Help Shape the 2027 Appraisal Institute Annual Conference
The Appraisal Institute Annual Conference is where professionals come together to exchange ideas, share practical solutions, and help shape the future of the profession.
Whether you have expertise to share yourself or have an idea for a timely session and the right speaker to present it, this is your opportunity to help shape one of the profession's most respected educational events.
The 2027 Appraisal Institute Annual Conference will take place April 26–28, 2027, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and we're seeking engaging, relevant, and forward-thinking educational sessions through our Call for Conference Session Proposals.
Join a distinguished lineup of presenters who have shared their expertise at the Appraisal Institute's premier event for the appraisal profession. Whether your expertise lies in appraisal methodology, technical valuation topics, professional skills, or business development, this is your opportunity to contribute to one of the profession's most respected educational events.
Submit Here
Deadline to submit September 12, 2026.
What We're Looking For
We welcome proposals from individuals who plan to present as well as those who simply have a great session idea. Sessions should offer practical, actionable insights that attendees can apply in their own work and should address topics that are timely, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of the profession.
Sessions may focus on appraisal knowledge, technical appraisal skills, new or specialized avenues of appraisal work, business development, or other topics that help appraisers strengthen their expertise and better serve their clients.
If you're recommending a topic and speaker rather than presenting yourself, please include the proposed speaker(s) as part of your submission. The Appraisal Institute will coordinate with recommended speakers if the proposal is selected for further consideration.
Proposed sessions should be between 45 minutes to 2 hours in length.
We welcome a variety of presentation formats, including:
- Individual presentations
- Multi-speaker presentations
- Panel discussions
We welcome experienced presenters as well as first-time speakers with valuable expertise to share. You do not need to be an appraiser to present—or to submit a proposal. Professionals from related fields, clients, academics, attorneys, economists, technologists, and others with relevant expertise are encouraged to participate when their knowledge provides meaningful educational value for real estate appraisers.
Preparing Your Proposal
Proposals should include:
- Session title
- Session description
- Three to five learning objectives
- Intended target audience
- Level of rigor
- A brief explanation of why the topic is timely and relevant
- A description of the proposed speakers' practical experience and presentation experience
- A session outline, describing the topics to be discussed in 5- or 10-minute intervals
- If available: A current résumé for each proposed speaker
Conference Themes & Topic Ideas
We welcome proposals on any topic that provides meaningful educational value to real estate appraisers. In particular, we're looking for sessions that:
- connect appraisal professionals directly with the people and organizations that use valuation services
- help appraisers strengthen their technical expertise
- adapt to an evolving profession
- build successful businesses
The strongest proposals go beyond theory to deliver practical, actionable insights that attendees can apply immediately. We encourage case studies, real-world examples, interactive discussions, and perspectives from professionals both inside and outside the appraisal profession. If your topic isn't listed here but addresses a current challenge, emerging trend, or innovative practice relevant to real estate appraisers, we encourage you to submit it.
Educational Standards
Proposed sessions should be objective, informative, and vendor-neutral. Vendor participation may be appropriate when the educational content extends beyond a particular product or service and provides broader value to attendees. Presenters will be expected to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest. Presenters of sessions that qualify for continuing education will be expected to provide any necessary personal information required for state approval.
If you are interested in doing product demonstrations or hosting a booth in our Exhibitor Hall, please contact us here.
How Proposals Will Be Evaluated
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Overall quality
- Timeliness of the topic
- Relevance to the appraisal profession
- Alignment with the Appraisal Institute's mission
- Fit within the overall conference program
While many conference sessions will be selected through this process, the Appraisal Institute may also invite or select additional sessions outside of the Call for Proposals to help create a balanced and comprehensive educational program.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Call for Proposals Open | August 12–September 12, 2026 |
| Notification of Results | September 23, 2026 |
| Session Materials Due | November 15, 2026 |
Selected speakers will work collaboratively with Appraisal Institute staff to refine presentation materials, apply conference branding, and prepare final session content in early 2027. Additional communications, planning meetings, presenter logistics, and information about presenter benefits and responsibilities will be shared with selected speakers.
Ready to Share Your Expertise?
Whether you want to present yourself or recommend a topic and speaker that would benefit the profession, we encourage you to submit a proposal. Your ideas could help hundreds of appraisal professionals strengthen their skills, grow their businesses, and prepare for the future of valuation.
Proposal submission period: August 12-September 12, 2026