Call for contributions:
MRS SHOW UP 2026

MRS SHOW UP on 10 June 2026 is our annual equality, inclusion and diversity event, celebrating the impact of our Special Interest Groups and spotlighting the people, campaigns and initiatives driving change across marketing services and the wider world.

This is an event shaped by the community, for the community. We want the day to be led by trailblazers, advocates, allies and changemakers. That’s why we’re asking you to tap into your networks and help us identify truly inspiring speakers and topics.

We’re reaching out across our membership and partner networks - the Equality Council, MRSPride, MRS Unlimited, MRS Social Equity Group, WiRe and CORe - and inviting suggestions for speakers and content to fill the following session types:

Planned content formats

• TEDx-style keynote
  A thought-provoking talk that challenges assumptions, reframes inclusion, or offers a powerful new way of thinking about equality
• Practical workshop
  Hands-on, skills-based sessions designed to equip delegates with tools, frameworks or actions they can take back into their organisations immediately
• Roundtable discussions
  Facilitated, small-group conversations that encourage open dialogue, peer learning and honest exploration of shared challenges and opportunities
• Lived experience session
  First-person perspectives that bring systemic inequality to life, deepening understanding through real stories and personal insight
• Inspiring personal stories
  Uplifting and motivating narratives from individuals who have driven change, overcome barriers or acted as allies in meaningful ways
• Video ethnography session
  Immersive visual storytelling that captures authentic experiences and voices
• Awareness campaigns / new initiatives
  Showcasing impactful campaigns, programmes or partnerships that are tackling inequality
• Cultural celebratory session
  A moment to recognise and celebrate diverse cultures, identities and communities through creative or participatory formats
• Panel discussion
  Bring together different perspectives to debate, challenge and advance thinking on key EDI issues
• Hot-off-the-press research
  Fresh insight, data or evidence revealing emerging trends, lived realities or gaps

This is a day of celebration, awareness and activation. If you know the right voice or have an idea that needs a platform we’d love to hear from you.

Submission guidelines

If you have a conference idea or speaker nomination, please submit via our online application form by Wednesday 11 February, indicating your preferred format.

A quick note on our selection criteria:

We give priority to:

• Sessions that include client and / or end user voices
• New and diverse voices in the field
• MRS company partners