2026 AALA Annual Educational Symposium

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RFP Process, Information, & How to Submit

The American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) invites proposals for educational sessions for the 2026 Annual Educational Symposium. The Symposium delivers high-quality Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and serves as a national forum for discussion of laws and public policies affecting agriculture. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the presentation will provide substantive, practical, and non-promotional educational content consistent with the high standards of the Symposium.

Symposium Overview
Dates: November 5–7, 2026
Location: Fairmont, Dallas, Texas
Format: In-person only (virtual presentations will not be considered)

Submission Deadline & Notification
Proposal Deadline: March 1, 2026
Notification of Decisions: By June 1, 2026

About AALA
The American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) is a professional organization for legal and other professionals who focus on agricultural law and the legal needs of the agricultural and rural community. Founded in 1980, it serves as an independent, nonpartisan forum that provides education, information, networking, and resources on legal issues affecting farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and others connected to agriculture and rural areas.

Topics of Interest
The Planning Committee welcomes proposals addressing timely legal issues affecting agriculture nationwide. For 2026, proposals addressing issues of regional significance to the Southwest are especially encouraged, including:

• Water rights and groundwater regulation
• Agricultural labor and immigration policy
• Environmental and climate-related regulations
• Transportation, trade, and cross-border compliance
• Land use, zoning, and farmland preservation
• Food safety, FSMA compliance, and traceability
• Native American law and its impact on agriculture and natural resources
• Drought, disaster relief, and agricultural risk management
• Proposals addressing other emerging or “hot” legal issues relevant to agricultural stakeholders are also encouraged.

Program Tracks
Policy
Private Practice
Food Law
In-House / Corporate Counsel
Ethics (Ethics CLE sessions included)

Session Format & CLE Requirements
Session Length: 60-minute concurrent sessions
Format Preference: Multi-speaker panels; three presenters preferred
CLE: Sessions must be designed to qualify for CLE credit in most states
Materials: Speakers must prepare slides and written materials suitable for CLE accreditation and attendee use

Panel Composition & Diversity

The Planning Committee seeks diverse perspectives and encourages proposals that include:

• Presenters from multiple organizations or employers
• Multiple viewpoints on the topic
• National or cross-regional perspectives
• Presenters from under-represented or diverse backgrounds
• Panels composed entirely of speakers from a single firm or organization will generally receive lower priority.
• Panels should include at least one attorney speaker.

Selection Process

• Proposals are reviewed by a Planning Committee of more than 30 AALA members.
• Sessions are selected based on educational value, relevance, and balance within the overall program.
• Approximately 15% of session slots are reserved for direct committee placement outside the RFP process.
• Session slots are not available for sponsorship.
• The committee may invite presenters with similar proposals to collaborate on a combined session.

Multiple Submissions
Applicants may submit multiple proposals and should indicate a priority order if doing so. To ensure a balanced program, the committee may limit the number of sessions assigned to any individual presenter.

Speaker Expenses
Selected speakers receive a discounted symposium registration rate. Speakers are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.

For questions or additional information, please email us at info@aglaw-assn.org

👉 SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL HERE