Be a Speaker at the 2026 DPC Summit

Are you a skilled, dynamic speaker, who's an industry expert?
Apply to be a speaker or workshop educator at the 2026 DPC Summit.

The DPC Summit planning committee is looking for dynamic presentations for the 2026 DPC Summit, hosted by AAFP, ACOFP, FMEC, and the DPC Alliance. Scheduled for July 16–19, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.

We invite skilled speakers, passionate enthusiasts, and industry experts to submit presentation proposals for consideration in the form of didactic lectures or for our procedural workshops. With over 400 attendees, we want you to be a part of the conference that helps shape and grow the direct primary care (DPC) movement. 

Goals

• Empower physicians to launch and grow successful DPC practices by delivering actionable strategies, tools, and real-world insights tailored to early-stage and scaling clinics.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment that highlights the value of DPC—where attendees can explore innovative care delivery approaches, share experiences, and build a supportive community rooted in patient-centered practice.
• Equip attendees with essential business and clinical skills to navigate the unique challenges of DPC practice ownership, from operations and finance to patient engagement and care delivery.

Learning Objectives

The overarching goal and objectives of the 2026 DPC Summit are to support attendees in learning how to:

• Develop foundational knowledge and confidence to launch a DPC practice, by describing legal, financial, and operational essentials, and identifying key elements of the entrepreneurial mindset needed for success. (Track 101 – Exploring and Starting a Practice)
• Strengthen practice management skills by applying advanced strategies in staffing, workflow optimization, marketing, and community engagement to enhance sustainability and support practice growth. (Track 201 – Growing and Sustaining a Practice)
• Enhance clinical proficiency by reviewing emerging topics, discussing commonly encountered and complex patient conditions, and analyzing evidence-based updates in primary care—supporting high-quality, personalized care in a DPC setting. (Track 301 – Clinical Expertise and Best Practices)

Presentation Proposal and Agenda Timeline

All proposals must be submitted by Sunday, November 9, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Pacific time) for consideration. Please contact us at  dpc@aafp.org with any questions or requests for further information. Please review the information below before beginning your online application.

Presentation Topic Categories

The planning committee has expressed particular interest in presentations related to the topics listed below. Presentations on other topics will also be considered.

Session Types

DPC Summit presentations may be in one of the following session formats:

Traditional Didactic Session

Speakers in a traditional class session focus on a single topic and allow time at the end of the session for questions and answers. Sessions are typically one hour, 45-50 minute lectures and 10-15 minutes for questions and answers. 

Panel Session (limited speaker reimbursement available for panels).

Multiple speakers form a panel for a collaborative presentation on a particular topic or to answer questions from attendees. Sessions are typically 50 or 90 minutes long. The speakers should allow adequate time (typically 15 minutes) for questions and answers during this time.

Procedural Workshop

This hands-on session format is designed to teach and reinforce clinical procedures through guided instruction, demonstration, and interactive practice. Workshops focus on skill-building and may include simulation, models, or other tools to support procedural learning. Sessions are typically 2-4 hours and allow time for participant engagement and questions throughout.

Submission Criteria

Applications are required to include the following information:

1. Speaker Information
2. Presentation Title
3. Brief descriptive summary of your session and clearly state the objective or key takeaway participants should expect.
4. Learning Objectives - Provide two or three specific learner outcomes that clearly align with the session’s aim and objectives. Learning Gaps - Identify known gaps in attendees' knowledge of the subject.
5. Completion of the AAFP Conflict of Interest Disclosure for each speaker and proposed panel members.

The DPC Summit requires all speakers to complete the CME Disclosure Policy/COI Policy of AAFP. Proposals will not be reviewed until all speakers have completed the online form at  aafp.org/conflict. Select Option 1.

An AAFP login will be needed to complete the form. A login does not constitute or require membership to the AAFP. Please contact  dpc@aafp.org if you have trouble accessing the CME Disclosure form.

Please note: Incomplete submissions will not be included in the review.

Evaluation Criteria

Presentations are selected by the DPC Summit Planning Committee—made up of your peers—to ensure a well-rounded and relevant event that addresses the specific needs of those interested in, or currently practicing, the direct primary care model.

The Planning Committee:

Will consider complete proposals submitted using the online form by the due date. 
Will assign selected sessions to specific days and times. 
Will determine the duration of the session.

Your submission will be reviewed using these criteria:

1. Relevance – Topic is clearly aligned with direct primary care.
2. Objectives and Summary – Clear learning objectives and descriptive summary; includes a defined problem statement and learning gap.
3. Originality and Innovation – Demonstrates fresh thinking and practical application.
4. Content Scope – The amount of content is appropriate for the time allotted.
5. Presentation Quality – Teaching methods are clearly described; content is likely to meet stated objectives and offers adequate breadth.
6. Clarity and Organization – The Proposal is well-written and logically structured.
7. Presenter Experience and Effectiveness – Includes relevant background, subject matter expertise, and evidence of a successful presenter’s delivery. (e.g., evaluations, outcomes).

Rating: Poor (1pt), Fair (2pts), Good (3pts), Very Good (4pts), Excellent (5pts)

Notification

If your proposal is accepted, you will receive an email with instructions on or around January 17, 2026. You will be given a window of time to review the speaker requirements and timeline and to accept the invitation to participate as a speaker. Proposals not accepted will be notified by mid-February.

Speaker Agreement and Required Information

If selected, speakers will be required to supply the following information by the deadline or their session will be forfeited.

Required information for each speaker: signed speaker agreement, W-9, copy of recent CV/resume, short biography (no more than 250 words), and headshot -optional.

Speakers are paid an honorarium for their time developing and presenting at the DPC Summit. Travel expenses are not reimbursed. 

Disclaimer