2027 AE Institute Call for Proposals

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Description

The Association Executives Institute (AEI) is NAR’s premier professional development event, designed to equip the leaders who drive REALTOR® associations forward. Each year, association executives, CEOs, and key staff from local and state associations across the country convene for focused learning, peer exchange, and practical takeaways that attendees can implement immediately to transform their organizations. 

Who Attends

AEI draws a highly focused audience of over 1,000 association professionals, including:

  • CEOs, Association Executives, and Executive Directors of local and state REALTOR® associations.
  • CEOs of Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)
  • Senior association staff in communications, government affairs, member services, and operations.
  • Association leaders looking for practical, peer-driven content on running high-performing organizations.

Attendees represent associations of sizes ranging from 20 members to over 200,000 members, that operate with staff sizes from one to over 100. Attendees range in experience levels from less than one year to over 40 years. 

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking proposals for sessions that deliver real, actionable value to association professionals. The best sessions are grounded in experience, honest about what worked and what didn’t, and focused on practical application. We welcome case studies, peer-to-peer storytelling, and sessions that address the challenges associations are navigating right now. Presentations must be educational in nature. Sales presentations or product demonstrations will not be accepted. 

Session Formats:

Session formats may be:

  • Solo presentations
  • Panel discussions (panels may not exceed three speakers and one moderator)
  • Workshops
  • Fireside chats
  • Case study presentations

Session lengths may be:

  • 30 minutes
  • 45 minutes
  • 75 minutes

What’s Required for Your Submission:

All CFP forms must be fully completed and include the following to be considered:

  • Topic area
  • Audience
  • Format and length
  • Speaker(s) information (including headshot/bio)
  • Session details and learning objectives

Rules

Submission Deadline: September 4, 2026

Review Process:

All proposals are reviewed by the AEI Advisory Board through an initial blind review process. Identifying information including your name, title, organization, and bio are removed before evaluation. Proposals are assessed on the following criteria:

  • Relevance to the AEI audience and the priority topic areas
  • Clarity and strength of the learning objectives
  • Practical applicability and actionability of the content
  • Quality and depth of the presenter’s relevant experience

The AEI Advisory Board’s decisions are final. Submitting a proposal does not guarantee selection. NAR and the AEI Advisory Board reserve the right to modify session titles, descriptions, format, length, and scheduling as needed to meet program requirements. Acceptance of a proposal does not guarantee a specific time slot, session length, or placement in the program.

Selected speakers will be notified by November 1, 2026. All submitters will receive confirmation that their proposal was received.

Key Dates:

Proposal Submission Deadline

September 4, 2026

Notification of Selection

On or before November 1, 2026

Session Planning Meetings

Between January 1 – January 31, 2027

Speaker Materials Due

February 1, 2027

2027 AE Institute 

March 2 – 5, 2027

 

Important Information:

AEI breakout session speakers are not compensated. AEI breakout session speakers present on a volunteer basis. Travel expenses/reimbursements and accommodation will not be provided. 

 

Selected speakers are expected to:

 

  • Be available for pre-event session planning call with AEI staff. 
  • Submit final slides and materials by February 1, 2027. 
  • Attend their full session and remain available for attendee Q&A.
  • Refrain from using the session for direct sales or product promotion.

Selected speakers must also:

  • Speakers must avoid any references to specific commission rates charged by real estate professionals during their presentation. Such discussions have the appearance of possible antitrust violations.
  • Speaker’s program will not promote any business practices that may be unlawful under federal, state, and/or local laws if an attendee adopted such practices.
  • Speakers agree not to endorse or disparage any political candidates or political parties during the event.
  • Speaker agrees not to make any disparaging remarks about NAR or its members.
  • Speakers and session materials must abide by NAR’s REALTOR® trademark policies and guidelines. 

 

All session materials will be subject to NAR’s legal review prior to release for AEI.

Questions? Please contact Amanda Brewer, abrewer@nar.realtor