47th Annual Training Conference (ATC)

October 4-7, 2026

Galena, IL

Conference Presentation Proposal

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 47^th 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.

Additionally,

• 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.