Call for Speaker Proposals

OPRA is pleased to announce that the Call for Speaker Proposals is now open for the 2026 OPRA Annual Conference.

Conference Dates: October 22–23, 2026
Location: Hilton Columbus Polaris
8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240

The OPRA Annual Conference brings together professionals from across Ohio’s intellectual and developmental disabilities provider community, including staff and leaders from both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Attendees represent a wide range of roles, from direct service and program operations to executive leadership, compliance, human resources, finance, technology, and advocacy.

OPRA is seeking session proposals that are practical, forward-thinking, and relevant to the current needs of I/DD providers. Proposals must include a clear session outline and identify specific tools, strategies, takeaways, or best practices attendees can apply within their organizations.

Suggested topic areas may include some of the most timely issues facing providers today; however, OPRA welcomes proposals on other critical topics that may be valuable to conference attendees.

Before You Submit Your Proposal

Please note that this Call for Speaker Proposals is for breakout sessions only.

Keynote presentations and paid speaking opportunities are not being considered through this application process. If you are a professional speaker interested in keynote or compensated speaking opportunities, please contact Melissa Fannon at mfannon@opra.org to learn more.

Submit Your Proposal

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

The deadline to submit is Monday, August 3, 2026. 

LEADERSHIP

  • Leadership self-care/motivation skills
  • Strategic planning and change management
  • National policy updates

HUMAN RESOURCES & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

  • HR basics for non-HR Managers
  • Navigating changing employment laws and workforce environments
  • Best practices for navigating or de-escalating employee conflict
  • Understanding the changing needs and expectations of today's workforce
  • Strategies for improving the HR workflows, systems, and processes
  • Innovative approaches to staffing, recruitment, retention and employee engagement
  • Creating cultures of inclusive belonging

  • HR  basics for non-HR Managers

DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

  • Community integration
  • Supporting mental health and trauma related needs in individuals and staff
  • Preventing employee burnout
  • Job placement, job coaching, and employer engagement in the current economy

HEALTHCARE

  • Best practices in medical care oversight
  • Emerging medical technology and pharmaceuticals
  • Nursing skills development
  • Supporting mental and physical health for people with I/DD
  • Collaboration between healthcare providers, DSPs, nurses, and leadership  teams

RESIDENTIAL WAIVER & ICF

  • Cost reporting
  • MUI
  • Person-centered planning and implementation
  • Individualized supports

PROMISING PRACTICES & QUALITY SERVICES

  • AI tools for service delivery, operations and business administration
  • Innovative uses of technology in service provision
  • Using data to inform practice, policy, quality improvement and decision-making
  • Participation in or experience with credential, certificate, or pilot programs
  • Interagency collaboration and shared services

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