Key Details:

Key Objective for the event:

• Reignite Personal and Professional Passion
  • Empower advisors to reconnect with the “why” behind their work through inspiring keynotes, reflective sessions, and shared success stories that renew motivation.
• Reimagine Purpose-Driven Advising
  • Encourage advisors to think beyond routine tasks by exploring fresh strategies, tools, and perspectives that support meaningful student engagement and advisor fulfillment.
• Restore Energy and Intentionality
  • Create space for advisors to reset, recharge, and build sustainable practices that foster wellness, balance, and renewed joy in their roles.

Proposal Form (this is a clickable link)

Deadline: Proposals are due by Friday July, 25 at 5:00 PM CST
Eligibility: Presenters must be current/active WACADA members
Registration: Event registration is now open, along with membership renewal
Notifications: Proposal selections will be finalized by August 4, 2025, with email confirmations sent to selected presenters

Presentation Topics

We’re seeking engaging, insightful, and purposeful presentations from advising professionals across the region. This year’s theme—Fuel the Flame: Reignite Your Passion, Reimagine Your Purpose—focuses on restoring the joy, energy, and intention behind the work we do as advisors.

We invite proposals that inspire, challenge, and uplift—whether you’re sharing innovative advising practices, creative ways to reconnect with your “why,” or strategies that support both advisor and student growth.

If it helps fellow advisors feel re-energized, rethink their impact, or reimagine their approach, we want to hear about it!.

For inspiration, check out the ideas suggested by WACADA members!

Presentation Format Options

• Topical Presentation:
  • A formal presentation of insights on a current advising topic, ideally with interactive elements. Topics may include literature research, best practices, or personal research (experimental or theoretical). Presentations should be 30-35 minutes with 10-15 minutes for questions.
• Panel Discussion
  • A facilitated discussion among a group of specialists or experts in a specific area of advising offers a dynamic exchange of ideas.
• “Roundtable” Discussion
  • An informal, peer-to-peer discussion focused on hot topics or areas of interest, allowing for active participant interaction.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should include:

• Presenter Information (Lead and Co-Presenters)
• Title
• Presentation Overview (maximum 500 words): Include a detailed topic description, learning outcomes, intended audience (if applicable), and applicable research.
• Presentation Abstract (maximum 130 words): A concise summary of the event program.
• Target Audience
• Tech and Accessibility Needs (if applicable for virtual format).

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to current topics in academic advising.
• Creativity of approach.
• Membership interest (based on past evaluations).
• Adaptability to other institutions.
• Grounding in research, where applicable.

For questions, please contact Elyse Sewell, VP of Programs at sewelle@gtc.edu.