Speaker Application & Recommendation FAQs

RALLY 2025 will take place on Wednesday & Thursday, September 24 and 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, IN.

• If you are nominating a speaker, please make sure you have a connection to them and that they would be interested in speaking at RALLY prior to nominating them.
• Consider a speaker’s background, experiences, and subject matter expertise as these are key factors that contribute to thought leadership on a specific subject and will be considered in our review.
• Keep in mind the importance of diversity of perspectives when proposing ideas. All speakers should represent diversity of geography, race and gender. We aspire to have only one speaker who resides from Indiana on a given panel.
• Within your topic, emphasize depth and focus within a specific issue. Our attendees want advanced knowledge, not general, surface-level information that’s trying to cover too much.
• Make sure your subject matter is timely for a specific industry, applies to cross-sector innovation, is future-focused, and relevant to current dialogues.

Please note we receive a high volume of speaker requests, and applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, starting March 1, 2025. While we review all inquiries, please understand that we may not be able to respond to everyone individually. If your request aligns with our priorities, we will contact you at our earliest convenience via the email you list in the form. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your interest in RALLY.

Every session at RALLY has a 45-minute window. The 45 minutes should include all parts of the presentation, including session introduction, question & answer sessions, etc.

Session formats with additional details are below:

• Featured Speaker – single presenter 
• Fireside Chat – includes a moderator and one presenter
• Panel Discussion – includes a moderator and 3 panelists
• Workshop – includes 1-2 presenters 
• Debate – includes 1 moderator and 2 debaters

The proposed session title should be a captivating first impression for the audience. Additional details should be included in the session description to help the audience understand what the session content will be. A compelling session description should highlight the relevancy of the session topic and should entice with the benefits of attending the session.

Session topics should focus on sharing real world examples and practical solutions. Each session should provide at least one strategic item, task or objective that audience members can act on. RALLY values sessions that feature something participants will learn or be able to do as a result of attending your session.

Sessions should not feature promotion of products, services, companies or anything representing monetary self-interest.

Please reach out to programming@rallyinnovation.com with any additional questions.

• Each presenter or moderator is required to thoroughly review the RALLY Speaker Details and FAQ. These will be provided at a later date.
• Speakers will be required to participate in at least 1 prep call with the RALLY team and other panelists and/or the moderator.
• Every speaker, moderator, or presenter will be required to register so they receive an official RALLY 2025 badge.
• RALLY reserves the right to edit any submitted copy for any reason at any time prior to the event taking place.

• RALLY provides up to 3 nights in a hotel to all out of state speakers or individuals traveling further than 60 miles. Speakers are liable for the room rate if they cancel.
• RALLY provides a $600 honorarium for domestic and Canada traveling speakers. RALLY provides a $1,100 honorarium for international traveling speakers. Speakers are responsible for all other costs related to their participation including but not limited to ground transportation, meals, incidentals, etc.

RALLY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the support we offer is intended to assist with speaker expenses. While we are pleased to provide an honorarium and hotel accommodations, accepting them is entirely optional. Your decision, either way, will not impact our gratitude for your participation.