Members from all specialties, experience levels, and ACUI involvement are invited to contribute their knowledge to the 2027 Annual Conference by submitting an educational session. The submission deadline is Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Proposals are strongly encouraged that highlight tangible takeaways related to this year’s conference vision areas of belonging, empowerment, and restorative energy and action.
When developing your session proposal, please consider the below information about session formats.
Presentation Types
A 25-minute presentation on a selected topic to be presented individually or with a co-presenter(s). This delivery format provides a quick exploration of a topic area and is designed for quick takeaways.
A 50-minute presentation on a selected topic to be presented individually or with a co-presenter(s). This delivery format often explains or explores a specific topic area in depth and engages participants to think deeper in selected areas.
A 90-minute presentation on a selected topic to be presented individually or with a co-presenter(s). This delivery format provides an extended conversation and/or facilitation into a specific topic area which could also include components of reflections, case studies, and small group discussions.
Participants can choose to write in what type of session they would like to present (within the time constraints of the listed sessions above 25 or 50 minutes), and the Conference Program Team will follow up if the session is selected.
Participation Types
A highly interactive session centered around doing or creating. Participants engage in hands-on experiences such as simulations, role-playing, or creative exercises. The emphasis is on active participation, learning by doing, and often generating tangible takeaways or new perspectives.
A structured presentation led by the presenter or co-presenters, sharing in-depth information, expertise, or research findings with the audience. While primarily one-directional, brief opportunities for questions or reflections may be included.
A moderated session where a group of experts or stakeholders share diverse perspectives on a focused topic. Each panelist contributes insights, followed by a facilitated dialogue among panelists and audience input.
Facilitators lead a collaborative session supported by selected presenters, panelists, or resources. The focus is deep conversation among participants on one or more topics, driven by audience engagement and co-created dialogue.
Participants engage with curated materials at their own pace. No formal facilitation or live instruction is involved, making this ideal for asynchronous or supplemental learning. Example content includes posters, digital media, or print.
Eligibility and Expectations
Every presenter at the ACUI annual conference must be registered for the conference or the ACUI Expo. Additionally, all presenters must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
- All individual members in good standing, employees or students at an institutional member in good standing, and union veterans are eligible to present educational sessions at the annual conference.
- ACUI nonmembers representing not-for-profit organizations are eligible to present educational sessions. Nonmembers are encouraged to present with ACUI members whenever possible.
- Every corporate presenter at the upcoming ACUI annual conference must be registered and meet the requirements available here.
ACUI is committed to providing welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environments at its conferences and events. During our programs, we want all participants to share ideas, network, and enjoy the company of others, and we recognize that our ability to create this experience depends on the behavior of all in attendance.
Event speakers are expected to conduct themselves according to ACUI’s core values, and the ethical standards of the profession. All members of the ACUI community are to be considerate; refrain from any demeaning, harassing, or discriminatory behavior or speech; and immediately comply with any requests to discontinue objectionable behavior. The following are examples of unacceptable behavior:
- Offensive, hostile, or derogatory comments.
- Disruptive actions unrelated to the intended purpose of the event.
- Conduct that demonstrates a lack of professionalism or respect for another individual.
We ask that all presenters at ACUI conferences be mindful that our audiences include students and professionals from all types of campuses and educational institutions, as well as corporate and nonprofit members and partners. Every effort is expected of presenters and speakers to include appropriate language, material, and examples for the Association’s target audience and membership.
To successfully deliver your content, each presenter acknowledges that:
- ACUI has permission to record, stream, broadcast, distribute, and subsequently utilize all session content without any expectation of rights, remuneration, or interest unless otherwise specified and agreed upon in writing by ACUI.
- ACUI assumes no liability for the representation, comments, remarks, errors of omission, publications, or presentations of the presenter/creator
- They will be named as the author of the presentation, with their name and directory information may be used in connection with its publication and promotion.
- All information that will be presented is factual and original; that all quoted material is properly cited and does not infringe upon any copyright; and that work has not been copyrighted previously.
- They will communicate in a timely manner with conference representatives regarding session information, changes, and additional requests.
- They will provide presentation materials for your session to accommodate attendee requests and accessibility.
- If you choose to use AI to support your educational session development, please ensure data privacy and copyright ethics are respected, review all outputs for accuracy, and be transparent with how AI tools were used.