Launching the 2027 Conference Creator!
Updated: Sep 22
Co-Create the Sessions at the 15th Annual Tom Tom!
Each year, Tom Tom is built through collaboration and community input. Today we launch our 2027 Conference Creator, and invite you to help shape the sessions, speakers, and stories that define this year’s Festival.
This April 21-25, 2027 our 15th Annual Festival theme is NEXTGEN, which is a theme about innovation, and also about people. New technologies are changing how we work, learn, create, and connect. We see seismic shifts in business, science, health, education, and civic life. And a new generation is coming of age in a world that feels full of possibility, but also profound uncertainty.
As we plan our Summits, the workshops, panels, keynotes, seminars, and experiences, will explore NEXTGEN conversations through a few lenses:
NextGen Tech - The frontiers of AI, science, health, entrepreneurship, and human-centered innovation are moving fast. How do we harness emerging technologies not only for growth, but for human flourishing?
NextGen Leaders - Young people, emerging voices, and rising changemakers are already shaping schools, culture, business, and civic life. How do we create the conditions for belonging, agency, and mentorship across generations?
NextGen Cities - The future is not just something we imagine — it is something we build in the places we call home. How do technology, design, and civic imagination can help communities become more connected, inclusive, and alive?
This is a unique opportunity for you to set the agenda and co-create the Festival. We’re excited to hear from you!
The deadline for applications is October 20, 2026.
OUR 2027 THEME
2027 Summits
The 15th Annual Tom Tom Festival is centered around two Summits that focus on the future of key areas of society:
Civic Futures Summit (Wed 4/21) This Summit is focused on Housing, Storytelling, Economic Development, Education, and Democracy. See the 2026 Civic Futures Summit Recap.
The Innovation Summit (Thur 4/22 & Fri 4/23) This Summit is focused on Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Investment). See the 2026 Innovation Summit Recap
If you have an idea that does not immediately align with these Summits, please submit your idea anyway and choose the “other” category.
Application Process
In the Conference Creator process, you will supply the following information:
Step 1: Tell us about your session & speakers.
Choose the Summit - Please identify which Summit your session would fit into.
Innovation Summit - Technology, Entrepreneurship, Investment, etc.
Civic Futures Summit - Education, Housing, Criminal Justice, Economic Development, etc.
Unsure? That’s okay!
Choose a Format - The general session duration at the Conference is 45-60 minutes. If you are requesting a longer format, you can note that in the comments section. Formats at the Conference include:
Workshops
Panel discussions
Keynote addresses
Round tables
Interactive experiences.
Other _____.
Tell us your Topic and Narrative - Give us a first pass at a fun and fresh topic title. We’ll also be looking for a description of what you’d like to discuss, and how you position the topic in the current landscape of ideas and advocacy.
Identify your Speakers & Moderators - We ask if you have the speakers, facilitators, and moderators identified and / or confirmed for the session. “Confirmation” at this point means you have contacted speakers and they are generally interested and available for the dates of the Festival.
Step 2: State your desired impact.
Let us know what you want to accomplish with your session. Are there desired impacts and outcomes? You could tailor this program to address your specific audience/community. Or, perhaps you’re interested in exploring new terrain, and want to forge new, complimentary partnerships through your program.
To get started, fill out the form below with the topic, theme, and narrative of your proposed session. Once we receive your proposal we will follow up with more details.
The deadline for applications is October 20, 2026.
Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by Tom Tom Staff and Program Committees, which are made up of community members from a variety of diverse backgrounds and industries.
Here are a few criteria that we will use in evaluating sessions:
Relevance - Does this Session discuss a critical idea facing the Community and/or is it sharing a national story?
Innovation - Do the ideas presented offer a compelling and innovative way to approach problems?
Collaboration - Does the Session bring together multiple community stakeholders that are doing important work?
Diversity of Opinions & Backgrounds - Does the session reflect the community; and respectfully engage with differences of opinion.
Lasting Impact - Does the Session highlight work happening in the community so that there are outcomes that live beyond the Conference?
Our selection process will be based on the criteria listed above in combination with how well the session fits into overall programming.
The deadline for applications is October 20, 2026.
