Power Up: A Leadership Conference for
Youth Services Managers & Staff 2026 Conference
March 26-27, 2026
Hybrid Conference
The Power Up planning committee wants your session proposals for Power Up 2026 to be held March 26-27, 2026, in Madison, WI. Share your strategies for project management, mentorship, program evaluation, staff morale & retention, advocacy, change management,
culturally relevant programming, and more!
Conference sessions can take one of several formats, and you are welcome to submit multiple proposals.
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Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A
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Panel Discussion: 2-4 presenters focused on one big topic and sharing their experience
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Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience
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Programming lightning talk: 5-8 minute mini presentation on or about a successful program
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Roundtable discussion: Lead an in-depth full-group discussion on a topic of your choice. No need to prepare a presentation—just shepherd good conversation!
Selected presentation, workshop, and panel sessions will receive one complimentary conference registration. Selected lightning talk and roundtable presenters will receive a discounted conference rate.
Submit your proposal by August 10, 2025 for full consideration.
We are also excited to announce this year’s closing keynote speaker, Dr. Lisa Roy. Dr. Roy is a distinguished leader in early childhood education, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Dr. Roy oversaw
the creation of the Department and continues to boldly lead the agency to provide comprehensive programs and services for young children, families, and early childhood professionals, including the launch of the Universal Preschool Program, which provides half-day
preschool for all Colorado children in the year before kindergarten.
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