‍The Call for Proposals is now closed.
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Click the link above to access the application portal, where you will create an account and complete your form. Be sure to download the Submission Guidance that includes details about the application questions, session formats, and key topic areas in case you wish to prepare any responses in advance. We invite you to also watch the recording of our Info Session to learn more about the submission process.

Through this proposal process we seek to bring together practitioners, policymakers, and public market advocates from around the world to share best practices and innovations. We want to hear about your experience, tools, and lessons to understand how public markets can help address local and global challenges!

The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, November 13th, at 11:59pm ET.

‍To learn more about the Call for Proposals process, please read on.

The theme for our 2025 conference, Public Markets for Every City, serves as a powerful call to action to recognize the transformative influence of public markets in shaping vibrant and inclusive urban spaces. When cities of all sizes are facing the challenge of fostering equitable economic growth, inclusivity, and community cohesion, public markets emerge as a dynamic solution.

While our call for proposals welcomes submissions on any topic, below are popular themes/topics in the public markets field—some of which we have featured at past conferences, and some we would like to feature at the next conference. The sessions we include in the final program will reflect the themes that emerge from this proposal process.

Or surprise us with a different topic!

‍‍A key part of organizing the International Public Markets Conference is seeing trends emerge by hearing new ideas from market practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and advocates around the world. We welcome your submission!

Proposal Format Options

For 2025, we are offering three conference session formats. Each format is unique so please review the characteristics and expectations of each in the Submission Guidance, and then in your application form choose the one that’s the best fit for your content. Please note that in rare circumstances, the conference organizers may invite you to present in a format other than what you selected, should it be more suitable for the overall programming.

• Single Short Presentation (7 or 15 minutes: 1 speaker, to be added to a 90 minute session by the conference organizers)
• Skills Workshop Session (90 minutes: 1-2 speakers/facilitators, you are responsible for organizing the session and speakers)
• Panel Session (90 min: 3 speakers + 1 moderator, you are responsible for organizing the session and speakers)

Proposal Considerations & Evaluation

This year's application form contains a series of questions regarding the session’s content, structure, audience, and outcomes. Please refer to the Submission Guidance which will help you prepare your answers before you submit the form. Please note:

• You can submit up to 2 applications per speaker.
• Anyone can apply for a speaker role, but our conference speakers have traditionally been made up of market operators and managers, academics and researchers, local government reps, consultants, market advocates and civil society groups.
• If selected to present, speakers will be expected to register at a speaker rate to confirm their place in the program. The speaker registration rate will be $295 USD, which is roughly 60% off of a regular rate registration. A “pay what you can” scholarship application will also be available for accepted speakers experiencing financial hardship.

Review: Our review committee will be made up of experts in the public markets field, as well as programming staff and representatives from Milwaukee. The Review Committee will be looking for proposals that are relevant to the broader public markets field; are complete, thorough, and thoughtful; demonstrate a focus on equity; and feature presenter(s) with commensurate knowledge and expertise.

Proposal timeline

• Proposal form closes: November 13, 2024
• Review period complete: January, 2025
• Applicant notifications of status: Early February, 2025
• Conference registration opens in Spring 2025

We look forward to receiving your submission!

For any questions about the Call for Proposals process, please email us at: IPMC@pps.org