Professional Development Day 2026
Call for Session Proposals
We’re seeking dynamic, solution-focused sessions for our annual Professional Development Day. Share your expertise with a community of higher education professionals ready to learn and grow.
Proposal Deadline: June 30, 2026 | Event Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This Year’s Theme
“Supporting Your Best Professional Self in Higher Education”
This year’s Professional Development Day focuses on helping higher education professionals show up more effectively, grow intentionally, and navigate an increasingly complex workplace. Sessions should provide insights as well as actionable strategies and tangible takeaways that participants can immediately apply in their roles.
Sub-Themes
We encourage proposals that explore these key areas
Working Smarter
AI, productivity, efficiency, and tools that help you do more with less.
Growing Your Career
Advancement, positioning, career navigation, and owning your professional trajectory.
Building Relationships
Mentorship, networking, influence, and building the connections that matter.
Leading in Complex Environments
Managing up/down, navigating teams, communication, and leading through uncertainty.
Session Formats
Choose the format that fits your content
Sessions are 30 minutes (20 min + 10 min Q&A) or 50 minutes (35 min + 15 min Q&A). A maximum of three presenters/panelists per session. Note: session length is subject to change based on the number of proposals received.
Expert-Led Presentation
Share research, best practices, or case studies with clear implementation strategies.
Interactive Workshop
Facilitate hands-on learning experiences that equip attendees with actionable tools.
Panel Discussion
Engage diverse perspectives on critical topics related to the event theme and sub-themes.
Networking Roundtable
Focused discussions on key topics, giving participants opportunities to connect and develop actionable strategies.
Proposal Requirements
What to prepare before you submit
You will not be able to save your progress in the submission form, so please have all of the following ready before you begin.
Note for presenters: All presenters are required to register for Professional Development Day at their own cost. As a thank you, presenters receive a 15% discount off the regular registration rate.
Timeline
Key Dates to Know
Now – June 30, 2026
Call for Session Proposals Open
July 1–15, 2026
Proposal Review Period
On or Before July 15, 2026
Decisions Emailed to Applicants
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Professional Development Day
Need Help?
Open Office Hours with the Planning Committee
The Professional Development Chairs will be hosting three open office hours sessions before the deadline — a great opportunity to ask questions about the proposal process or brainstorm ideas with the planning committee.
Ready to submit your proposal?
Proposals are due by June 30, 2026. Questions? Reach out to us at board@higheredcollective.org
Submit Your Proposal
Higher Education Networking Collective 