Call for Presenters

Association of Cooperative Educators Institute 2026

July 29–August 1 | Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

Celebrating 75 years: Shaping the Future of Co-op Education

For 75 years, the Association of Cooperative Educators has convened practitioners, educators, and movement leaders to learn from one another and strengthen the practice of cooperation. In 2026, we will gather in Minneapolis/St. Paul to reflect on where we’ve been, examine the pressures of the present moment, and imagine what comes next.

We invite proposals for sessions that engage, challenge, and inspire cooperative educators and practitioners across sectors.

Conference Themes

2026 Topics:

Past and Future of Cooperative Education

Reflecting on 75 years of how educators and practitioners bridge theory and lived practice, develop practical tools, and share knowledge to build effective, resilient co-ops, and exploring what lessons carry forward for the next generation of co-op practitioners.

Cooperation Under Pressure

Understanding how cooperatives operate as stabilizing forces within stressed communities, and how cooperation among co-ops strengthens collective impact in the face of social, economic, and climate-related challenges.

Advocacy, Influence, and Public Relevance

How cooperatives push past indifference, influence decision-makers, and assert relevance in crowded or skeptical environments.

What We’re Looking For:

We welcome proposals that fit the above topics and/or are:

• Connected to themes in cooperative education
• Grounded in real practice and experience
• Thoughtful and reflective
• Practical and actionable
• Engaging and participatory
• Cross-sector and intergenerational
• Honest about challenges as well as successes

Session formats may include workshops, facilitated discussions, panels, case studies, skill-building sessions, or other interactive approaches. Standard session length will be approximately 60–75 minutes.

We especially encourage proposals that reflect the diversity of the cooperative movement and that connect across sectors, communities, locales, and generations.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals should include:

• Which conference topic (above) you feel best fits your proposal
• Session title
• 200–300 word description
• 2–3 learning objectives or takeaways
• Speaker name(s) and short bio(s)
• Any anticipated audiovisual or room setup needs

Submission deadline: April 15

Presenters will be notified of decisions in late April. The draft program will be finalized in early summer.

As we mark this 75th anniversary, we are particularly interested in sessions that help us reflect honestly on our history while equipping us for the work ahead. We hope you will consider sharing your experience, insight, and perspective with the ACE community.

We look forward to learning with you in Minneapolis.