2026 NARR Best Practice Summit | September 28-30, 2026 | Marriott Harber Beach Resort & Spa | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Submit a Proposal
Call for Proposals Now Open
The 2026 NARR Best Practice Summit brings together operators, peers, affiliate leaders, researchers, advocates, and policymakers committed to strengthening recovery housing nationwide.
We are seeking sessions that move the field forward — elevating lived experience, strengthening quality standards, and expanding access to recovery housing grounded in the Social Model.
If your work advances best practices, builds sustainable infrastructure, improves equity, or shapes recovery policy, we invite you to apply.
The 2026 Call for Proposals is open for a limited time — submissions close April 10, 2026.
Before submitting, please carefully review the 2026 themes and requirements below. Alignment with these criteria is required for consideration. Please note: all selected speakers must present in person at the 2026 Summit.
"As a speaker at the NARR Summit, I was both educated and able to educate. The experience was inspiring, and the attendees were deeply engaged."
—2025 Summit Speaker
Deadline: April 10, 2026
Speaker & Proposal Requirements
Proposals must align with at least one of the following themes:
- Recovery Residence Operations & Quality Standards- Implementation of NARR Standards, ethics, supervision, restorative practices, MAR integration, compliance, and quality improvement.
- Peer Support, Lived Experience & the Social Model- Peer-led models, workforce development, resident voice, leadership pathways, and Social Model integrity across Levels 1–4.
- Ensuring Access & Serving Populations with Unique Needs- Trauma-informed approaches, affirming practices, rural-specific challenges, reducing stigma, and creating recovery environments where individuals feel welcome, respected, and heard regardless of background or personal circumstances.
- Advocacy, Policy & Fair Housing- Zoning, legislation, regulatory environments, systems change, funding advocacy, and protecting resident rights.
- Research, Data & Outcomes- Outcomes measurement, ROI, recovery capital, evaluation frameworks, and data-informed policy and practice.
- Sustainability, Finance & Organizational Resilience- Budgeting, insurance & risk management, billing models, infrastructure, governance, and long-term sustainability.
- Community, Government & Cross-Sector Partnerships- Collaboration with RCOs, Recovery Cafés, workforce systems, behavioral health providers, and public agencies.
- Specialized Populations & Recovery Models- Family recovery, veterans, rural communities, justice-involved individuals, TGX populations, faith-based models, harm reduction integration, and multiple pathways.
To assist with review and track placement, please select up to three keywords that best describe your session:
- Peer Support & Lived Experience
- Social Model Implementation
- Ethics, Professionalism & Standards
- Serving Populations with Unique Needs
- Recovery Housing Models for Specialized Populations
- Advocacy, Policy & Fair Housing
- Research, Data & Outcomes
- Financial Sustainability & Risk Management
- Community & Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Workforce Development & Leadership
- Trauma-Informed & Person-First Approaches
- Multiple Pathways to Recovery
- Faith-Based & Spiritual Recovery
Your proposal must include a clear session description and 2–4 measurable learning objectives.
Session Description
Provide a concise summary (150–250 words) of what will be presented. Clearly explain:
- The focus and purpose of the session
- The issue, practice, or innovation being addressed
- Why the topic is relevant to recovery housing and recovery ecosystems
Descriptions should align with at least one 2026 Summit Theme and be written in professional language suitable for marketing materials. Avoid promotional language or speaker biographies.
Learning Objectives (2–4 Required)
Objectives must describe what participants will know or be able to do after attending.
Each objective should:
- Begin with an action verb (e.g., identify, apply, evaluate, implement)
- Be specific and measurable
- Align directly with session content
- Be achievable within a 60-minute timeframe
Avoid vague phrases such as “participants will understand” or “learn about.”
If seeking Continuing Education (CE) eligibility, objectives must meet NAADAC standards.
Session Outline
Provide a brief outline of how the content will be delivered within 60 minutes. Proposals should demonstrate realistic scope and time management.
Speakers must demonstrate relevant expertise through:
- Professional credentials (degrees, licensure, certifications), and/or
- Lived experience and leadership within recovery communities
We strongly encourage inclusion of lived experience voices where appropriate to the topic.
Sessions must:
- Promote evidence-informed or best-practice approaches
- Use current and credible information
- Cite research, policy, or standards when applicable
- Remain educational (not promotional) in nature
Sessions that function primarily as product demonstrations or marketing pitches will not be accepted.
Presenters may reference their own programs as case examples, provided the focus remains on transferable practices rather than brand promotion.
Sessions may be eligible for NAADAC Continuing Education (CE) credits if they meet NAADAC instructional requirements.
If you wish your session to be considered for CE approval, your proposal must:
- Include measurable learning objectives
- Demonstrate clear alignment between objectives and content
- Reflect appropriate instructional design
- Comply with applicable NAADAC standards
Please review the NAADAC course requirements before submitting if you intend to pursue CE eligibility. (See Articles I and VIII–X for relevant guidance for speakers.)
Note: Not all session types qualify for CE credit. Proposals that do not meet CE criteria will not automatically be disqualified; however, only a limited number of non-CE sessions may be selected.
Speaker Benefits
Selected presenters will receive:
- Complimentary registration for one (1) day of the Summit (the day of their presentation).
- Recognition of their expertise through promotion on the NARR website, conference app, and relevant marketing materials.
- Opportunities to network with national leaders in recovery housing, peer support, research, and policy.
NARR reserves the right to limit the number of presenters per session or panel in order to maintain program quality, scheduling integrity, and a strong attendee experience.
Financial Responsibilities
Presenters are responsible for:
- Any additional conference registration fees beyond the complimentary day
- All travel expenses
- Hotel accommodations
- Meals not included in conference programming
- Any other associated expenses
By submitting a proposal, speakers acknowledge and accept these financial responsibilities.
Please ensure you are able to attend in person and assume these costs prior to submitting your proposal.
Scholarship Information
Presenters may apply separately for available Summit scholarships; however:
- Scholarships are limited
- Funding is not guaranteed
- Selection for a speaking role does not automatically include scholarship support
Full Speaker Terms & Conditions
All selected speakers must comply with the 2026 NARR Best Practice Summit Speaker Terms & Conditions, including policies related to in-person participation, session content, deadlines, recording, and professional conduct.
View Full Speaker Terms & Conditions →
- Proposal Deadline: April 10, 2026
- Notification: Early May 2026
- Confirmation Due: Within 7 days
- Final Materials Due: September 1, 2026
- Summit Dates: September 28–30, 2026
The strongest submissions will:
- Provide actionable tools or transferable strategies
- Demonstrate alignment with NARR Standards and Social Model principles
- Address real-world operational or systems challenges
- Elevate resident voice and peer leadership where appropriate
- Intentionally incorporate equity, inclusion, and affirming practices
- Present timely research, policy updates, or measurable impact
Proposals that clearly connect theme alignment, measurable objectives, and practical application are more likely to advance in review.
Ready to Submit?
Proposals must align with the 2026 themes and requirements outlined above.
Submissions close April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST