Call for Proposals
2026 HBA Talks
Future Focused. Impact Driven.
Applications Open: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Submission Deadline: Friday, 26 June 2026
HBA Talks at the 2026 Annual Conference spotlight defining leadership moments that shaped how you think, decide, and act.
These fast-paced, three-to-five-minute talks connect personal experience to meaningful impact. Each story reflects a real moment when a leader chose how to show up, where to focus, and what to build toward next.
Defining leadership moments are not always large or public. They may unfold in stretch assignments, team conflicts, cross-functional collaborations, career pivots, organizational transitions, moments of uncertainty, or decisions made without full information. Whether your influence was within a small team, a regional function, a startup environment, or an enterprise-wide initiative, your experience has the power to inform how others lead.
In a defining moment for healthcare and life sciences, leadership is measured not only by title, but by judgment, alignment, adaptability, and execution. HBA Talks elevate authentic stories that demonstrate how leaders translate perspective into results.
Leaders at all levels, across all functions, geographies, and career stages are encouraged to apply. We welcome stories drawn from varied professional experiences and organizational contexts.
If an experience changed how you approach impact, it belongs on this stage.
2026 HBA Talks Themes
Please prepare the following:
- Short Proposal Title
- Choice of Topic (select one of the four above)
- Presentation Proposal (maximum 300 words)
- Provide an overview of your story and the leadership moment you will share.
- Explain how it aligns with Future Focused. Impact Driven.
- Highlight the practical insight others can apply in their own roles or organizations.
- Biography (150-word maximum)
- High-Resolution Headshot (300 dpi; .jpeg or .png)
- Optional Supporting Materials (brief video sample, reference letter, etc.)
A slide deck or visual aid may accompany your talk but is not required.
Selection Process
- Review Committee: HBA staff and Member Leaders
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Alignment with the 2026 theme
- Clarity and focus of the leadership moment
- Practical relevance and application
- Authenticity and originality
- Demonstrated connection to impact within healthcare or life sciences
- Preference for HBA members and employees of HBA’s corporate partners
- Notification: Selected speakers will be notified by the end of July.
- Submit a signed speaker agreement
- Prepare a compelling 3–5 minute talk
- Participate in virtual prep sessions with HBA Talks Coaching Team
- Participate in onsite tech rehearsal
- Agree to recording and photography for HBA promotional purposes
- NOTE: Selected speakers will be able to register for the annual conference at the conference preview rate.
Being selected as an HBA Talks speaker offers a unique opportunity to elevate your voice, expand your network, and contribute to the future of leadership across healthcare and life sciences.
As an HBA Talks speaker, you will:
- Showcase your leadership perspective in front of a global audience of professionals across the healthcare and life sciences ecosystem
- Strengthen your executive presence by delivering a focused, high-impact talk
- Expand your visibility and credibility as a thought partner within your organization and across the industry
- Build meaningful connections with peers, senior leaders, and decision-makers
- Contribute to advancing leadership across the ecosystem by sharing practical insights others can apply
Selected speakers will also receive access to register for the conference at the Conference Preview Rate.
FAQs
Leaders at all levels across healthcare and life sciences are encouraged to apply. This includes individuals working in biotech, biopharma, medtech, clinical research, digital health, and related fields, as well as those in functional areas such as R&D, commercial, HR, finance, operations, and technology.
If you have a leadership moment that shaped how you think, act, or deliver impact, your story is relevant.
No. HBA Talks are designed to reflect leadership at all levels. Strong submissions often come from individuals who can clearly articulate a meaningful moment and the insight others can apply, regardless of title.
Strong proposals:
- Focus on a specific, real leadership moment
- Clearly describe what changed and why it mattered
- Connect personal experience to practical insight
- Offer takeaways others can apply in their own roles
Clarity, authenticity, and relevance are more important than scale or title.
Each HBA Talk is 3–5 minutes in length. Talks are concise, focused, and designed to deliver a clear message with immediate relevance.
Yes, but they are optional. Many talks are delivered without slides. If used, visuals should be simple and support your message rather than drive it.
Selected speakers will:
- Deliver a 3–5 minute talk at the 2026 HBA Annual Conference
- Participate in virtual prep sessions with HBA Talks Coaching Team
- Participate in an onsite technical rehearsal
- Receive guidance from the HBA team to prepare for their talk
- Be featured as part of the conference program
Selected speakers are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
However, selected speakers will receive access to register for the conference at the Conference Preview Rate.
Selected speakers will receive a registration code to access the Conference Preview Rate during registration.
No. Travel and lodging are not covered for HBA Talks speakers.
Preference will be given to HBA members and employees of HBA’s corporate partners.
If you are not currently a member, you will have the option to purchase an HBA membership during the conference registration process.
Yes, you may submit more than one proposal. Each submission should reflect a distinct leadership moment and align to one of the HBA Talks themes.
HBA Talks are designed as individual presentations. At this time, co-presented talks are not part of the format.
No. These talks will not be recorded in their entirety though select clips may be featured in post-conference highlight or sizzle reels.
Submissions are reviewed by a panel of HBA staff and Member Leaders based on:
- Alignment with the conference theme
- Clarity and focus of the story
- Practical relevance and application
- Authenticity and originality
- Demonstrated connection to impact within healthcare and life sciences
- Preference for HBA members and employees of HBA’s corporate partners
All applicants will be notified by the end of July
Due to the volume of submissions, not all applicants can be selected. However, applying provides visibility into future speaking opportunities and ways to engage with HBA programming.
For additional questions, please contact: Sanjuana Martinez (smartinez@hbanet.org)