Now Accepting Session Proposals Until March 4, 2024
Session Proposal Deadline EXTENDED Until March 25, 2024 11:59pm PT
2024 Safe Routes to School National Conference
Safe, Healthy, and JOYful: The Possibilities of Our Movement
The Safe Routes Partnership is now accepting session proposals for the 8th Safe Routes to School Conference, to be held October 22-24, 2024 in Fort Collins, a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community, renowned for its commitment to active transportation. The conference will bring together hundreds of Safe Routes to School and active transportation professionals to exchange ideas and share knowledge in a city with vibrant outdoor culture that can be experienced on welcoming streets, scenic bike paths, and efficient public transportation. Note: you do not need to assemble a fun panel to submit an idea as a speaker. You can submit a standalone submission, and we will assemble sessions of similar topics.
The Conference and the wider Safe Routes to School movement benefit from the innovative contributions, creative solutions, practical know-how, and community insights from people of different backgrounds. Diversity of experience, ideas, and viewpoints is a priority, and applicants with varied education levels, skills, and backgrounds are encouraged to submit applications. In 2024, you will find equity integrated through the conference’s agenda. We strongly encourage all applicants to highlight how your program submission centers equitable approaches to creating healthy, active communities.
Conference Info At-a-Glance
Registration Rates (Registration opens Mid-April)
Speaker Rate* - $495
Early Bird Rate - $595
Regular Rate - $695
* The speaker rate will only be available for individuals who apply for and are approved as speakers for conference sessions.
The registration fee includes attendance at all conference plenaries and 8 breakout sessions and a reception.
Meals provided include:
Day 1 includes lunch, coffee, and a reception (dinner on your own)
Day 2 includes breakfast, lunch, and 2 coffee breaks (dinner on your own)
Day 3 includes breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Conference location: Hilton Fort Collins
We have a negotiated rate for the conference at $155 per night, plus tax
A link to book at this rate will be available in a few weeks.
Check out the Application!
Check out the official application form for proposals- This online form will be the only way to submit your application. Review, share, and collaborate to prepare your proposal with the PDF version. Download here. Speakers are encouraged to submit an individual proposal. Safe Routes Partnership will review proposals and match individual presentations into complimentary panel sessions.
Submissions are due by Monday, March 25, 2024 – 11:59pm PT. Applicants will be notified on the status of their submission via email. Selected speakers receive a reduced conference registration rate of $495.
Program Themes
Explore our range of program themes, each designed to enhance and evolve the practice of Safe Routes to School, with a special emphasis on equity, sustainability, technology, and creative solutions.
Implementing Safe Routes to School with Equity at the Forefront
Tailored for both Safe Routes to School newcomers and experienced practitioners, this theme highlights the core principles of Safe Routes to School in action, emphasizing the implementation of the 6 E’s with a strong focus on equity. It invites presentations on getting started with Safe Routes programs, incorporating equity in each of the 6 E’s, the nuts and bolts of implementation, and sharing success stories and challenges from rural, suburban and urban communities.
Sustaining the Journey: Equitable Funding, Policy, and Planning
This theme explores the successes and challenges of how to keep longstanding programs funded and fresh, how to make the pivot from one-time funding to recurring investments, and how emerging programs can build sustainability in from the start. Presentations in this theme will discuss how to integrate equity in funding, policy formation, planning documents and program implementation to ensure the long-term viability of Safe Routes to School initiatives.
Pathways to the Future: Technology, Data, and Innovation
Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since Safe Routes to School formally emerged in 2005, and at current rates of innovation, change is a constant companion. This theme encourages discussion on how technology, data, and innovation are shaping Safe Routes programs with an emphasis on equitable outcomes. Presenters can explore how technological innovations and data-driven approaches can improve safety and accessibility for all communities, especially those that have been left out of investments in walking, bicycling, and Safe Routes to School.
Safe Routes Everywhere
This theme explores the exciting expansion of Safe Routes beyond the journey to school, venturing into parks, grocery stores, libraries, and more. It's a conversation about how the concept of Safe Routes is evolving and intertwining with broader community needs like environmental justice and housing. Presenters are invited to share how their Safe Routes programs have become a catalyst for wider community engagement and action. This theme encourages sharing experiences in forming alliances with movements that have overlapping goals and visions, showcasing the power of Safe Routes as a tool for community building and social change.
Uncharted Routes: Creative Solutions
A “choose your own adventure” theme, this open-ended category is designed for innovative and creative ideas in the realm of Safe Routes to School and active transportation that is an opportunity to showcase unique initiatives, novel partnerships, and imaginative solutions that prioritize inclusivity and address diverse community needs.
Session Formats
Session formats are designed to cater to a variety of interactive and engaging experiences, including panels, individual presentations, workshops, roundtable discussion and other creative formats to suit your unique presentation style.
Panel (75 minutes): Feature up to four presenters covering a specific topic with a joint question and answer session at the end. Bonus points for additional methods of audience engagement!
Presentation (15-20 minutes): Submit for a standalone presentation. We will group speakers with related content.
Training or Hands-on Workshop (90-120 minutes): Sessions can include multiple speakers, time for small groups, and breakouts. We encourage opportunities for hands-on learning.
Round Table Discussion (75 minutes): Propose a topic for a roundtable discussion; we will group several related discussions. Each speaker will speak for 3-5 minutes on their topic and prepare discussion questions for participants to discuss together.Other: please submit your creative session format with a description. Examples can include but are not limited to: Pecha Kucha, Campfire, Fishbowl.