Information and Resources for Applicants
Successful events are built on the foundation of strong education sessions. We want to help you craft an excellent proposal so you can make your voice heard, and deliver impactful, inspiring solutions, stories, and ideas to the Total Rewards community. This is your opportunity to highlight your expertise and offer real solutions to the most urgent problems Total Rewards and compensation professionals face today.
We are offering the following resources to support you, our applicants:
- Read the information on this page to learn about selection criteria, topics, available session formats, and speaker types.
- Download the Submission Planning Worksheet to help you think through your submission before heading to the digital form. We highly recommend completing your submission in the Planning Worksheet first and then copy and pasting that information into the online form as it can timeout due to inactivity. You will not be able to save the online form as you go.
- Attend the Call for Content Webinar. Join us on February 11 from 2-3pm ET for a special webinar all about the Sales Comp '26 Call for Content. Whether you're thinking about submitting a proposal or just want to better understand the process, this session is for you. Get tips and tricks for crafting a standout submission and bring your questions—we’ll have time to answer them all.
- Attend an Office Hour session. During this time WorldatWork staff will be available to review and provide feedback on submissions, help solve any technical problems, or answer general questions about the event or Call.
All submissions must be completed through the online form and are due by February 23. If you need an accommodation or have questions, please email us at speakers@worldatwork.org.
What are the Key Dates?
February 2 |
Call for Content Opens |
February 11, 2-3 pm ET |
Call for Content Webinar |
February 19, 1-2pm ET |
Office Hour |
February 23 |
Call for Content Closes |
By March 16 |
Notifications Sent to Submitters |
What is the selection criteria?
We want to deliver an engaging attendee experience with creative learning methods and tangible takeaways that empower attendees to drive change in their organizations delivered by passionate, expert speakers.
The committee will make selections based on the following criteria:
- Session Outcomes: Are they actionable and participant-centered?
- Topic: Is it a unique or progressive take on the evolving trends or emerging challenges faced in the sales performance landscape? See below for a list of topic areas.
- Alignment of Level: Does the information provided align with the stated learning level?
- Speaker Profile: Does the applicant demonstrate a unique point of view, expertise, and enthusiasm for the topic for all speakers included in the submission?
- Speaking Skills: Does the application provide evidence of ability to engage participants?

For Consultant and Service Partner submissions, please note there are new guidelines.
Want your submission to stand out? Follow these tips:
- Get specific: The more details you provide in your description, the more likely you are to be selected.
- Be creative with your session format: How can you present your ideas in a new or different way? How can you ensure participant engagement?
- Include Practitioners: If you will have multiple speakers in your session, be sure to include at least one who has executed the strategies “from the inside.” The in-house perspective, combined with consultant expertise, is highly valued by attendees, as there is no substitute for sharing lessons learned from an internal viewpoint.
- Be timely: The event will occur in August. What will be top of mind for sales professionals during that time? How can you connect your content to a larger trend in the macro environment?
What key topic areas will sessions address?
What types of session formats will be at Sales Comp '26?
We all have different learning preferences. In order to meet as many individual preferences as possible, Sales Comp '26 will offer a variety of session formats. The submission form will ask you to suggest which of the following formats you believe will best help participants engage with your ideas. If your submission is accepted, you will work with the WorldatWork team to finalize your session.
What types of speakers present?
Academic: Full or part-time professor with no other source of employment.
Consultant*: A professional hired to provide expert advice to multiple clients or organizations. Does not include internal consultants. See practitioner definition.
- Examples: Partner, Managing Director, Principal, Practice Leader, Attorney
Non-Profit Organization Representative: Advocate from a relevant non-profit, offering industry-specific insights and expertise, aligning with our event's cause and mission.
Practitioner: “Internal” professionals accountable to influence or deliver rewards for that one specific organization. Excludes those working in professional services supporting external customers.
- Examples: Head of Sales Compensation, Sales Compensation Analyst, Incentive Compensation Manager, Recruiter
Service Partner*: A supplier or someone who works for a company that provides organizations with services other than management consulting. See consultant definition.
- Examples: Sales Compensation Platforms Provider, Incentive Information System Solutions

*Please note there are new guidelines for Consultant and Service Partner submissions.