Solutions Provider, Payroll Processing Provider, Recognition Outsource Provider, Insurance Agent, VP Product Development, Sales Director, Account Executive

Still have questions?

We are happy to help! Click below to contact the Events team.