2027 Call for Presentations

Proposal Window: 24 August – 28 October 2026

About  |  Topics  |  Plan Your Proposal  |  Evaluation Criteria  |  Five Tips

About the Event

The International Ombuds Association warmly invites you to submit a presentation proposal for our 22nd Annual Conference, taking place on 15–17 March 2027, in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

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 #IOA2027, we hope to share ideas, collaborate, and explore new theories, concepts, and practices. 

Submit a Proposal Today

#IOA2027 Content Focus Areas

IOA's goal is to continually improve the content we offer conference attendees. Based on evaluations of past conferences, we have developed a list of requested topics and areas of interest for #IOA2027. 

Canadian-Focused Content or Content from the Canadian Perspective 

Content that specifically addresses the Canadian context, including public service, higher education, healthcare, legal frameworks, workplace culture, Indigenous relations, organizational structures, or ombuds practice within Canada. These sessions are presented by Canadian Ombuds and will be of interest to Canadian practitioners and those interested in the nuances and perspectives of Canadian practitioners. 

Examples:

• Canadian federal public service ombuds programs
• Canadian workplace legislation
• Public sector practices in Canada
• Regional or national Canadian case studies

Increasing Business Acumen and Understanding of Organizational Language 

Content that helps ombuds understand, communicate with, and influence organizational decision-makers by strengthening knowledge of business operations, organizational strategy, financial considerations, risk management, governance, performance metrics, and organizational effectiveness.

Examples:

• Demonstrating organizational value
• Strategic planning
• Risk mitigation
• ROI and impact measurement
• Executive communication
• Governance and organizational structure

Political Acumen and Understanding Organizational Dynamics and Ecosystems 

Content that helps ombuds navigate organizational dynamics, stakeholder relationships, decision-making processes, influence networks, and competing interests while maintaining independence, impartiality, and credibility.

Examples:

• Building executive relationships
• Navigating organizational politics
• Stakeholder management
• Influencing without authority
• Change management
• Strategic communication with leadership

Indigenous Work

Content focused on understanding, engaging with, supporting, or partnering with Indigenous peoples, communities, nations, and organizations. This includes culturally informed practices, reconciliation efforts, Indigenous ways of knowing, and conflict resolution approaches grounded in Indigenous perspectives.

Examples:

• Indigenous engagement
• Reconciliation initiatives
• Cultural humility
• Indigenous conflict resolution practices
• Working with tribal, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities
• Creating culturally responsive ombuds services

Coaching and Leadership

Content focused on developing leadership capabilities, coaching skills, self-awareness, communication effectiveness, team development, and the ability to guide individuals and organizations through conflict, change, and growth.

Examples:

• Leadership development
• Executive coaching
• Difficult conversations
• Feedback and influence
• Emotional intelligence
• Resilience and self-management
• Leading ombuds programs
• Developing future leaders

Research and Studying the Field 

Content focused on presenting qualitative and quantitative research about organizational ombuds and that aligns with IOA’s Research Agenda. These sessions may be included in the 2027 Research Symposium that will take place during the conference on Wednesday, 17 March 2027. 

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Plan Your Proposal

When submitting a proposal, you will be required to include the following information. We have included the list below to help you prepare and gather the required information in advance of completing the call for proposals form.  

Presentation Formats

• 60-Minute Presentation: Expected to be an in-depth presentation on the topic.
• 15-Minute Presentation: This mini-presentation is a micro-learning session focused on practice tools, office setup, system design, or working with leadership. 
• Either a 60-Minute or 15-minute presentation during the conference
• Half-day presentation - as part of pre-conference
• Full-day presentation - as part of pre-conference

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 Sectors

Target Audience for Presentation (Select at Least One)

• Aspiring, Beginner, Intermediate, and/or Advanced

Presentation Details

• 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..."
• Presentation Details (2000 character limit, approximately 400 words)
• Background: Briefly discuss or justify the importance of the topic.
• Format: Please explain your presentation format (e.g., lecture, discussion, role-playing, etc.) and include details about any preparatory work expected of the participants (e.g., reading a journal article, book chapter, etc.), if applicable. 
• Detailed Description (2,000 characters limit, approximately 400 words): This will be used for conference publications (e.g., website).
• Presenter Experience (500 character limit, approximately 100 words): Describe your experience with and/or depth of knowledge on the topic. Why is this topic important to you?

Certified Organizational Ombuds Domains

For purposes of recertification approval from the Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombuds, you will select which of the Domains you expect this presentation may satisfy.

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
• Credentials
• Email
• 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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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 apply to a range of levels of ombuds experience:
• Aspiring, Beginner, Intermediate, and/or Advanced
• 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.
• Proposals from first-time presenters will be given special consideration.

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Five Tips to Help You Prepare Your Speaker Proposal

1. Be Imaginative

Consider using a unique presentation method that goes beyond the typical lecture style.  Be innovative! 

2. Identify Your Audience

As you develop your proposal, be sure to keep your intended audience in mind. The IOA 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.

3. This Year, There Is No Theme!

This year, there is no theme!  We invite you to focus on any of the broad range of topics that would interest organizational ombuds! 

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.

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