Call for Proposals

The Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association (IPELRA), a nonprofit organization providing professional development for public sector labor relations, human resources, and management employees, is seeking proposals for its 47th ATC at the Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois. Conference attendance is approximately 170 and provides excellent networking opportunities.

Presentation Guidelines

  • Must be 60-75 minutes in length.
  • Include practical take-aways for immediate workplace application.
  • Must be suitable for new and/or seasoned professionals.
  • Address key topics and emerging trends affecting labor and employment management that include, but not limited to:
    • Collective bargaining
    • Labor relations
    • Compensation, benefits, and total rewards
    • Employment law or compliance
    • Human resources topics and functional areas
    • Leadership, succession planning and professional development.
    • Performance management.
  • Should use case studies or real-life examples to aid understanding, if/when possible.
  • Must be noncommercial, and not conduct a product demo, advertise, or promote a product, service, or firm/company.

Submittal Due Date

  • Submittals are due February 20, 2026
  • Questions may be directed to IPELRA Training Committee Chair Sharon Tanner by email at stanner@ipelra.org.

Additional Details

  • Proposals will be reviewed by the IPELRA Training Committee. Presenters will be notified if their proposal has been accepted or declined by May 15, 2026.
  • Proposals will be selected based on presenter experience or credentials, topic relevance, content/description, benefits, and significance.
  • If a proposal is selected, the presenter will be marketed in the IPELRA conference brochure, as well as at the conference itself.
  • IPELRA does not pay travel/hotel expenses for presenters unless expressly agreed on by the IPELRA Board. Presenters, however, are welcome to meals and participate in other sessions and events in conjunction with the conference.   
  • Presenters will be required to use their own computer for their session. Electronic handouts are highly encouraged.

IPELRA looks forward to your proposal and thanks you for your submission. Please click the icon below to submit your application.

Session Proposals