Got a story that can help channel marketers do their jobs better? We want to hear it.

This year, the Channel Marketing Association is opening a single Call for Speakers that covers two events:

• CMA Virtual Summit — October 28–29, 2025
• CMA In-Person Summit — March 24–26, 2026 | Houston, TX

One application puts you in the running for both. The earlier you apply, the better your chances—especially for the Virtual Summit.

Apply here: https://www.channelmarketingassociation.com/Call-for-speakers

What We’re Looking For

We’re after practical, channel-focused sessions that help practitioners move from idea to action. No fluff and no sales pitches. If you’ve solved a real problem, built a repeatable playbook, or learned something the hard way, you’re our people.

Strong fits include:

• How-to frameworks (templates, step-by-step workflows, KPIs)
• Case studies with outcomes and lessons learned
• Live working sessions (tear-downs, makeovers, hands-on labs)
• Panels that bring multiple perspectives (vendor, partner, distributor, MSP)

Suggested Topics (Mix & Match)

Use these to spark your proposal—feel free to pitch something else if it’s useful to channel marketers.

• MDF That Works: Allocation models, co-op ROI, and compliance without the chaos
• Content & Campaigns: Playbooks that partners can deploy in under 2 weeks
• Communicating with Finance: How to earn CFO trust, forecast pipeline, and defend budgets
• Marketplaces & Route-to-Market Shifts: AWS/Microsoft/AppDirect realities vs. old distribution
• Events with Outcomes: Roadshows, user groups, and meetups that generate meetings and renewals
• Sales + Marketing Alignment: Enabling partner sellers without drowning them in decks
• Analytics & Attribution: Partner-influenced vs. sourced pipeline, dashboard essentials
• AI in the Channel: Real use cases for scale (content, scoring, outreach, and ops)
• Security & Compliance as a Growth Lever: Making it partner-friendly (not scary)
• Customer Marketing: Adoption, expansion, and advocacy through partners
• Vertical Plays: Packaging solutions and stories that resonate in regulated industries

Session Formats

We accept a range of formats. We’ll help you pick the best fit if you’re unsure.

• Solo Talk (20–30 min): Tight, actionable walkthrough with a clear framework
• Panel (30–40 min): 3–4 voices + moderator; bring tension and real trade-offs
• Workshop (45–60 min): Hands-on working time; attendees leave with a draft asset
• Lightning Talk (10–12 min): One powerful idea, crisply delivered

For virtual sessions, we prioritize engagement: polls, live docs, and clear takeaways.

Speaker Benefits

• Premier audience: Thousands of channel marketers and leaders across vendors, distributors, and partners
• Professional production: Support with topic shaping, slides, and engagement tools
• Promotion: Your session featured on our site, email, and social channels
• Community visibility: Extend your network with the people who get channel work done
• Post-event reach: Recorded sessions may be included in CMA’s on-demand library (with credit)

What Makes a Proposal Stand Out?

Keep it practical. We love talks that trade theory for tools.

• Clear problem statement: What pain are you solving?
• Specific audience: Who will benefit (vendor marketer, partner marketer, MSP, etc.)? What level (entry-level, mid-management, executive)?
• Tangible outcomes: What will attendees be able to do afterward?
• Artifacts: Templates, checklists, screenshots (even redacted)
• Results: Metrics or milestones—wins and what you’d do differently

Hard no’s: Sales pitches, product demos disguised as education, and generic trend tours.

Selection Timeline

• Rolling review with priority to early submissions (especially for the Virtual Summit)
• Shortlisted proposals may be invited to a quick 15-minute topic consult
• Final decisions shared as tracks fill; some strong fits may be held for the in-person event

How to Apply (It’s Quick)

1. Head to the application: https://www.channelmarketingassociation.com/Call-for-speakers
2. Share your session idea (title + 2–4 sentence description is plenty)
3. Tell us the target audience and 3 concrete takeaways
4. Choose your preferred format(s)

Tip: If you’re submitting a panel, include your ideal panel mix; we can help with recruiting.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We’re committed to diverse voices and practical perspectives across roles, company sizes, and backgrounds. If there’s a barrier that would prevent you from speaking, tell us in the form—we’ll work with you.

FAQs

Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes. Submit multiple—as long as each can stand on its own.

Do I need prior speaking experience?
No. If you’ve got a useful story or repeatable process, we’ll help you shape it.

Will sessions be recorded?
Yes. Selected sessions may be recorded and made available to CMA members and attendees with proper credit to you.

Ready? Let’s Build Something Useful.

If you work in the channel, you know what’s working—and what isn’t. Share it so the rest of us can do better.

Apply once for both events: https://www.channelmarketingassociation.com/Call-for-speakers

Have questions or want a fast gut-check on your idea? Email amy@channelmarketingassociation.com.