RFP text
Request for Proposals
The 2026 IIN Conference serves as a forum for university faculty, emerging student researchers, industry innovators, and community leaders to showcase projects that drive ethical, socially engaged, and sustainable economic growth across Illinois and the bi-state region. Our focus and areas of emphasis are informed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s guidance on high growth sectors and ongoing initiatives to sustain and advance the state of Illinois and our regional communities. Submissions are due July 15.
This call seeks proposals for presentation panels, roundtable discussions, and workshop sessions that address the high-priority challenges of our rapidly changing region through research-fueled, socially conscious innovation. We welcome proposals with complete rosters of presenters and proposals that require assistance seeking additional panelists/presenters to fill out the session.* Proposals should align with one or more of the following areas of focus for the conference:
- Sustainable approaches to clean energy production
- Developments in next-gen agricultural technologies
- Advancements in biotechnologies
- Social and economic innovation
*Please note that IIN program coordinators may adjust panel composition or proposed formats to align similar proposals and to ensure optimal delivery of proposed content. We will provide notification to submitters in such cases.
Session Formats
We encourage submissions that move beyond traditional lectures to foster active engagement and dynamic networking. All sessions should be planned for 75 minutes.
- Presentation Panels: Expert-led presentations showcasing active partnerships between researchers, industry leaders, students, and community groups.
- Roundtable Discussions: Dynamic conversations sparked by a proposed central and compelling question that engages the various perspectives of roundtable discussants.
- Workshops: Interactive workshops designed to teach methods for developing collaborative R&D projects or identifying solutions to regional challenges.
Submission Requirements
Proposals must include the following components:
- Session Title: A compelling title reflecting the session’s focus.
- Identification of Session Format: Presentation panel; Roundtable Discussion; Workshops
- Abstract (300 words): A description of the session, including the session’s alignment with the conference focus and area(s) of thematic emphasis. Submitters are encouraged to consider current/relevant issues such as AI, social and ethical consciousness and sustainable innovation as they relate to the central conference themes of sustainable approaches to clean energy, developments in next gen agriculture technologies, and advancements in a range of biotechnologies.
- Panelist/Facilitator Bios (100 words each): Brief biographies of participants emphasizing cross-sector representation from community, industry, faculty, student stakeholder groups.
- Objectives: Description of specific takeaways for the audience.
Evaluation Criteria
The IIN Program Committee will evaluate proposals based on:
- Collaborative Spirit: Does the session feature active or proposed/envisioned partnerships between diverse stakeholders? Does the proposed session feature representation of various perspectives and areas of knowledge on related concerns?
- Impact: Does the topic address high-priority community or industry challenges from various perspectives, inclusive of economic, social, community, and industry concerns?
- Engagement: Is the format designed to spark ideas, facilitate networking, and generate ongoing working collaborations?
- Future Focus: Does the session help students and professionals prepare for the evolving demands of our region?
Join us in creating the necessary spaces to discuss and discover how we can power the future of Illinois—together.
How to Apply
The portal to submit proposals is available here. For inquiries regarding the RFP process, please contact the program organizers at IINConference@siue.edu.