Do you have a game-changing idea or innovative strategy that can propel the cooperative movement into the future? We invite you to submit a proposal for our Lightning Talks at the 2026 Cooperative IMPACT Conference. Whether it’s a success story, a lesson learned or a bold new idea for sparking change, we want to hear from you!
Inspired by the TED Talk format, our Lightning Talks at IMPACT 2026 are designed to ignite discussion, inspire action and help shape the future of the cooperative movement. These presentations should be short (5-8 minutes), punchy and dynamic.
Submitting your idea
For a chance to be featured at IMPACT 2026, please submit a Lightning Talk idea in one of the following five categories by 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 17:
- Affordability and accessibility Lightning Talks in this category should focus on how cooperatives help create an economy that is affordable and/or accessible. For example, sharing successes/lessons learned in shared or limited equity housing, food cooperatives serving their communities, cooperative real estate efforts, providing reliable and affordable energy/broadband in rural and underserved areas, policy/advocacy efforts that promote affordability and accessibility, etc.
- Cooperative ecosystems Lightning Talks in this category could focus on place-based case studies for strengthening cooperative ecosystems, successes or lessons learned relating to cross sector collaboration and P6—cooperation among cooperatives, strengthening cooperative support organizations (public or private), or the broader enabling environment for cooperatives.
- Financing solutions for cooperative development Lightning talks in this category should look at innovative financing solutions and partnerships to support cooperative development, including start-ups, expansions, and broader cooperative ecosystem strengthening and development. This could include public and private financing.
- The next generation of cooperative leadership Lightning Talks in this category should look at how cooperatives are developing the next generation of cooperative leaders, including education and training programs, mentorships and coaching, succession planning, and could also include youth-led cooperatives.
- Support and belonging in the cooperative community Our society faces growing inequalities and divisiveness, and the work we do to strengthen a cooperative economy that is just and equitable can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Lightning talks in this category should look at how cooperatives—through a lens of mutualism, concern for community, and cooperation among cooperatives—foster environments where all people feel supported and experience true belonging in our cooperative movement.