NIRI invites proposals from investor relations (IR) subject matter experts, IR service providers, and IR practitioners to collaborate with us in delivering high-quality educational workshops for our members and the broader IR community. These workshops are intended to advance professional IR knowledge and practice in support of NIRI’s mission.
Before submitting your proposal, please review the parameters below in their entirety. Submission deadline is January 31, 2026.
Structure
Workshops will be offered as paid events for attendees. Collaborators will not receive revenue from workshop registrations, but may benefit in other ways including:
- Demonstration of thought leadership and professional expertise
- Visibility and engagement with a targeted audience
- Professional network building
- Goodwill generated by contribution to the advancement of IR knowledge and practice
Workshops must be wholly educational and must not promote or market any specific product, solution, or service. Content should reflect objective, impartial knowledge-sharing.
Workshop Criteria
NIRI seeks proposals that address/include:
- Topic & Relevance: Clear description of the proposed educational topic and its alignment with industry needs. [Refer to the IR Competency Framework for NIRI’s educational priorities.]
- Learning Outcomes: Concrete, measurable objectives for participants.
- Format & Delivery: Proposed workshop length, structure, instructional approach, and materials. Workshops will be virtual unless collaborator has capability to host in-person.
- Presenter Credentials: Brief bios highlighting relevant expertise and teaching experience.
- Audience Level: Intended audience (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced).
- Logistical Requirements: Any specific technological needs.
- Prior Experience/References: Examples of similar workshops or presentations delivered previously, references, or evidence of expertise in the proposed subject matter.
Eligibility
- Individual experts, consulting firms, training organizations, IR practitioners, and service providers are welcome to apply.
- Submissions must commit to non-commercial, educational content free from brand promotion.
Submission Instructions
Submit proposals by January 31, 2026 via the submission form. Questions may be directed to Shannon Potter, SVP Programs, at spotter@niri.org.
Selection Process
Proposals will be evaluated using a transparent scoring model that ensures fairness, clarity, and consistency. NIRI reserves the right to request additional information or recommend adjustments to selected proposals.
Proposals are blind reviewed by NIRI programs staff and a minimum of two independent evaluators. Scores will be averaged to ensure fairness, and top-scoring proposals may be invited for clarification or revision. Final selections will be based on score, program needs, and overall balance. All applicants will be notified of decisions within a month of the submission deadline. Questions may be directed to Shannon Potter, SVP Programs, at spotter@niri.org.
Evaluation Categories & Weights (Total: 100 Points)
| Category | Weight | Evaluation Criteria |
| Topic Relevance & Alignment | 25 points | Topic addresses a current or emerging industry need; aligns with NIRI’s mission; demonstrates clear value to members. |
| Educational Quality & Learning Outcomes | 25 points | Outcomes are specific, measurable, and achievable; content is unbiased, objective, and fully educational; no promotional intent. |
| Expertise & Presenter Qualifications | 20 points | Presenters have demonstrated subject-matter expertise; relevant credentials; experience delivering workshops or training. |
| Workshop Design & Delivery Approach | 15 points | Structure is clear and engaging; instructional methods are appropriate; materials appear professional and well-organized. |
| Feasability & Logistics | 10 points | Workshop can be executed smoothly given available resources; minimal logistical constraints; timelines are realistic. |
| Prior Experience & References | 5 points | Evidence of successful prior workshops, positive attendee feedback, or strong references. |
Scoring Guidance
- Excellent (90–100): Exceptional alignment with NIRI’s goals; highly qualified presenters; well-designed workshop with strong educational integrity.
- Strong (80–89): Meets all requirements with only minor gaps.
- Adequate (70–79): Acceptable but may require refinement or support from NIRI.
- Below Expectations (<70): Insufficient alignment, promotional content concerns, or lack of clarity.