University of Wisconsin–Madison

Call for Session Proposals

We are seeking dynamic speakers to submit a proposal for the Women and Leadership Symposium. 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.

Important Dates

  • Session Proposals Due: April 1
  • Notice of Acceptance: April 5
  • Logistical Information Due: April 19
  • Presentation Materials Due: June 12

Submit a Session Proposal

Proposals are due by Monday, April 1

Please contact conferences@ohr.wisc.edu with any questions.

Recommend a Speaker or Topic

Criteria

Target Audience 
Most symposium participants are full-time, non-instructional academic staff at UW-Madison serving all levels of the university. Other attendees include participants from various universities and affiliates within the UW System and the Madison community. The symposium typically brings together 550+ participants.

Honorarium
All selected speakers are provided with complimentary registration to attend the full conference, however, the Office of Human Resources does not provide honorariums for presentations at the Women and Leadership Symposium. 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

Topics

Building Influence

Presentations are aimed at providing tools to participants that focus on improving their informal or formal leadership skills.

Examples:

  • Change management
  • Navigating and nurturing organizational politics
  • How to be a good supervisor
  • Authentic leadership

Well-Being

Presentations should focus on the well-being of the participant in a direct or holistic way.

Examples:

  • Mental wellness
  • Stress management
  • Mindfulness
  • Work/life integration

Engagement, Inclusion and Diversity

Presentations would focus on teaching how to achieve a healthy, inclusive and engaging work environment.

Examples:

  • Addressing micro/macro aggressions
  • Empowerment and promotion of other women
  • 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 coworkers and other individuals.

Examples:

  • Allyships, Mentorships, Sponsorships
  • Making connections/networking
  • How to have difficult conversations
  • Conflict management/resolution

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

Personal Development and Workplace Skills

Presentations should provide tangible tools that focus directly on helping the participant improve their productivity at work.

Examples:

  • Discovering your potential
  • Financial wellness
  • Public speaking
  • Decision-making skills

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