We are seeking dynamic speakers to submit a proposal for the Administrative Professionals Conference. Content tracks include Career Management, Leadership, Personal Development and Workplace Skills, Relationship Building and Communication, Inclusive Excellence, and Well-being. Presenters are encouraged to offer practical insights, innovative strategies, or success stories. If you have expertise, tools, or experiences to share, we invite you to contribute. Proposals are accepted through February 6, 2026.
The proposal submission period for the 2026 Administrative Professionals Conference opens on Monday, November 10. Subscribe to be alerted of future speaking opportunities with Learning and Talent Development.
Criteria
AudienceÂ
Most conference participants are full-time, non-instructional academic and university staff at UW-Madison serving in administrative support roles. Other attendees include participants from various universities and affiliates within the UW System and the Madison community. The conference typically brings together 425+ participants.
Honorarium
All selected speakers are provided with complimentary registration to attend the full conference, however, the Office of Human Resources does not provide an honorarium for presentations at the Administrative Professionals Conference. Presenters should cover all their individual travel expenses if selected to present in-person.
Guidelines
Each facilitated breakout session will be 60-minutes in length and must be linked to one or more of the six (6) conference topics listed below. Individuals should refrain from self-promotion of products and/or services. Each proposal will be reviewed for:
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- Clarity: Well-defined learning objectives that can be met in the allotted 60-minutes
- Relevance: Timeliness of topic/content is clearly stated; offers clear, specific, and useful best practices
- Quality: Objective for the proposal is clearly stated and supported by the information provided; depth of information; measurable outcomes; expertise of proposed speaker(s)
- Ability to Replicate: Viable, current best practices that can easily be replicated in participants’ units/departments; provides practical approaches that can be quickly adopted
2026 Important Dates and Timelines
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- Proposal Submission Deadline: February 6
- Notice of Acceptance: February 10-13
- Tech and Logistical Information Due: February 25
- Presentation Materials Due: April 8
- Conference Date: April 15
- Leadership
- Personal Development and Workplace Skills
- Career Management
- Inclusive Excellence
- Relationship Building and Communication
- Well-being
Develop leadership skills and discover practical tools to lead with purpose and authenticity, influence change, and navigate change.
Examples:
- Navigating and nurturing organizational politics
- Change management and implementationÂ
- Decision-making and problem solvings
- Adaptive leadership
- Leadership agility and innovation
- Leading through change
- Influence and negotiation skills
- Leading as an individual contributor
Enhance individual skills and provide tangible tools for increased productivity and personal growth.
- Project management essentials
- Digital organization and workflow automations
- Effective email communications
- Data-driven decision-makingÂ
- Computer skills and programs
- Time management and prioritization strategies
Learn about your professional development, career planning, growth, mentorship, and skill advancement best practices and opportunities on campus.
- Employee resources for career growth
- Career mapping and goal setting
- Leveraging skills for new rolesÂ
- Navigating career changes and transitions
- Building a professional network
- Resume writing
- Retirement resources
Focus on achieving a healthy, inclusive and engaging work environment.
- Creating employee engagement
- Inclusive communication practices
- Accessibility in digital communications
- Eliminating culture and discrimination bias
- Gaining different perspectives
- Hostile and intimidating workplace discussions
Strengthen your communication skills to build trust, foster collaboration, and navigate workplace dynamics with confidence.
- Working collaboratively across departments and teams
- Giving, and receiving, constructive feedback
- Conflict management and resolution
- Mentorship
- Networking
Presentations should focus on the well-being of the participant in a direct or holistic way.
Examples:
- Stress management and mindfulness
- Establishing healthy boundaries
- Ergonomics and workspace wellness
- Work/life integration
- Mental health resources on campus