The Rush of Hitting Submit: Why Proposing for NTC Never Gets Old

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I feel like I’m throwing my heart on the table every time I submit a session proposal for the Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC). It’s exhilarating, a little terrifying, but mostly, it’s deeply personal. Every session idea I’ve ever submitted has been a piece of me—my experiences, my challenges, and my triumphs within the nonprofit world. And let me tell you, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, hitting that “submit” button never loses its magic.

When I submitted my first session proposal, I felt like an imposter—like maybe I wasn’t the person who should be sharing insights or taking up space on that stage. I wondered if anyone would care about what I had to say, let alone sit in a room and listen to me talk about it. But NTC is a place that feels like home, a place where every voice is valued. And while I still got butterflies (big ones!), submitting my first session felt like stepping into a brave new world where my voice and experiences mattered.

As an experienced speaker, you’d think the nerves would settle, right? Nope. I still feel a rush of emotions—the anticipation, the excitement, the vulnerability. But now, it’s mixed with something else: confidence. I know my sessions offer something valuable because they’re built on real stories, real work, and a real passion for this sector. I also know that NTEN’s audience is the best one out there. They’re smart, open-minded, and hungry for practical insights. That’s why the stakes feel high but in the best possible way.

But NTC is a place that feels like home, a place where every voice is valued.

Then, there’s the experience of being invited to join someone else’s proposal. It’s a different kind of joy—one that makes me feel seen. It’s humbling to know that someone values your perspective enough to ask you to collaborate. There’s also this thrill of teamwork, of coming together to create something even more powerful than we could alone. But with it comes this little voice inside that says, Don’t mess this up! because now it’s not just your name on the proposal, it’s someone else’s too. The balance of contributing my best while honoring someone else’s vision—that’s a skill I’ve learned to embrace.

The deadline to submit your session proposal for NTEN’s NTC is September 27th. If you’re thinking about it, trust me—you should do it. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned speaker, there’s a spot for your voice. Submitting a proposal is an act of courage and passion, and NTEN will meet you right there with a community that values what you bring to the table.

Find more info on NTC and how to submit a proposal session [here].

Go ahead, and hit that submit button—let’s share our stories together!

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