2024 IMPACT Conference Lightning Talks
Call for Submissions: Lightning Talks at the 2024 IMPACT Conference
Are you ready to shape the future of the cooperative movement? Join us at the 2024 NCBA CLUSA Co-op IMPACT Conference as we explore "The Future is Cooperative." This year's theme emphasizes the critical role that cooperatives play in shaping resilient, innovative, and sustainable economies. Engage with industry leaders to discover cutting-edge strategies that drive growth and foster community impact. From agriculture to finance, consumer to grocers, housing to worker, all sectors of the cooperative movement must come together to activate the future of cooperatives. Be part of the movement that is not just responding to change, but leading it. Secure your place today and help us build a cooperative future that benefits all.
Lightning Talks: Share Your Vision!
Do you have a groundbreaking idea or innovative strategy that can propel the cooperative movement into the future? We invite you to share your vision at our highly anticipated Lightning Talks session. Inspired by the quick talks format, these dynamic presentations are designed to ignite discussion, inspire action, and showcase the forward-thinking ideas that will drive the future of cooperatives.
Why Participate?
- Visibility: Present your ideas to a diverse audience of industry leaders, including CEOs and senior executives from top co-ops.
- Impact: Influence the future direction of the cooperative movement and contribute to a legacy of innovation and collaboration.
- Networking: Connect with other visionary leaders and engage in meaningful discussions that could lead to powerful collaborations.
- Access: IMPACT Conference speakers receive complimentary registration to the 2024 Co-op IMPACT Conference.
Talk Guidelines:
- Length: Each talk should be between 5-8 minutes.
- Slides: Accompanied by no more than 20 PowerPoint slides.
- Themes: Choose one of the following topics to address:
- The Future of Cooperatives is A.I.
- The Future of Cooperatives is DEI – Inclusive Economies
- The Future of Cooperatives is Gen Z & Millennial Empowerment
- The Future of Cooperatives is P6 – Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- The Future of Cooperatives is Volunteer Leadership
- The Future of Cooperatives is Measuring Co-op Impact
How to Submit:
- Prepare Your Talk: Craft a compelling presentation that aligns with one of the themes and showcases your innovative ideas.
- Submit Your Proposal: Complete the submission form on our website, including a brief overview of your talk and any supporting materials.
- Deadline: All submissions must be received by Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
Theme Exploration:
We have provided more context for each of these proposed themes to support the engagement and innovative creative processes in your imagination. You are welcomed and encouraged to submit your interpretation of any of these themes.- The Future of Cooperatives is A.I.
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is revolutionizing various industries, and cooperatives are no exception. This topic invites speakers to explore how A.I. can enhance operational efficiency, member engagement, and decision-making processes within cooperatives. Valid submissions might include case studies on cooperatives successfully integrating A.I. tools to streamline supply chains, improve customer service, or analyze member data for more personalized experiences. Additionally, discussions on ethical considerations and the role of A.I. in maintaining cooperative principles are welcome. - The Future of Cooperatives is DEI – Inclusive Economies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential for building resilient and innovative economies. This topic focuses on how cooperatives can lead the way in creating inclusive economic models that benefit all members of society. Examples of valid submissions include initiatives that cooperatives have implemented to promote DEI within their organizations, such as inclusive hiring practices, inclusive governance practices, diversifying vendors and cooperative procurement, equitable member services, and community engagement programs. Speakers might also discuss the impact of DEI on cooperative growth and sustainability, highlighting success stories and best practices. - The Future of Cooperatives is Gen Z & Millennial Empowerment
Empowering the next generation is crucial for the future of cooperatives. This topic encourages speakers to share strategies and programs designed to engage and empower Gen Z and Millennials within the cooperative movement. Submissions could include innovative approaches to recruit Gen Z and Millennial board directors, success stories from Gen Z & Millennials in senior executive leadership, engagement strategies for younger members, leadership development programs, and digital engagement strategies tailored to younger audiences. Case studies of cooperatives successfully bridging the generational gap and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation are highly relevant. - The Future of Cooperatives is P6 – Cooperation Among Cooperatives
The sixth cooperative principle, "Cooperation Among Cooperatives" (P6), is fundamental to the cooperative movement's success. This topic explores the benefits and challenges of inter-cooperative collaboration. Speakers are invited to present examples of successful partnerships between cooperatives that have led to shared resources, enhanced services, or joint ventures. Discussions might also include strategies for overcoming common barriers to collaboration and the long-term impact of P6 on cooperative resilience and growth. P6 engagement occurs when two or more cooperatives have collaborated; these cooperatives can be in the same sector or different sectors. - The Future of Cooperatives is Volunteer Leadership
Volunteer leadership is a cornerstone of the cooperative model, driving board director recruitment and engagement and organizational success. This topic highlights the importance of cultivating strong volunteer leaders (including board directors) within cooperatives. Valid submissions could focus on training and development programs for volunteer leaders, strategies for increasing volunteer participation, and the role of volunteer leaders in governance and decision-making. Examples of successful volunteer-led initiatives that have significantly impacted the cooperative's operations or community engagement are particularly valuable.
*Any involvement with board directors is eligible for this theme, including board directors that receive any form of financial remuneration. - The Future of Cooperatives is Measuring Co-op Impact
Measuring impact is essential for demonstrating the value and effectiveness of cooperative initiatives. This topic invites speakers to discuss methodologies and tools for assessing the social, economic, and environmental impact of cooperatives. Submissions might include case studies of cooperatives that have implemented comprehensive impact measurement frameworks, innovative approaches to data collection and analysis, and the use of impact metrics to drive strategic decision-making. Speakers could also explore the challenges and opportunities associated with measuring and communicating cooperative impact to stakeholders.
Join Us - Submit Your Lightning Talk Proposal
Join Us: Be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of cooperatives. Submit your Lightning Talk proposal today and take the stage to share your vision with the world. Together, we can lead the cooperative movement towards a future of resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.
For more information and to submit your proposal, visit https://form.jotform.com/241616842014147
Let's make the future cooperative!
Connect with NCBA CLUSA on Co-op Circle
Co-op Circle is an online community for NCBA CLUSA members and stakeholders to share ideas, get feedback and be part of engaging discussions, events and more. We created Co-op Circle to empower the co-op community to connect and build true “cooperation among cooperatives” in the spirit of Principle 6.
When you join NCBA CLUSA, you’ll receive exclusive access to our Co-op Circle Common Room, Knowledge Drop, Small Groups and Events, along with the full support of our NCBA CLUSA team and volunteers. Join Co-op Circle today, and be sure to check out the Purchasing Co-op Group for industry-specific conversations and networking.
