We have created an ACS Call for Presentations Cheat Sheet.  Download and save this document to use this sheet to collect information to assist you in completing the Call for Presentations submission form. 

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

• Panels should not consist of more than three speakers and one moderator (four participants total).
• Most ACS sessions are 60 minutes long. We have very limited availability for longer sessions that are 75 minutes long.
• Presentations are submitted with the understanding that these are volunteer presenter roles. As a presenter, you agree to take on the expense of your travel, if required for your presentation.
• Presenters do receive benefits for speaking at the ACS conference: including either a complimentary day pass or 50% off full conference registration plus one (1) hotel room night at one of the conference hotels. Note for Networking Sessions: Only the moderator will receive benefits.
• Presentations will have a max of 220 attendees in each session, both presentations and tasting sessions.  All Presentations will be expected to have a maximum capacity of 220 attendees.  If you wish to propose a smaller presentation, you must include your smaller attendee number request in your presentation proposal. 

TARGET PROFILE 

The Target Profile of a conference session is as follows:

• Topic is timely, original, and data-driven.
• Presentation format is engaging and interactive.
• Content has useful post-conference application. 

These components represent the building blocks of successful seminars and are among the primary criteria used by the Education Committee in the evaluation of session proposals. If you would like to submit a proposal, please look to the Target Profile as a reference point. 

Based on feedback from our conference surveys and guidance from the Board of Directors, the Education Committee has identified a number of potential session topics to generate ideas. This list is intended to spark ideas but is not all-inclusive. If you have an idea that you think would be of interest to the ACS Conference attendees, please submit it or reach out to us to discuss.  

2026 Conference Session Proposal Ideas/Core Concepts:

• Research in Dairy Science
• Strategies for Growth and Retention in Food Service & Retail Applications
• Alpine Style Cheese Production, Aging, and Selling
• Traditions and Innovations in Cheesemaking from International Perspectives
• Affinage and Rind Development  
• Climate Change & Sustainability Practices with a Focus on On-Farm Practices and Processing Innovations
• Creating Equitable & Inclusive Work Environments  
• Food Safety and Regulation Best Practices for Cheese Producers
• Innovations in Packaging and Shelf Life  

These are jumping off points - we welcome all presentation ideas!  Please feel free to think outside the box when submitting for conference and think about hands-on education applications, case studies, diverse panels, and networking sessions. These Core Concepts are meant to inspire. 

THE EVALUATION PROCESS 

Members of the Education Committee evaluate all proposed sessions based on the following criteria:

• well-defined focus within the core concepts listed below
• overall quality
• relevance to the industry
• practical application of material
• timeliness of the topic
• format is engaging and interactive
• speaker qualifications
• your program must be educational in nature—sales presentations will not be accepted
• material should be original: otherwise, sources must be referenced. For sessions with multiple speakers, each speaker must agree to this submission.

Incomplete programs will not be considered.

A Note on Session Content:

A tasting session offers attendees an immersive, educational experience centered on a thoughtfully curated sampling of 3-5 products. Led by either a single presenter or a small panel of experts, each session is guided by a clear theme or concept that ties the sampled items together. The focus is on advancing understanding and appreciation of the broader cheese landscape, rather than promoting a single brand. Presenters provide insights into how the tasting relates to industry trends, innovations, or traditions, making it both timely and relevant. Tasting the products firsthand is the primary mode of learning, providing an essential and tangible connection to the session's theme.

In an effort to provide further transparency around our selection process and recommendations there are a number of factors that impact how and what tasting sessions are chosen. 

# of Cheeses -  For 60min and 75min sessions we have found that the ideal number of cheese/cheese pairings is four. Please keep in mind our maximum number of speakers is three plus one moderator. Please note that we may select a session with more/less cheese/cheese pairings if the subject matter is aligned with ACS’s core concepts and deemed appropriate. 

Alcohol - While we’d love to include tasting sessions with alcohol there are often procurement policies, budgetary constraints and local state restrictions that may hinder our ability to accommodate alcohol. If we do select a session(s) that includes alcohol we may need to work with the presenters to modify the original submission if roadblocks arise.

A networking session is designed to allow for open dialogue amongst enclaves of ACS membership communities. Offering space to discuss trending topics, key concerns and challenges of the micro/macro cheese industry. The intent for these sessions is to create opportunities for individuals to meet, connect and share in a safe and thoughtful environment. We have a limited number of sessions allocated for networking and will select based on the feedback from previous years and the current needs expressed by our membership.

We are excited to review all session submissions and welcome any and all topics. Thank you for understanding

- The ACS Education Committee