THE AACRAO 111th ANNUAL MEETING CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS OPEN

The deadline for proposal submissions is September 15, 2025

AACRAO is a leading authority on student admissions, academic records, international education, and enrollment management. We invite content experts to share ideas, best practices, and solutions that are helping to shape the future of higher education.

 CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

 

The 111th AACRAO Annual Meeting will take place April 19–22, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event brings together over 1,800 higher education professionals for professional development and robust networking opportunities. The program will include daily plenary sessions, more than 270 breakout sessions, pre-conference workshops, ticketed luncheons, the AACRAO Business Meeting, and dedicated time to engage with business partners serving the higher education community.

Call for Proposals Open: June 2 - September 15, 2025

Presenters Notified of Acceptance Status: week of October 27, 2025

Registration: opens December 3, 2025

Suggested
Topics
Sample Proposal
Form
Presenter
Agreements
Submission
Checklist

 

  • Presentation Formats

    Presentation Formats and Types
    Submit a pre-conference workshop, breakout session, roundtable, panel, or research session topic for consideration. Panel discussions, hands-on sessions, and case studies, as well as subject matter that supports the AACRAO Professional Competencies & Proficiencies, will be given additional consideration.  

    Breakout Sessions:

    • 50 or 75-minute presentations given by one or more co-presenters
    • Slide and/or video content is expected throughout the presentation
    • Interaction with the audience is encouraged
    • Presenters are encouraged to end breakout sessions with time for Q&A
    • AV includes a podium microphone, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience. 

    Panels:

    • 50 or 75-minute presentations given by two or more co-presenters
    • Slide and/or video content is expected throughout the presentation
    • Differing viewpoints or experiences are encouraged from panel members
    • Presenters are encouraged to end breakout sessions with time for Q&A
    • AV includes a panelist table with one table microphone to share, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience

    Roundtables:

    • 50 or 75-minute discussions led by one or more co-presenters
    • Slide and/or video content are often included as visual prompt "talking points" for the discussion
    • Roundtables do not follow a “standard lecture format”; they are interactive and involve sharing from the audience throughout the session
    • Note: most session rooms are set with only chairs to accommodate as many attendees as possible; round tables in the room are not guaranteed
    • AV includes a podium microphone, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience

    Research Sessions:

    • 50 or 75-minute presentations given by two or more co-presenters
    • Slide and/or video content is expected throughout the presentation.
    • Research sessions focus on presenting original research or data-driven insights related to higher education.
    • Presenters share their research findings, including methodology, data, and conclusions, often supported by visual aids such as slides, charts, or graphs.
    • Interactive discussions allow attendees to ask questions, offer feedback, and engage with the research.
    • AV includes a podium microphone, a projector, and screen for visual presentations.

    Pre-Conference Workshops:

    • Half to full-day courses led by experts in critical content areas of the field
    • Courses range from basic skills and knowledge in registrar, admissions, recruiting, and enrollment functions to courses that help participants build on their work experience to advance in their careers
    • Registration for most pre-conference workshops requires an additional fee for attendees and is usually separate from registration for the full conference
    • Pre-Conference Workshops take place before the Annual Meeting begins
    • AV includes a podium microphone, a projector and screen, and for larger sessions, a microphone for questions from the audience

    Corporate Sessions:

    • Any session with a presenter or co-presenter representing a company or organization that sells products or services to AACRAO membership may be classified as a "Corporate Session"
    • Additional fees apply for Corporate Sessions
    • Session slots are limited; participation is on a first-come-first-served basis
    • Questions? For additional information, please contact corporates@aacrao.org
  • Session Review Process

    All session proposals submitted for the AACRAO Annual Meeting undergo a multi-step review process to ensure high-quality, relevant content. The Program Committee strives to select a balanced program representing the multi-faceted interests and needs of AACRAO membership.

    Initial Review: Proposals are reviewed by members of AACRAO’s Professional Activities Committees (PACs) and Program Committee.

    Evaluation Criteria: Reviewers assess proposals based on clarity, originality, relevance to AACRAO audiences, alignment with the meeting’s themes, and the expertise of the presenter(s). Reviewers may request additional information from submitters regarding the session's content or intended delivery methods.

    Scoring and Comments: Each proposal is scored and may receive feedback. Strong proposals often demonstrate actionable takeaways, audience engagement strategies, and broad institutional applicability.

    Program Development: The Program Committee uses reviewer input to build a balanced and diverse agenda, ensuring coverage across key topic areas and member interests. Submitters of proposals with similar content may be asked to combine their sessions to offer a more comprehensive presentation.

    Notification: Submitters are notified of acceptance, alternate, or not-accepted status. Presenters are asked to complete a "confirmation" form indicating their intent to accept or decline their invitation to present at the meeting.

    This process is designed to maintain the high standard of educational content attendees expect from the AACRAO flagship event.

  • General Proposal Guidelines

    The AACRAO Annual Meeting highlights the scope and breadth of our members' professional responsibilities across all institution types. To ensure presentations are of the highest quality and are applicable to a broad audience, proposals should: 

    • demonstrate practical applications to the profession
    • present multiple viewpoints
    • represent multiple institutions and institution types (two-year, four-year, public, private, etc.)
    • draw from theory
    • be grounded in research
    • focus on trending and 'hot topics'
    • include assessment or trend data as appropriate

Other Inquiries: 
Email meetings@aacrao.org

Become an AACRAO member:
Email membership@aacrao.org

Corporate Presentations

If a presenter is affiliated with an organization or company that provides products or services to AACRAO members, the session will be reviewed for potential classification as a 'corporate session.' Sessions reclassified as corporate will be subject to a presentation fee, payable by the organization or company. For information on corporate presentations and fees, contact corporates@aacrao.org

 SUGGESTED TOPICS

 

Suggested topics for session proposals for the AACRAO Annual Meeting, reflecting the broad interests of the AACRAO community and aligning with its core professional development areas. Note: session proposals are not limited to the topics below:

Admissions & Enrollment Management

  • Strategies for recruitment, yield, and retention
  • Recruiting and supporting underrepresented or nontraditional students
  • Institution-wide enrollment management
  • Test-optional or test-free policies
  • Admission’s role in the academic enterprise
  • CRM implementation and optimization
  • Access, affordability, and financial aid essentials
  • Identifying and supporting at-risk students
  • Three-year degrees
  • Student transfer trends

Academic Records & Registration

  • Curriculum and classroom scheduling optimization
  • FERPA compliance and information security
  • Registration process improvements and service delivery
  • Academic policy and catalog management

International Education

  • Credential evaluation and recognition
  • Study abroad and exchange programs
  • International student mobility and immigration
  • Emerging international education trends

Future of the Profession

  • Emerging roles and competencies for enrollment professionals
  • The impact of AI and automation on student services
  • Anticipating the next generation of students and staff
  • Evolving expectations for leadership and institutional agility
  • Strategies for maintaining relevance and resilience in a changing landscape
  • Workforce development and the future of higher education careers
  • Fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in enrollment offices
  • Generational leadership transitions and knowledge transfer
  • Equity, ethics, and values in the digital age
  • The profession’s role in shaping institutional strategy and student outcomes

Technology & Data Management

  • AI, automation, and digital transformation
  • Data governance and systems integration
  • Business process design/redesign
  • Transforming data into actionable insights
  • Student information system (SIS) implementation
  • Microcredentials and badging

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

  • Culturally responsive practices in enrollment and advising
  • Inclusive policies and equitable student support
  • Serving distinct populations (veterans, LGBTQ+, Indigenous students, students with disabilities etc.)

Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Change management and campus culture
  • Professional development, sustainability, and core values
  • Succession planning and staff development
  • Cross-functional collaboration and team building
  • Leading through restructuring or budget constraints
  • Building and managing stakeholder relationships (students, faculty, alumni, parents, etc.)
  • Impact of the economy on higher education

Research, Assessment & Strategic Planning

  • Measuring student success and institutional effectiveness
  • Strategic enrollment planning and forecasting
  • Planning, assessment, and performance benchmarking
  • Institutional transformation case studies

Policy, Compliance, and Legal Issues

  • Federal and state policy impacts on enrollment and records
  • Regulatory and compliance issues (accountability, disclosure, accreditation)
  • Veterans, immigration, and international compliance considerations
  • NCAA compliance
  • Ethical issues in data and enrollment management
  • Working with state, federal, and accrediting agencies
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 SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

 

Follow these steps to prepare your session proposal and submit it for review:

Before you begin:

  • Review the sample session proposal form and session types
  • Identify and consult with co-presenter(s), if possible.
    Proposals with more than one presenter are given priority for acceptance to the Annual Meeting
  • Review suggested topics, AACRAO core competencies, and proficiencies
  • Consider your target audience and what they’ll take away from the session
  • Plan to attend the Tips for Submitting an Annual Meeting Session Proposal webinar on July 16.
    Learn what makes a proposal stand out and avoid common mistakes

Proposal Submission:

  • Provide a clear and concise session proposal by September 15, 2025
  • respond to communication from PAC leadership or the Program Committee regarding your proposal; provide addtional information if requested
  • direct questions or needed assistance to the appropriate PAC leadership or Program Committee member(s)

After Submission:

  • Confirm receipt of your proposal via email
  • Watch for notification of acceptance (week of October 27, 2025)
  • If accepted, confirm intent to present and review the Presenter Guidelines on the AACRAO website
  • Be prepared to register and attend the conference
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 PRESENTER AGREEMENTS

 

To ensure a professional, inclusive, and accessible experience for all attendees, presenters must follow key technology and accessibility guidelines. These agreements address internet limitations, reinforce accessibility best practices, and help you prepare for a successful presentation. The internet and microphone agreements are included in the session proposal form. The code of conduct agreement is included in the meeting registration form.

Internet Access Information & Acknowledgements

  • I understand hard-line internet is not provided and Wi-Fi may be unreliable; I will have a backup if using live polls.
  • I understand virtual presenters are not permitted.
  • I understand streaming is not allowed; videos must be embedded and submitted as .mp4 files in advance.

Microphone Agreement

To ensure accessibility and inclusion:

  • I will use a microphone at all times, regardless of room size.
  • I will ensure all audience questions are asked into a microphone.
  • I will wait to answer questions until they are properly amplified.

I agree to use a microphone at all times during my presentation.

AACRAO Meetings Code of Conduct

All AACRAO event attendees are required to adhere to the AACRAO Meetings Code of Conduct. Click here to view the Code of Conduct.

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