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.
The proposal submission period is closed for the 2025 Administrative Professionals Conference. 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 400+ 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
Important Dates and Timelines (timeline updated 1/15/2025)
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- Proposal Submission Deadline: January 31
- Notice of Acceptance: February 3-7
- Tech and Logistical Information Due: February 19
- Presentation Materials Due: April 1
- Conference Date: April 9
Topics
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
- Navigating and nuturing organizational politics
- Authentic leadership
Career Management
Presentations should focus on how participants can manage their own career growth.
Examples:
- Employee resources for their career growth
- Career conversations with supervisors
- Steps to develop your career
- Using SMART goals
Personal Development and Workplace Skills
Presentations should provide tangible tools that focus directly on helping the participant improve their productivity at work.
Examples:
- Project management
- Computer skills and programs
- Time management and organizational skills
Inclusive Excellence
Presentations should focus on teaching how to achieve a healthy, inclusive and engaging work environment.
Examples:
- Creating employee engagement
- Eliminating culture and discrimination bias
- Gaining different perspectives
- Hostile/Intimidating workplace discussions
Relationship Building and Communication
Presentations should provide participants with tools to build connections and deepen bonds with their colleagues and other individuals.
Examples:
- Giving and receiving constructive and effective feedback
- Conflict management/resolution
- Mentorship
- Networking
Well-Being
Presentations should focus on the well-being of the participant in a direct or holistic way.
Examples:
- Financial wellness
- Wellness activities
- Stress management
- Work/life integration