FAI 2027: Chicago, Illinois, United States
January 27-31, 2027
- FAI 2027
- Artists
- Attending
- partners
Programming Proposals
Submit Your Proposals for Programming at FAI 2027
Our goal is to present conference programming that is relevant to and reflective of our members and the wider folk music community. Sessions may take many forms, including a solo presentation, case study, panel discussion, interview, workshop, master class, or sing-along. 75 minutes in length.
Submission Timeline
Programming submissions will be accepted June 18 – July 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT. Applicants will be notified of their submission status by August 27, 2026. Please note, we receive many responses for programming submissions each year. While not all will be accepted, all are kept on file for future opportunities should they arise such as virtual programming, one day events, etc.
We invite you to submit your most creative and thoughtful ideas. Please be as specific as possible—focusing on clear aspects of your topic helps create a stronger and more engaging learning experience for conference attendees. Folk Alliance focuses programming into four tracks: artists, industry, presenter, and community/theme.
Panel Structure
Panels typically include 3–4 speakers and a moderator, who guides the conversation, keeps time, and ensures balanced participation among panelists. Sessions may include no more than 5 total participants (including the moderator). We encourage proposals that present a range of perspectives and include voices from across the industry and the broader folk community.
Commitment to Representation
Please ensure your proposed speakers reflect the rich and vibrant diversity of the Folk Alliance community. We encourage equitable representation including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, and gender balance, as well as diversity in age, geographic location, areas of expertise, and perspectives.
If a proposal would benefit from additional balance or representation, Folk Alliance International reserves the right to suggest or add participants, or to recommend adjustments to the session format or description.
Participation Expectations
Accepted proposals are considered volunteer contributions to the conference program.
- There are no fees for submitting a proposal.
- Please note that FAI does not cover per diem, honoraria, travel expenses, or hotel accommodations for speakers. Make sure your panelists are aware of this.
- No sales-pitch oriented programming will be considered. This is to preserve the organic and community oriented nature of the conference.
2027 Conference Theme: Hands in Solidarity
Music has always been a collective act: a gathering of voices, stories, and shared experience. Hands in Solidarity invites us to move beyond connection into action. Solidarity is not a fixed idea, but an ongoing process: built through empathy, reflection, joy, and the courage to show up for one another. In Chicago, a city shaped by movement, organizing, and creative exchange, we explore how music communities become systems of support, and how those systems create lasting change. What begins as expression can become action. And what begins as music can become a movement. Hands in Solidarity is an invitation to gather, to listen, to create, and to participate in the work of solidarity — together.
Thank you for considering sharing your insights and expertise with us. We look forward to your proposals! For further details on programming submissions or 2027 FAI conference, please visit www.folk.org
Examples from Past Years
If you have questions regarding your submission or the guidelines outlined above, please contact cindy@folk.org
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