The Event Management Forum is a new professional development conference for campus employees who plan, coordinate, or support events of any type and size – from meetings and workshops to student activities, athletic games, and graduation ceremonies.
We invite proposals for sessions aligned with one or more of the following conference tracks: Business Management & Operations, Career Management, Event Logistics, Marketing & Brand Strategy, or Personal Development & Workplace Skills.
The Event Management Forum aims to build community among campus event professionals, provide practical strategies for inclusive, cost-effective, and sustainable events, introduce campus tools and resources, strengthen branding and marketing skills, and support career growth through networking and professional development opportunities.
Submit your proposal and help shape a conference that inspires and supports campus event professionals!
AudienceÂ
Most conference participants are UW-Madison event professionals, and those with event-related responsibilities, including project managers, marketing and communications managers, building managers, financial specialists, and more.
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 Event Management Forum. Presenters should cover all their individual travel expenses if selected to present in-person.
Guidelines
Each facilitated breakout session is 60-minutes in length and must be linked to one or more of the five (5) conference tracks 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: March 20
- Notice of Acceptance: March 23-27
- Tech and Logistical Information Due: April 8
- Presentation Materials Due: May 20
- Conference Date: May 27
- Business Management and Operations
- Event Logistics
- Marketing and Brand Strategy
- Career Management
- Personal Development and Workplace Skills
Optimize event planning processes, enhance operational efficiencies, and implement effective strategies for budgeting, resource allocation, and stakeholder collaboration.
Examples:
- Budget development and cost control strategies
- Risk management and compliance
- Resource allocation and staffing models
- Workflow automation
- Contract negotiations and vendor management
- Funding and sponsorship acquisition
- Financial reporting
Explore practical aspects of event planning, including scheduling, transportation solutions, accessibility, sustainability, technology, event safety, and strategies for efficient and effective logistical management.
Examples:
- Universal design for meeting and event planning
- Parking and transportation solutions
- On- and off-campus venue selection
- Sustainable event practices
- Emergency preparedness and contingency planning
- Technical production
- Digital accessibility
- Catering best practices
Develop effective communications, enhance brand visibility, and leverage digital marketing tools to build strong, recognizable events.
Examples:
- Integrating brand standards into event design
- Social media strategy and engagement
- Email marketing and audience segmentation
- Storytelling and content creation for events
- Graphic design and visual identity
- Digital advertising and analytics
- Measuring marketing impact and ROI (return on investment)
Learn about professional development, career planning, growth, mentorship, and skill advancement best practices and opportunities on campus.
Examples:
- Career pathways in event management
- Networking strategies
- Mentorship programs
- Leadership development
- Certifications and continuing education opportunities
- Work-life balance
- Career resilience
Enhance individual skills and provide tangible tools to increase productivity and personal growth, including project management, leadership, communication, and relationship-building.
Examples:
- Leadership and team-building
- Project management methodologies and tools
- Effective communication and conflict resolution
- Time management and productivity tools
- Building collaborative relationships across campus
- Presentation and public speaking skills
- Stress management and resilience techniques
- Change management and adaptability