2024 Call for Presentations

Proposal Window: 22 September –  23 October 2023

The International Ombuds Association warmly invites you to submit a presentation proposal or speaker suggestion for our 19th Annual Conference. Our conference is 18-20 March 2024, with preconference days on 15-17 March, in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. 

Session Formats:

  • 60-Minute Presentation: Expected to be an in-depth presentation on the topic.
  • 15-Minute Presentation: The “Snack session(s)" are bite-sized, micro-learning sessions focused on practice tools, office setup, system design, and working with leadership.
  • Either Format.

Learn more about the event, what we are looking for, and the required content for submissions below, and read "5 Tips for Submitting a Successful Speaker Proposal for IOA Conference."

Proposals must be submitted by 23 October 2023 at 11:59 PM PT to be considered by the IOA Conference Committee Programming Subcommittee. Presenters will be notified of the committee’s decisions in November 2023. 

Submit Now

About the Event & Our Attendees

IOA Annual Conferences draw attendees from diverse sectors around the world. Participants and presenters represent professionals in academia, corporations, government, non-profits, healthcare, faith communities, the dispute resolution field, and many other organizations. At #IOA2024, we hope to share ideas, collaborate, and explore new theories, concepts, and practices. 

Learn more about IOA and our members on the IOA Blog.

After the success of last year's conference, which included more than 500 participants, we expect the #IOA2024 event to be the most connected and well-attended event the International Ombuds Association has ever held.

Learn More About Ombuds

What Are We Looking to Present at #IOA2024?

General topics of interest include:

  • All aspects of conflict engagement and ombuds practice
  • New and/or alternative means of providing ombuds services
  • Maximizing ombuds’ positive impact on organizations
  • Sector-specific constituent issues
  • Ombuds as coaches, facilitators, and trainers working with others within an organization, including legal counsel, human relations, compliance, and risk management officials
  • The ombuds role in preventing and addressing inequity in our organizations
  • Updates on relevant legal and regulatory frameworks
  • The value of CO-OP® certification
  • Welcoming new IOA members and retaining current members

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated with consideration of the following:

  • Topic will be especially relevant to ombuds and/or applicable to their work
  • Work that furthers the ombuds field may also be of interest
  • We are interested in conference presentations that are applicable to a range of levels of ombuds experience: Emerging (0-5 years of practice and/or knowledge), Established (5-15 years of practice and/or knowledge), and Experienced (over 15 years of practice and/or knowledge
  • How the material will be presented. The preference is for presentations that engage participants and include opportunities for application of theory and concepts.
  • Experience and background of the presenter(s), including connection of the presenter(s) to the topic.
  • Abstracts that are relevant to the conference theme will be given special consideration

Required Information for Your Proposal

Please prepare the information before completing the proposal form.

Primary Contact Information

The Primary Contact you list does not have to be a presenter. However, this contact information will be used for all correspondence/communication related to this proposal.

  • First & Last Name
  • Employer/Affiliation
  • Position/Title
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Mailing Address

Presentation Information

Presentation Format

  • 60-Minute Presentation: Expected to be an in-depth presentation on the topic.
  • 15-Minute Presentation: “Pop-up”. Short presentation related to the practice of ombudsing that raise awareness of an idea, a technique or tool, or a skill.

Presentation Title

Relevance to IOA Sector(s)

  • Academic Higher Education
  • Academic K-12
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Collateral Ombuds (Holds more than one role at their organization)
  • Contract/Part-Time Ombuds
  • Corporate
  • Construction
  • External Ombuds
  • Faith-Based Organizations
  • Financial Services/Insurance
  • Franchise
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Intergovernmental
  • International
  • Legal Service
  • Media
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Non-Profit
  • Professional or Trade Association
  • Utilities/Energy
  • Other Sector

Target audience for presentation (select at least one):

  • Emerging Ombuds (0-3 years of practice and/or knowledge in topical area)
  • Established Ombuds (3-9 years of practice and/or knowledge in topical area)
  • Experienced Ombuds (More than 10 years of practice and/or knowledge in topical area)

CO-OP® Domains: For purposes of recertification approval from Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners®, please select which of the CO-OP® Domains you expect this presentation may satisfy.

View the Full List of Domains

Presentation Details:

  • Full Presentation Description (2000 characters limit, approximately 400 words): This can be posted in the form or a PDF file can be uploaded.
  • Brief Description (75 words maximum): This will be used for conference publications (e.g., website).
  • Background: Briefly discuss or justify the importance of the topic.
  • Learning Objectives: State the objectives of the presentation. Identify what participants should have learned after participating in the session. Please phrase the objectives for this presentation so that they complete the sentence "Attendees of this session will..."
  • Outline: Describe what you will present. Consider providing an outline and/or details of the content of the session. This is likely to be the longest part of the presentation description.
  • Presentation Format: Please explain your presentation format and include details about any preparatory work expected of the participants (if applicable): Describe how the content will be presented, e.g., through lecture, discussion, breakout discussions, case studies, etc. Describe any preparatory work that participants should do before coming to the session, e.g., reading a journal article, book chapter, etc.
  • Presenter Experience: Describe the connection of the presenter(s) to this topic and comfort level with presenting the material

Presenter(s) Details

All correspondence/communication will be addressed to the person who logs into their IOA account to submit the proposal. The following information will also be requested for the presenter(s).

  • First & Last Name
  • Employer/Affiliation
  • Position/Title
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
  • Mailing Address
  • Presenter Experience: Describe the connection of the presenter(s) to this topic and comfort level with presenting the material.
  • Presenter Biography: Please provide a brief biography (no more than 100 words) written in the third person to be used in conference publications and read by the room host at the start of the session. Please include your current position and title in the biography.
  • Professional Photo (Headshot)
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Here Are 5 Tips to Help You Prepare Your Speaker Proposal:

1. Be Imaginative

Consider using a unique presentation method that goes beyond the typical lecture style. This year, IOA is particularly focused on offering innovative sessions that provide greater equity of experience for attendees from across the world. 

2. Identify Your Audience

As you develop your proposal, be sure to keep in mind your intended audience. The Annual Conference brings together hundreds of individuals from across different regions, industries, expertise levels, and backgrounds. By identifying your specific audience early you can better tailor your proposal. Learn more about IOA attendees on our website.

3. Consider the Theme

This year, we invite you to connect to one another across cultural and physical boundaries, examining topics such as identity, health, equity, and dispute resolution.

4. Make Your Content Relevant

Think about the issues facing organizations today. How can you help prepare ombuds to assist these organizations as they navigate their unique conflicts? Learn more about the topics we hope to explore.

5. Prepare Your Proposal in Advance

Gather all of the necessary information for your proposal prior to completing the online form. Be sure your description and learning objectives are clear and concise. Perhaps ask a colleague to proofread your information before you hit submit.