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Annual Conference Call for Proposals

The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
November 5 - 7, 2025

The Call for Proposals will open May 5.

The Midwest Association of Colleges & Employers (Midwest ACE) Annual Conference Committee will start accepting breakout session proposals later this spring. The conference will include a variety of breakout session tracks. The Program Committee will work to balance current, critical topics along with meeting the needs of our membership to further grow as leaders and managers in our corporate and institutional environments. Our mission is to craft a program that addresses the needs of career services and employer professionals. 

Proposals related to the conference theme and tracks are encouraged, as well as those related to current “hot topics”, such as alumni and mentoring programs, career development, diversity & inclusion, new technology, professional development, and recruitment at smaller institutions and community colleges, etc. Please note that your proposal does not need to be a program or initiative with a record of success. We want to hear what you are doing right now, including any new programs or services you are offering, or any collaborative efforts you have in place to enhance our profession.

All presenters must register for and attend the conference in person.
While one-day rates will be available, registration discounts are not provided for presenters.

This year’s conference celebrates Cincinnati’s unique position as a vital connector between industries, regions, and communities. Positioned at the crossroads of innovation, opportunity, and collaboration, the city plays a pivotal role in strengthening the workforce ecosystem. Together, we aim to forge meaningful connections, advance career opportunities, and shape a workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Proposal Themes:

  • Advancing Wellness Initiatives: Explore strategies for creating supportive work environments that prioritize mental wellness and foster a sense of belonging for all.
  • Leveraging Technology to Expand Opportunities: Delve into how AI, automation, and other cutting-edge technologies are transforming how employers and educators approach talent development.
  • Expanding Professional Networks: Highlight the power of networks in driving career advancement and employer-educator collaboration.
  • Preparing Talent for Tomorrow’s Workforce: Focus on equipping students and professionals with the adaptability and skills needed in an evolving labor market.

Session Topics

Sessions can be focused onthe below topics:

  • Administration
  • Assessment and Data Analytics
  • Career Advising/Counseling
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Employer
  • Employer Relations
  • Experiential Education
  • Personal / Professional Development
  • Small Colleges and Universities
  • Technology

To read more details about the session topics, click here.

Sessions must be noncommercial in nature. To maintain the educational integrity of the program, presenters may not use their session as a platform for promotion of their products and services, or for monetary gain.

Session Formats:

Hot Topics: Hot Topic discussions let participants dip quickly into up to four topics in an open environment for idea sharing, benchmarking and guided discussion. Hot Topic / Roundtable hosts/moderators will facilitate discussion and have talking points already established, but not make a formal presentation. Hot Topic participants will share contact information for the purpose of recieving post discussion materials.

Breakout Session: These one-hour sessions can take various forms, from a single presenter or panel presentation to a facilitated networking discussion. The length of one hour gives time for a more in-depth exploration of a topic.

 What you need to submit:

  • Presenter Resumes/CVs and Bios
  • Session Title
  • Session Description (200 word max)
  • Brief Description for Conference App (75 word max)
  • Learning Objective (Minimum 1, Applies to Breakout Session submissions only)

Tips for Submitting a Proposal

Give it time - A good proposal takes time to create! Set aside a few hours to review past proposals, draft out your presentation outline, and craft your title and session description.

Tailor your sessions - Increase your chances of being selected by aligning with one of our topics above and think about a format that involves the audience and stimulates discussions (instead of straight lecture).

Make it Catchy - The title and description you create now will be listed in the app and program, so consider the audience, topic area and relevance to your presentation. Use action verbs and results-oriented words. Your title must be both attention-grabbing and give a good description of your session.

Share Takeaways - Think about the learning outcomes. What information will attendees learn? What new insights will you cultivate? What best practices or how-to’s will you share? Answer the following:
“By attending this session, attendees will gain…

Additional Information

  • Presentations are expected to stick closely to what is proposed on this form. 
  • Presenters will not be compensated.
  • Midwest ACE will provide accepted presenters of break-out sessions with a projector and screen, laptop and microphone. 

FAQs

Who can submit a proposal?
Anyone who has a relevant topic to share! We’ve had submissions from graduate assistants, faculty, career counselors, vice president's, directors, recruiters and more.

Where is the 2025 Annual Conference?

The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
November 5 - 7, 2025

How long should my presentation be?
Break-out sessions are 60 minutes.

When are proposals due?
June 13, 2025

When will I know if my proposal was accepted?
You will be notified in July of 2025 on the status of your proposal.

Who should I contact with additional questions?
Please contact MWACE Headquarters at [email protected].