We are seeking dynamic speakers to submit a proposal for the Administrative Professionals Conference. Our goal is to provide high-quality sessions that engage, empower and energize attendees. If you are interested in sharing your knowledge, skills, and talents with conference attendees, we encourage you to complete a session proposal to present at the conference.
Proposals are due by Friday, February 3, 2023.
Questions? Email conferences@ohr.wisc.edu
Audience
Most conference participants are full-time employees at UW-Madison, serving in administrative roles with titles including administrative assistant, office associate, executive assistant, financial specialist, program assistant, administrative specialist, and medical program assistant. Other conference attendees include participants from various universities and affiliates within the UW System and the Madison community.
Honorarium
All selected speakers are provided with complimentary registration to attend the full conference, however, the Office of Human Resources does not provide honoraria 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:
- 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
Career Management
Presentations to focus on how participants can manage their own career growth.
Examples:
- Employee resources for their career growth
- Retirement planning
- Steps to develop your career
- Using SMART goals
Engagement, Inclusion and Diversity
Presentations would focus on teaching how to achieve a healthy, inclusive and engaging work environment.
Examples:
- Building a collaborative work environment
- Creating employee engagement
- Gaining different perspectives
- Hostile/Intimidating workplace discussions
Leadership
Presentations are aimed at providing tools to participants that focus on improving their informal or formal leadership skills.
Examples:
- Change management
- Influence and negotiation skills
- Leadership from the bottom
- Navigating and nurturing organizational politics
Personal Development and Workplace Skills
Presentations should provide tangible tools that focus directly on helping the participant improve their productivity at work.
Examples:
- Computer skills and programs
- Conflict management
- Networking tips
- Managing priorities
Relationship Building and Communication
Presentations should provide participants with tools to build connections and deepen bonds with their coworkers and other individuals.
Examples:
- Building trusting relationships
- Communicating with supervisors
- How to have difficult conversations
- Interpersonal styles
Well-Being
Presentations should focus on the well-being of the participant in a direct or holistic way.
Examples:
- Mental wellness
- Stress management
- Wellness activity
- Work/life integration