2026 OAGE Annual Conference Call for Presentations
Are you passionate about aging, research, and community impact? The 2026 OAGE Conference invites presentation submissions from a diverse range of voices—undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, community practitioners, and university faculty.
This inclusive, student-friendly conference is designed to foster professional growth and showcase high-quality work across all levels of experience. Whether you're presenting for the first time or sharing seasoned insights, your contribution matters.
Submit your presentation and be part of a vibrant, intergenerational dialogue shaping the future of gerontology in Ohio and beyond!
Abstract applications for presentations for the 2026 OAGE Annual Conference opened August 4, 2025. Submission deadline is midnight, Friday, November 21, 2025.
OAGE is not able to pay honorariums or reimburse presenters responding to the Call for Presentations for hotel, travel, or per diem expenses. Presenters selected will be required to register for the conference.
Please ask your I.T. department to "whitelist" oage.org to ensure you receive notification emails.
Important Presenter Information – 2026 OAGE Conference
If your abstract is selected for presentation at the 2026 Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education (OAGE) Conference, please note that presenters must be available to present on both days of the conference: April 16–17, 2026.
Presentation scheduling is determined by the Conference Planning Committee, and time slots will be assigned based on the overall program structure. We appreciate your flexibility and commitment to making this a successful and inclusive event for all participants.
Presentation Proposal Submission Guidelines
OAGE urges submitters to consider the following as they develop content and identify speakers for proposed sessions.
Proposals that are incomplete or submitted late cannot be considered for review. We recommend gathering all necessary information including additional presenter contact information, bio, etc. in advance before submitting a proposal as you will not be able to go back at a later time to access the form.
This year's theme is Aging Reframed: Empowering Generations for Impact. We encourage abstract submissions related to the conference theme, but welcome any age-related topic for review.
Abstracts can be submitted in four types of formats:
1) Poster Presentations;
2) Oral Paper Presentations;
3) Workshop Presentations;
4) Symposium Presentations.
Below is a brief description of the various abstracts that were submitted:
Poster Presentations consist of visually informative displays that summarize completed work, such as a research study or proposed program.
Oral (Paper) Sessions consist of 3 to 4 approved presentations that have a similar theme and are assigned by the conference planners. Each presenter will have
approximately 15 minutes and time for questions during a 60-minute session.
Workshop Sessions highlight best practices using an interactive format and will take place during a 60-minute session. A description of demonstrated or effective strategies and programs are encouraged.
Symposium Sessions consist of 3 to 4 presentations that reflect a central theme during a 60- minute session. Symposium proposals should indicate the selected theme and the overall abstract should provide a summary of each proposed presentation.
Important Considerations:
- Content changes cannot be made to a proposal or additional information included once it has been submitted.
- Proposals cannot be accepted once the submission site closes; no deadline extensions or exceptions will be granted. Deadline to submit proposals is Friday, November 21, 2025.
All trainings must comply with Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.0217 and cannot focus or reference diversity, equity, and inclusion or be intended to benefit only a protected class and that conference planning committee reserves the right to modify presentation titles, descriptions and objectives if needed to comply with this requirement. For more information about this law please visit the following website: https://compliance.osu.edu/focus-areas/sb1/sb1-implementation-guide .
Important Submission Preparation for Multi-Presenter Abstracts
If your abstract includes more than one presenter, please ensure that all required information for each presenter is collected before beginning the online submission process. This includes:
- Full name
- Contact email
- Academic or professional credentials
- Current educational level or professional title
- Institutional or organizational affiliation
To streamline the process, we strongly recommend compiling this information in a Microsoft Word document ahead of time for easy copying and pasting. Please note that once the online submission form is started, it cannot be saved and returned to later. All information must be entered and submitted in one session.
Evaluation Criteria
A peer review committee of OAGE members, experts in the field and association board members will review all proposal submissions using the following criteria:
- Overall quality, clarity and depth of session content
- Relevance of topic and applicability of concepts
- Presentation delivery and/or education methods that enhance the learning experience
- Knowledgeable speakers, as well as diversity of perspectives represented
How to Submit a Presentation Proposal
Applications for presentation proposals will open Monday, August 4, 2025 and are being accepted through Friday, November 21, 2025 for OAGE's 2026 Annual Conference, April 16-17, 2026 in Columbus. The online submission form will open August 4, 2025.
Questions regarding the Call for Presentations? Contact Anna Schramm, OAGE Conference Co-Planner, at conference@oage.org
Keynote Presenters
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Pre- Conference Presenter: Beth Kowalczyk, Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Session Title: Reframing Aging: How Narrative Change Advances Practice and Policy
The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) is part of a national group of facilitators trained by the FrameWorks Institute and the National Center to Reframe Aging to advance a communication strategy that uses evidence-based interventions to increase understanding of the aging process, support policies and programs for older people, and decrease ageist attitudes. This session will provide a greater understanding of what ageism and age discrimination is and the negative impact on health and longevity. The training will share proven communication strategies and tools to effectively frame aging issues. O4a has successfully used the tools of Reframing Aging to impact public policy supporting older Ohioans.
The Reframing Aging Initiative is generating a groundswell for change – from local efforts to national leaders – to tell a more balanced story of aging. This story explains that good ideas know no age limit, and that experience and wisdom can be tapped to benefit us all.
Objectives
- Identify the impact of ageism on health and positive aging outcomes.
- Interpret current research on the American public’s perceptions of aging.
- Demonstrate effective communication strategies related to aging, ageism, and issues important to older adults.
- Analyze how ageism influences American society and professional practice.
- Explain the concept of “framing” and its role in shaping communication about aging.
- Apply techniques to navigate public perceptions and promote constructive thinking about aging.
Bio: Beth Kowalczyk is the Chief Executive Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Prior to being named CEO, she served for 11 years as the Association’s Chief Policy Officer. The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) is a nonprofit Association supporting Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging and advocating on behalf of older Ohioans, people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers.
Prior to joining o4a, Ms. Kowalczyk was the Bureau Chief for Family Assistance Policy at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, responsible for developing and implementing policies and overseeing grants for public assistance programs.
Ms. Kowalczyk started her career with Southeastern Ohio Legal Services representing low-income Ohioans in civil matters and then joined Ohio State Legal Services Association (now known as the Ohio Poverty Law Center), as the statewide legal services advocate and expert on public assistance and workforce development programs. Ms. Kowalczyk has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University and a Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law. She was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1993.
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Friday, April 17, 2026
Keynote Presenter: Derenda M. Schubert, PhD, CEO, Bridge Meadows
Session Title: All Ages, One Vision: Creating Connections, Changing Generations
Every conversation, every collaboration, and every relationship you nurture has the potential to shape not just your own future—but the future of those who come before and after you. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to connect across generations is more than a nice-to-have skill; it’s a superpower.
All Ages, One Vision: Creating Connections, Changing Generations invites you to explore how intentional intergenerational relationships can spark innovation in the workplace, strengthen support in housing and community living, and deepen personal fulfillment. Through real-world examples, practical strategies, and inspiring stories, you’ll discover how your unique perspective can bridge age divides, challenge assumptions, and create lasting impact. Walk away equipped not only to thrive in your own journey, but to empower others—because when we connect across generations, we change the story for everyone.
Objectives
- Recognize the value of intergenerational relationships in both personal and professional settings.
- Learn actionable strategies to foster meaningful connections across age groups.
- Understand how generational collaboration drives innovation, resilience, and well-being.
- Identify ways to use their own perspective and experience to empower others.
- Explore ways to align diverse generational strengths with organizational goals and growth.
Bio: Derenda M. Schubert, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized advocate for intergenerational community building. As the Executive Director of Bridge Meadows, she has advanced a visionary model that brings together youth, families, and elders to create vibrant, supportive neighborhoods rooted in belonging, healing, and joy.
Dr. Schubert’s background in clinical psychology, combined with her leadership in nonprofit innovation, community development, and systems change, gives her a rare ability to translate human needs into community-based solutions. Her work is grounded in empathy, driven by data, and guided by the belief that healing happens best in relationships. With decades of experience across child welfare, aging, mental health, and housing, she builds bridges between sectors and people, turning bold ideas into places where all generations can thrive.
These efforts are recognized by the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Stanford Social Innovation Review, which cite Bridge Meadows as a model for addressing the social determinants of health through connection and community. A dynamic speaker and TEDx presenter, Dr. Schubert is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, an Encore Public Voices Fellow, and a dedicated board member serving organizations committed to health and human potential.
In "The Power of a Joyful Village," she shares the lessons, stories, strategies, and soul of a movement reshaping how we care for one another across generations, systems, societies, and deep within our hearts. “We are not meant to do life alone,” she writes. “When we create places rooted in love and mutual support, everyone has a chance to thrive.”
