Mark your calendar for the 2026 Fall Conference, Nov. 11-13 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

CALL FOR 2026 FALL CONFERENCE BREAK-OUT SESSIONS PROPOSALS

Please consider sharing your knowledge, skills, and stories of success. WSPRA is currently seeking presenters for the 2026 Fall Conference breakout sessions. Below are some topic ideas to consider (but other topics are welcome to be submitted as well):

• Artificial Intelligence in school PR/communications - research, strategies, etc.
• Engagement (engaging internal and/or external community stakeholders) - developing meaningful relationships, building trust and transparency, collaborating on district initiatives and issues, engaging families, engaging with diverse audiences, etc.
• PR/communication tactics (best practice strategies, tactics, tools, activities, etc.) - storytelling with data, graphic design, media relations, podcasts, free/cheap tech resources for newbies, videos, internal and external surveys, newsletters, explaining school finance and budgets communication plans, etc.
• Leadership - strategic planning (research and evaluation strategies, etc.); navigating your first years in school PR; one-person shop; developing branding guides; referendum planning; navigating during difficult times; understanding current federal mandates; etc.
• Crisis Communication - crisis communications case studies, crisis communication plans, etc.
• Marketing/Branding for schools (research, strategies, programs, campaigns, activities, etc.) - building the brand/role of school communication in your district
• Digital accessibility - planning and tactics for accessibility compliance (websites, social media, and documents, etc.)

Proposals that are interactive in nature are a priority. Break-out sessions are 60 minutes in length.
Proposals are due by Friday, July 24, 2026.

Selected presenters will be notified no later than Friday, August 14, 2026.

Presenters are required to register for the conference and be available to present on Thursday or Friday.

MAKING HOTEL RESERVATIONS

A dedicated website is now available for conference attendees to book their hotel rooms online. Reservations can be made starting Apr 27, 2026 on this site.

Thank you to the 2026 WSPRA Fall Conference planning committee members:

• Patti Lux-Mlsna, Chair
• Sarah O'Donnell
• Dawn Brauner
• Nathan Chow
• Emily DeBaker
• Joelle Doye
• Courtney Krueger
• Jonalee Kuhn
• Marcie Pfeifer-Soderbloom
• Amanda Stewart
• Debbie Brewster