Young Leader Conference
Breakout Speaker Submission

OPEN CALL FOR SPEAKERS – 2026 DEC YL CONFERENCE

THEME: Lead With Curiosity: Growing Leaders for a Changing World

DATE: Thursday, October 8 at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, MI

Do you believe that curiosity is the spark behind meaningful change?

Are you a leader who leans into questions, explores new perspectives, or challenges long-standing assumptions to create innovative solutions?

The Detroit Economic Club Young Leader Conference (YLC) is seeking dynamic speakers who embody curiosity-driven leadership. Whether you’re experimenting with new ways of working, advancing creative problem-solving, or helping teams adapt in an ever-changing landscape, we want to hear from YOU.

We invite local and national experts from all disciplines to submit proposals for engaging breakout sessions (40 minutes) that help emerging leaders cultivate the mindset and skills required to thrive in a future defined by constant change.

Topics can include, but are not limited to:

  • Curiosity as a Leadership Tool
  • Creative & Innovative
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptive Mindset & Future Ready Skills
  • Collaboration, Communication, & Connection
  • Career Growth Through Curiosity
  • Understand People & Perspectives

YLC aims to provide DEC Young Leaders under 40 with the tools they need to navigate a successful future.

Click here to learn more about the Young Leaders. 

To view last year’s Conference, attended by over 350 Young Leaders, visit https://www.econclub.org/meeting/2025-young-leader-conference/.

To simplify the application process, all speakers must complete the same submission form (please refrain from sending cold emails). The conference committee will regularly review submissions after the open call begins.

The deadline for all submissions is 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Speakers will be notified of their selection status no later than the end of June 2026.

Please note that this is an unpaid speaking opportunity. However, it will provide valuable visibility within the DEC’s extensive professional network. Speakers will receive two complimentary conference tickets (one for them and one for a guest).