2026 NAF Advisory Board Updates
NAF is seeking applications for the next class of its Advisory Board (AB). We are looking for committed individuals to fill six AB positions who can bring fresh insights and active participation to help guide the future of NAF. This will result in retaining six current members whose term will expire in 2027, with the new six members having their term expire in 2028.
First Things First: Thank You AB Members
Chris and I want to offer our sincere thanks to the AB members that have most recently served. Your input, feedback, and work have been invaluable. You’ve each played a role in supporting the network automation community through NAF as we grow in numbers and opportunities to engage. Thanks to each of you for your support!
Now, on to what’s next…
AB CommitmentS and Responsibilities
Key AB responsibilities include:
Active participation in NAF Slack
This is our primary communication channel for AB and NAF activities
AB members are expected to be active on Slack at least once a week and to respond to messages from Scott, Chris, Emily or other AB members within 1 working business day
Actively participate in content review for conferences and workshops
AB members are expected to review content for at least 75% of NAF events in a given calendar year
For example, in a year with two AutoCon events, each one having both a conference and workshops (hence 2 conference events and 2 workshop events), the expectation is that every AB member would review content for at least 3 of the 4.
We intentionally keep meetings infrequent and make use of asynchronous communications where possible, so AB members are expected to participate in review meetings when they are called
We hope to keep real-time AB meetings to a maximum of 4 per year and AB members are expected to participate in at least 75% of scheduled meetings
Be a NAF Brand Ambassador
This includes promotion of NAF, AutoCon events, and NAF initiatives wherever AB members are already active (other events, podcasts and blogs, social media, etc)
This does not require AB members to create content (although this is encouraged); this can be occasional forwarding of announcements created by NAF, with personal messaging added as appropriate
It also includes mentioning NAF when discussing network automation publicly, such as during media interviews or podcast recordings, etc.
Attend at least one AutoCon event per year (conference fee waived for all AB members)
AB members are expected to share feedback from any event they attend
Collecting and sharing informal feedback from other attendees while at the event is also welcome!
Making introductions to potential NAF event sponsors and keynote speakers
Maintaining a high level of engagement throughout the two-year term
AB Extras
Items that are not requirements for the NAF AB but are ways that AB members can help include:
Recommending future conference speakers, workshop proctors, and AB members
Shepherding AutoCon presentations, workshops, and those delivering them before the event
Serving as an MC for a portion of the AutoCon agenda during the event (introducing speakers, moderating Q&A, etc.)
Providing guidance and feedback for presenters and workshop providers, especially new presenters after the event
Willingness to reach out to your employers and other companies and organizations to connect for sponsorship opportunities
This can be as simple as putting NAF in contact with the marketing groups that sponsor industry events
Beyond the AB
There are other areas that you can support NAF that do not require AB membership, such as:
Organizing and participating in Birds of a Feather groups (BoFs)
This can be at AutoCon events and/or in between events
Serving as a liaison/mentor for various NAF-related projects, such as:
Promoting the NAF Framework
Participating in the monthly NAF Office Hours virtual meet-ups
Contributing to the various NAF GitHub repos
Suggesting and initiating other relevant NAF-related work groups and initiatives
Slack Community Management
Being active on NAF Slack and engaging where it makes sense
Keeping an eye out for any conversations of concern (community moderation)
Keeping an eye out for any conversations of value (pulling content out for saving and sharing)
AB Selection Process
Six NAF AB seats are open for the term ending in 2028
Current AB members who wish to be considered for the term ending in 2027 may re-apply
Candidate AB members must submit a short written essay (300 words max) or video essay (3 min max) that address the following questions
Motivation: What is your primary motivation for joining the NAF Advisory Board at this time, and what specific impact do you hope to achieve during your two-year term?
Qualifications & Experience: What specific experiences, expertise, or unique perspectives would you bring to the AB that you believe are essential to the NAF's mission and goals?
Time Commitment: The role requires active and timely participation, including response to time-sensitive requests. Please describe your ability to commit sufficient and consistent time to the AB responsibilities over the next two years.
No Conflicts: Confirm that you have no conflicts in serving on the NAF Advisory Board. Examples include:
You are able to review and recommend presentations, workshops, and other content related to different technologies, methodologies, and vendors without bias
You have no restrictions placed on you by your employer that will prevent you from meeting the NAF AB Commitments and Responsibilities listed above
Send to: submissons@networkautomation.forum
Submissions will be reviewed by NAF leadership and the top six candidates will be selected for the AB.
Selection Timeline
Submit your application via email NLT COB Friday 24 July 2026
Share new AB member selections - 4 Aug 2026
Get ready to review AutoCon 6 proposals (between 24 Aug and 11 Sep)!
Now: GET READY
AutoCon 6 is coming up soon. Registration will be open 13 July 2026, and the calls for Speakers and Workshops are already open. Select sponsorship opportunities remain open, but they are filling quickly. We’ll see you in Tucson!
