Share Your Knowledge, Make an Impact at EDUCAUSE 2025
Presenting a content-rich session at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference individually or as part of a team is a wonderful way to share knowledge, experiences, and ideas with lifelong friends.
The conference's community-generated program showcases future directions, best practices, stories of successful collaborations, lessons learned, and solutions to community-wide issues within various program tracks.
Whether you are a first-time or veteran presenter, we welcome your submission! Please read this page carefully before you begin work on your proposal, and submit your proposal by April 22, 2025.*
The call for proposals is now closed.
An EDUCAUSE profile is required to submit a proposal, present, and register for the event. Please take the time now to create a profile or update your profile. Presenter profiles will be displayed within the session listing in the event agenda.
* With a Corporation?
View the Corporate Session Submissions section for options for presenting at this year's event.
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Key Dates ➞
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Steps to Submit a Session Proposal ➞
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Program Tracks ➞
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Delivery Choices ➞
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Session Elements ➞
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Corporate Session Submissions ➞
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Community Group Sessions ➞
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FAQs ➞
“It was my first time presenting at EDUCAUSE, so I was nervous about doing it. In the end, it all went well, making it a satisfying event. Additionally, I am very impressed with the materials you have compiled and shared on what makes a good presentation. I know that improves the quality of everyone's work.”
—Past EDUCAUSE Annual Conference Presenter
Key Dates
| Call for proposals opens | March 31, 2025 |
| Proposal deadline | April 22, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET) |
| Registration opens | Early June |
| Proposals notification sent | Late July |
| Conference program live | Mid August |
| EDUCAUSE Annual Conference | Nashville, TN | October 27–30, 2025 |
| EDUCAUSE Annual Conference | Online | November 12–13, 2025 |
Steps to Submit a Proposal
Learn how to create and submit an excellent proposal by reading this page. Additional tips are also available on the EDUCAUSE Presenter Concierge pages. Feel free to watch the recording or review the slides from the April 9th Member QuickTalk | Creating a Winning Annual Conference Proposal.
Develop a proposal based on one of the program tracks/focus areas within the CFP portal. You may start a proposal within the site and save it as a draft as you go.
Submit your proposal using the CFP portal between March 31 and April 22, 2025. Submitters will be notified about decisions in late July.
If your proposal is accepted, attend and present at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville, TN (October 27–30), or online (November 12–13). Registration is required of all presenters. Learn more about EDUCAUSE's expectations of presenters.
Program Tracks
The Program Committee has identified suggested areas of focus (tracks/topics) for 2025. Preference will be given to the proposals that sufficiently reflect what you have done or are planning to do in these areas.
Your proposal may fit under multiple track options. If so, we recommend that you choose the track that best represents your content and goals. If you’re not sure which track to choose, select “Help Me Decide!” and the program committee will help you select the best track for your session submission.
- ☐ Cultivating Change through Inspiration, Generosity, and Trust
- ☐ Cybersecurity, Privacy, Accessibility, Risk, and Compliance
- ☐ Enterprise, Strategy, Data, Infrastructure, and Support
- ☐ Future of Work: Professional Development and Skills Enhancement
- ☐ Higher Education Landscape, Enrollment, and New Models
- ☐ Institutional Innovation, Technological Advancements, and Challenges
- ☐ Leadership, Organizational Change, and Adaptation
- ☐ Research Computing
- ☐ Student Experience
- ☐ Teaching and Learning
- ☐ Help Me Decide/Other
Delivery Choices
The available session formats are described below. Please select the one that best fits your session structure and presentation style. You will also choose an event option:
- The in-person event in Nashville, TN, October 27–30.
- The online event November 12–13.
- You may also indicate that you would like to be considered for both events. Please do NOT submit identical proposals for different formats or events.
Note: Although EDUCAUSE will make every effort to honor your preference for delivery format, we reserve the right to reassign the format based on space and program balance.
In-Person Session Delivery Formats
Are you a "people person"? Then delivering a presentation at the conference is the best way to connect with—and be remembered by—your audience! These sessions are opportunities to share topics of interest, lessons learned, foresight, or case-making evidence related to a conference theme. Presenters, whether one person or a group, should include ways to actively engage the audience in the session. These sessions will be scheduled in traditional breakout rooms as well as the specially designed EDUCAUSE Commons (Exhibit Hall) Theaters or other public space. Session length: 45-minutes. You may have a maximum of four presenters plus a moderator (total of five) for this session type.
Do you like the synergy of small groups and prefer conversation to presentation? This type of session works best for those looking to connect as “birds of a feather” or convene a smallish group of individuals (fewer than 20 people) who want to discuss a specific issue, address a certain opportunity, or just meet with others interested in the same topic or who hold the same type of job. These sessions will likely be scheduled in the EDUCAUSE Commons (Exhibit Hall) Hub space or other open-to-the-public space. These sessions are best positioned for conversations versus presentations. Session length: 45-minutes. You may have a maximum of two facilitators for this session type.
Concise, high-energy presentation designed to deliver key insights in a short time frame. Typically 5 minutes in length, and featuring no more than 20 slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds, making every second count. This format emphasizes clarity, engagement, and efficient communication, using compelling visuals or stories to capture attention. It encourages speakers to present in a precise, dynamic way. Session length: 5 minutes. You may have a maximum of one facilitator for this session type.
Would your presentation benefit from a deeper dive with a highly engaged and interactive audience? Workshops provide participants with a deeper examination of various topics, facilitated by leaders with extensive experience in those areas. These sessions are highly interactive and give participants the chance not only to discuss in-depth approaches to challenges they are facing on campus but to share solutions and learn hands-on strategies to address the challenges on their campus. Workshops will be scheduled on Monday, October 27, 2025, the day prior to the main conference, and will be half- or full-day events. You may have a maximum of four facilitators.
Presenter discount available! Preconference workshop presenters may receive modest compensation in the form of an honorarium and complimentary conference registration. (Maximum of four presenters per workshop.)
Sometimes, a picture is truly worth a thousand words. The poster format gives higher education technology professionals the unique opportunity to share, examine, and discuss cutting-edge problems, issues, and solutions in a casual, personal environment. Using physical poster displays, presenters will visually showcase their topics, offering a captivating visual representation of their research, projects, and experiences. As participants explore the poster displays, presenters will be readily available to engage in one-on-one or small-group discussions, providing a personalized understanding of their work. To see visuals of the poster area from past conferences, please visit the Poster Picture Gallery here. Session Length: 45-minutes. You may have a maximum of two presenters for this session type.
Presenter discount available! Each poster presenter will receive a 25% discount off their in-person Annual Conference registration. (Maximum of two presenters per poster session.)
Networking Opportunities in Nashville!
EDUCAUSE is excited to announce that Braindates will be back again! Attendees of the in-person event will have opportunities to create these on-demand Braindates (1:1, small-group meet-ups on any topic of choice), as well as participate in impromptu roundtable meet-ups, and create/attend early-morning or after-hours activities. These “sessions” are not part of this Call For Proposal process, and more information will be shared later via conference communications and the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference webpage about how to participate.
Online Session Delivery Formats
If you thrive on "going live," this online session format is for you! Live sessions happen in real time, beginning at specific scheduled times within the online event platform. While watching the sessions, attendees can submit questions that presenters will have the opportunity to answer at the end of the session during a dedicated Q&A. Session Length: 40-minute sessions. You may have a maximum of four presenters for this session type.
Introducing "Facilitated Conversations," a dynamic shift from traditional lecture formats to more engaging and interactive discussions. The session begins with a brief 10-15 minute introduction, followed by an open group dialogue. These conversations are designed to challenge assumptions, explore diverse perspectives, and provide participants with the opportunity to connect and learn from one another in a meaningful way. This format offers a valuable opportunity for in-depth engagement and thoughtful exchange. As the facilitator, your role is to guide the conversation, ensure it remains focused, encourage active participation, and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees. Session Length: 40-minute sessions. You may have a maximum of 2 presenters for this session type.
Consider this a poster session plus—you can deliver it from anywhere and still make meaningful connections. These sessions are designed to be informal and interactive mini-presentations where virtual poster presenters have the opportunity to share problems, issues, and solutions in a casual, personal online environment. Presenters should plan to prepare a few introductory remarks or an “elevator speech” to engage listeners, as well as a “poster” (1–2 slides) to provide a visual of the presentation topic. Many virtual poster sessions will be happening concurrently. Attendees can stop by several posters throughout the 45-minute time period (each poster visit/presentation is approximately 5–10 minutes). Presenters will repeat their presentation as new attendees join the session. You may have a maximum of two presenters for this session type.
Session Elements
Session Title
Create a short title that is creative yet descriptive. We ask that you do not use institution, company, or product names anywhere in the title.
Abstract
This is a short description of what your session is about. If your proposal is accepted, the abstract is what most attendees will use to make decisions about which sessions to attend. What can you say that will encourage your colleagues to attend your session?
Session Takeaways and Participant Engagement Strategies
Clear session outcomes/takeaways and creative engagement strategies are essential components of every session. Proposal reviewers will closely examine and rate each proposed session's takeaways, which should clearly describe what participants will know or be able to do as a result of participating in the session. A successful proposal must also include the specific and creative ways in which the presenter(s) will engage with participants.
Session Description
This is where you get to more fully describe the plan for your session. Great descriptions answer the following as succinctly as possible: What problems are you helping participants solve? What is the relevance of the content and value to the higher education IT and technology community? How is your session unique? In addition, we encourage you to describe how the session will unfold (timetable).
Keywords
These are areas of specific interest and will help attendees fine-tune their personalized schedules. Optional: You will be asked to provide three keywords that relate to your presentation.
Submitter Comments (optional)
If you have any additional comments or would like to clarify any pieces of information within the CFP, you will have the opportunity to do so within the submission site.
Corporate Session Proposals
Are you with a corporation and interested in presenting or plan to co-present with an institutional partner? EDUCAUSE values insights from our corporate community. Two options are available for you to contribute your thought leadership to this year's event:
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Submit a presentation proposal through the call for proposals (CFP) process.
You can go through the CFP process outlined on this page, in which case your proposal will be peer-reviewed and the Program and Selection Committees will determine acceptance to the program. If your proposal is accepted, there will be no fee to present other than the conference registration fee to attend. Deadline: April 22, 2025. For guidance on creating a winning corporate CFP submission, check out these tips:- Ratings from accepted corporate sessions indicated that the topics were timely, trending, and of significant interest to the higher education community.
- Many of the accepted corporate presentations from past events were submitted with institutional partners. Try to pin down your institutional partners prior to submitting session proposals so that you can co-create the proposal and really elevate their voice. Our audience is keen to hear institutional representatives talk about successful partnerships. Accepted sessions mentioned specific colleges or universities in their proposals.
- Higher-rated sessions indicated that session outcomes clearly tied to the goals for the session.
- Higher-rated sessions represent our diverse community. Before starting your proposal ask yourself: Does my proposal show how the session will reflect or address diversity?
- The session description should always paint a clear picture about what will happen in the session. This is your opportunity to expand beyond the abstract and tell the story behind the abstract. Adding creative session elements such as a design-thinking exercise or activity for the audience helps. With so much competition around session space these days, it is just as important to have an innovative, engaging session as it is to have an innovative, engaging topic.
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Purchase an EDUCAUSE Conference Partner package.
Limited opportunities are available to companies seeking to get the most out of their experience at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. As a Conference Partner, your company will receive: a presentation spot or conference sponsorship, recognition at the conference, complimentary full-conference registrations, digital advertising, and more. Presenters will be required to upload their presentations and/or supporting materials and resources prior to the conference. These valuable resources will then be posted for attendees to access beyond the session. Contact [email protected] for more information and to secure this opportunity.
A Special Note to Our Community Group Leaders
We are excited for Community Group leaders to submit session ideas through the Call for Proposals. CG leaders should select the ‘Community Group Leader Session’ option within the submission site.
Call for Proposals FAQs
If EDUCAUSE accepts my submission, are there any speaker benefits?
We appreciate and want to acknowledge our presenters’ work—both prior to and during the conference—and the expertise they share with our community of higher education IT and technology professionals. As a presenter at EDUCAUSE 2025 you receive:
- Visibility and recognition both for you and your organization as thought leaders
- A chance to give back to the profession and help peers devise solutions to current and emerging business challenges
- Access to exclusive, complimentary speaker coaching and resources to help make your session the best it can be
What are EDUCAUSE’s expectations of presenters?
- For the in-person conference, all accepted presenters must present onsite in Nashville. We cannot accommodate remote presenters at the face-to-face event.
- Prepare and practice. Advance preparation is vital for the success of all presentations. This includes regular meetings with your presentation team (if applicable).
- Create fresh, original, unique, and current content aimed to solve today’s problems.
- Attend speaker training and preparation meetings, be open to feedback, and meet all deadlines.
- All selected presenters must agree to and complete speaker agreement forms.
- Profile requirement: An EDUCAUSE profile is required in order to submit a proposal, present, and register for the event. Please take some time before submitting a proposal to ensure all presenters have profiles. Create an EDUCAUSE Profile or login to update your profile. Presenters can create or update their profiles on the EDUCAUSE membership page.
- Presenter registration: Presenters are responsible for registering in advance for the conference, paying the full-conference registration fee, and securing and paying for travel and lodging. (Exceptions include accepted full- and half-day preconference workshop presenters who may receive modest compensation in the form of an honorarium and a complimentary conference registration.)
How does the EDUCAUSE selection process work?
Proposals are selected to ensure the conference offers a comprehensive, non-promotional, not commercially biased, objective, and diverse program. Proposals that clearly describe innovative and creative work will receive the highest priority in the selection process. Attention will be given to diversity of institutions/organizations, presenters, and geographic location.
Proposals will be reviewed by the conference Program Committee and peer reviewers. The identity of proposal submitters and presenters will be hidden from reviewers during the peer review process.
What are the criteria for the review and selection process?
Relevance of Topic: Is the topic of relevance, importance, value, and/or interest to higher education?- Session Outcomes Achievability: Is there alignment between the stated session outcomes and the proposal description?
- Quality of Submission: Does the proposal demonstrate quality, as measured by accuracy, clarity, comprehensiveness, and depth of demonstrated understanding of the topic?
- Engagement/Knowledge Transfer: Does the proposal provoke discussion, audience engagement, and/or facilitate knowledge transfer and development of new competency?
Have Questions?
- If you have any questions about the call for proposals process, please contact [email protected].
- To report any potential issues or to request an accommodation to access the submission portal, please contact [email protected] or call 303-449-4430. You will receive a reply as soon as possible.
- For questions about registration or other conference details please contact the EDUCAUSE membership team at [email protected] or call 303-449-4430.
Program Committee
Special thanks goes to our EDUCAUSE Annual Conference Program Committee.