IOA Annual Conference

The IOA annual conference serves as the premier venue to promote ombuds awareness, increase individual knowledge, and enhance professional skills. The annual conference features keynote and plenary speakers, workshops, presentations, and panel discussions to address a conference theme and provides countless opportunities for connection and engagement.

IOA's 17th Annual Conference

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Past Annual Conferences

16th Annual Conference

Main Conference 22–24 March 2021
Professional Development Courses and Specialty Workshops 29–31 March 2019
IOA's First-Ever Virtual Conference

Thank You to Everyone Who Participated in #IOA2021

We are grateful to everyone who had a hand in making this first-ever virtual IOA Conference such a success and we are grateful to all of the attendees for participating, supporting IOA, and helping to grow the ombuds profession. Attendees are encouraged to keep the conversation going and continue watching recordings all the way through December 2021!

15th Annual Conference - Cancelled Due to COVID

"IOA Vision 2020: Innovation, Importance, and Integrity in Ombuds Work"
Main Conference 30 March – 1 April 2020
Professional Development Courses and Specialty Workshops 27 – 29 March 2020
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Portland, Oregon, USA

The IOA Board of Directors made the difficult decision, due to unanticipated circumstances beyond its control, we must cancel the 15th Annual IOA Conference as well as the pre-conference sessions and professional development courses scheduled in Portland, Oregon, 27 March – 1 April 2020. Read the full cancelation letter on our conference resources page.

14th Annual Conference

Main Conference 1–3 April 2019
Professional Development Courses and Specialty Workshops 29–31 March 2019
Sheraton New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana USA

13th Annual Conference

Main Conference 23–25 April 2018
Professional Development Courses and Specialty Workshops 20–22 April 2018
Richmond Marriott
Richmond, Virginia USA

12th Annual Conference

Main Conference 24–26 April 2017
Professional Development Courses and Specialty Workshops 21–23 April 2017
Minneapolis Marriott City Center
Minneapolis, MN

11th Annual Conference

Main Conference 10–13 April 2016
Pre-conference Courses and Professional Development Courses 8–10 April 2016
Seattle Westin Hotel
Seattle, WA

10th Annual Conference

Main Conference 19–22 April 2015
Pre-conference Courses and Professional Development Courses 17–19 April 2015
Sheraton Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, GA

9th Annual Conference

4–9 April 2014
Sheraton Denver Downtown
Denver, CO

8th Annual Conference

19–24 April 2013
Hyatt Regency Miami
Miami, FL

7th Annual Conference

13–18 April 2012
Hyatt Regency Houston
Houston, TX

6th Annual Conference

1–6 April 2011
Hilton Portland & Executive Tower
Portland, OR

5th Annual Conference

"IOA and New Orleans: Rebirth, Rebuild, Respond!"
7–10 April 2010
The Marriott New Orleans
New Orleans, LA

4th Annual Conference

A joint conference with
ACCUO - The Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons
FCO – The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman
IOA - The International Ombudsman Association
"Evolution of the Ombudsman [1809-2009]: A Rich History, A Promising Future"
15–18 April 2009
The Fairmont Hotel, The Queen Elizabeth
Montreal QC, Canada