The Let’s Talk About Service (LTAS) Conference invites proposals from members of our community to host the 13th edition in December 2026.
Why Host?
LTAS follows a Serve-It-Forward philosophy: each conference is made possible through the generosity and vision of its hosts, ensuring continuity and excellence for future generations of early-career service scholars. Hosting is both an honor and a legacy opportunity—a chance to shape the future of service research while showcasing your institution’s commitment to teaching, scholarship, and leadership.
Eligibility and Schedule
– Any LTAS alumni (former participants, coaches, keynote speakers) may submit a proposal to host LTAS.
– LTAS is typically organized during the first week of December; the second week of December may also be an option.
– LTAS begins on Wednesday with an opening reception, followed by two full days of sessions on Thursday and Friday, concluding around 5 p.m. on Friday.
Selection Criteria
Host proposals are evaluated by the LTAS Executive Board members according to the following criteria:
– Theme & Keynotes – The proposed theme, along with suggestions for the skills workshop and keynote speakers, will be key considerations, particularly the extent to which the theme aligns with the LTAS mission.
– Financial & Institutional Support – Evidence of diversified funding sources, sponsorship opportunities or commitments, and sound budget planning to ensure feasibility. Prior experience in organizing conferences or workshops is not required but is considered an advantage.
– Location – An accessible, welcoming, and inspiring location; suitability of the conference venue; and its potential to attract a diverse range of participants from our community.
Submit Your Proposal
Please send your proposal to the LTAS Executive Committee Board members Wafa Hammedi (wafa.hammedi@unamur.be), Bart Larivière (bart.lariviere@kuleuven.be) and Sertan Kabadayi (kabadayi@fordham.edu) by November 15, 2025.
The proposal should include:
– Name of the host school with a brief description
– Names of the conference co-hosts
– The theme for the conference, along with potential workshops and keynote speakers
– The name of the potential conference hotel
– A brief financial plan, including potential sponsorships and revenue sources
All conference host proposals must be submitted by November 15, 2025. The decision on the LTAS 2026 conference host will be announced at this year’s Conference in Ghent in December.
Be part of LTAS history—host the next conference and serve-it-forward to the service research community!
