IOA conference planners are accepting presentation proposals, and speaker and topic suggestions for the tenth annual meeting.  The conference is set for April 19-22, 2015 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. IOA's attendees are diverse -- they come from various sectors and countries and have varying levels of experience. Individuals representing universities, companies, not for profit agencies or sole practitioners attend the IOA meeting looking for like-minded Ombuds with whom to share ideas, collaborate or learn new things.

New this year is a panel discussion on scholarship/research panel.  Submitters should expect to share research methods and findings or discuss research in progress relevant to the Organizational Ombudsman.   Other potential topics include, but are not limited to: 

• all aspects of conflict management 
• cultural and global competencies 
• sector specific constituent issues 
• listening 
• interviewing 
• facilitation 
• coaching 
• maximizing an Ombudsman’s impact on organizations 
• conducting training programs 
• working with other offices/support services in an organization 
• updates on legal and regulatory frameworks that affect Ombuds

Proposals are due by September 30, 2014 at 5 pm Eastern. (IOA Conf Info, Call for Proposals.) 

Related Ombuds Blog posts: 2012 IOA Conference Roundup; IOA 2013 Conference Recap;
IOA 2014 Conference Recap.