Background

The 2025 International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Midwest Chapter Conference offers a unique opportunity for anyone who works in public participation (P2) and engagement to share their successes, challenges, and passion with conference attendees. Whether you are a public sector engagement specialist, nonprofit leader, government planner, community organizer, or consultant, we invite you to present and attend the conference.
The Midwest chapter includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. We welcome conference presenters and P2 enthusiasts from across our Chapter and beyond!

We are strongly committed to equity and the conference is open to everyone who would like to attend. Our conferences provide learning opportunities for seasoned and new practitioners, along with people interested in learning more about public engagement. Our conferences are very affordable, presenters receive a registration discount, and we will be offering some scholarships. Watch for registration information soon!

Question Title

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The theme for this conference is:
Weaving Vibrant Networks That Energize Engagement


Public participation (P2) brings people together to work through issues that matter. Below are some prompts to help you think about a session proposal and we welcome sessions highlighting other public engagement opportunities and challenges:
  • How can we ensure that the networks we build for public engagement remain adaptive and resilient in the face of change?
  • What innovative methods can energize public participation and make it more inclusive and dynamic?
  • Can you share an experience where a network of collaborators energized a project or initiative? What factors contributed to that success?
  • Is there a tool or technique that has been impactful in your work? How can you share it with conference attendees in an engaging way?
  • How do you use new technologies, innovative strategies, relationships, and techniques to enhance engagement?
  • How can we build pathways for professional development that encourage collaboration, skill-sharing, and mentorship to grow the field of public engagement?
Reference and examples: Review the 2024 program and session information to help you prepare your proposal.

Deadline: NOW EXTENDED Proposals are due by noon Central time on Friday, January 17th, 2025.

Questions? Please reach out to the following to discuss your ideas or get more information:
  • Andy Wessel, andy.wessel@douglascounty-ne.gov
  • Heather Lasher Todd, Heather@StratCommRx.com
Selection Process and Logistics
The Conference Program Committee will review proposals and evaluate them based on the following considerations:
  • How the proposed format and delivery methods support participants to achieve the stated learning objectives
  • Extent of audience engagement appropriate to the objectives
  • Depth and quality of the content
  • Relevance to important P2 issues and opportunities, and to the conference theme
  • To what extent does the session provide attendees a tool/tactic/takeaway they can use in their work
  • Overall range and variety of issues, topics, and presenters
Equipment and materials: Presenters must bring their own laptops and any other materials needed for their session. Projectors and screens are provided.

Notification: Proposers will be notified of the committee’s decision in early February 2025. The committee will then follow up with accepted presenters regarding final logistics.

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