Ideas, Impact and Innovation
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 10, 2025

We invite you to submit proposals for the 2026 Annual Learning Event (ALE), hosted by the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) National Capital Chapter (NCC). The ALE is our flagship gathering, bringing together practitioners, scholars, and leaders in our professional community for a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas. If you’re looking to make an impact on your career, this is the event for you!

We need you!

Each year, the ALE provides an opportunity to learn from one another, share innovations, and deepen our collective practices. In 2026, under the theme “Evaluation Exchange: Ideas, Impact, and Innovation,” we will explore how evaluation connects with other professions to evolve, adapt, and inspire action across diverse contexts and under challenging conditions; and how evidence can act as a shared currency to bridge sectors and build understanding.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects the richness of our field and the multidisciplinary nature of our work. We encourage submissions representing a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and professional backgrounds. Whether you are exploring new methodologies, demonstrating value, contributing to increased equity and accountability, or experimenting with cutting-edge tools, your participation will help shape a vibrant and forward-looking ALE.

The ALE program will be focusing on the following three streams:

Impact → Accountability, Equity, and Resilience

In tough financial times, there is pressure to demonstrate resilience and prove value while keeping investments, research and evaluation equitable and inclusive.

Key topics include:

• Social impact measurement frameworks
• Equity as resilience: evaluation in different contexts (government, grassroots, corporate social responsibility)
• Evidence for policy influence and budget advocacy
• Decolonizing evaluation
• Using an equity and inclusion lens in evaluation

Innovation → Technology, Trends, and the Future of Value

Future-facing tools and partnerships that foster collaboration between evaluators, policy makers and decision-makers.

Key topics include:

• AI, and digital tools
• Adaptive management in uncertain contexts
• Systems thinking and cross-sector collaboration
• Private sector innovation labs and CSR case studies
• Innovative evidence collection methods

Audience

Evaluators, auditors, project managers, program implementers, consultants, academics, government officials, private sector leaders, donors, NGOs, social innovators, and finance experts make up the audience. This includes any professional seeking practical methods to connect evidence with everyday management, as well as those interested in how accountability can drive noticeable change and lead to fairer outcomes.

Benefits

This conference is more than just a series of presentations—it’s a gathering of minds and hearts committed to the growth and vibrancy of our field. By participating, you will contribute to a collective space where we can learn from each other’s experiences, challenge conventional practices, and build lasting professional connections. Whether you’re presenting a case study, facilitating a workshop, or leading a discussion, your contribution will help weave a stronger professional network.

Submission Guidelines

While we welcome traditional presentations, we especially encourage proposals for interactive, hands-on sessions that will actively engage attendees and foster a collaborative learning environment. Presentations bringing multiple professional perspectives together will be prioritized. We’re looking forward to an exciting program featuring practical and experiential knowledge sharing.

Formats could include:

• Facilitated Workshop: Hands-on workshop with interactive activities and group work to develop a specific skill.
• Think Tank: Participatory session where a facilitator opens with a single issue or question, followed by small group discussions and sharing.
• Interactive Demonstrations: Presenters showcase a tool or technique with frequent pauses for live Q&A, polls, and small group exercises to immediately apply concepts.
• Panel Presentation: Group presentation with up to 4 panellists sharing their different perspectives on various subjects.
• Thematic Session Presentation: Groups of short, thematically linked presentations, each followed by a brief Q&A.
• Other Session Types: Have something different in mind? Tell us your idea — we are open to creative formats!

If accepted, the following deadlines will apply:

• Conference Registration Deadline: December 12, 2025
• Revised Presentation Description (if required): December 12, 2025
• Headshot Submission Deadline: December 12, 2025
• Draft Materials Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026
• Final Materials Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026

OR use the form below.