FAQs
General Conference Questions?
Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org
Call for Session Proposals for the 2025 OPRA Spring Conference is now open!
Please go to the "Sessions" tab to view detailed information to submit your proposal for consideration
Questions?
Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunties
Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events and Strategic Partnerships
Hotel & Travel
Once you have registered you will receive hotel information.
Questions?
Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org
Speaker Proposals
OPRA invites you to submit session proposals for our 2025 Spring Conference, scheduled for May 29 & 30 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton (3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, Ohio). This year’s focus is on advancing the business of delivering high-quality I/DD services through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovation.
Conference Theme: Building Great Providers. The OPRA Spring Conference emphasizes the importance of building “Great Providers” who:
- Deliver Person-Centered, Outcome-Focused Services
- Invest in and Support Qualified Staff
- Cultivate Strong Leadership and Partnerships
- Establish Strong Operational Foundations
- Advocate and Innovate Continuously
Please align your proposals to the following pillars, ensuring your sessions are practical, forward-thinking and offer concrete tools and strategies for driving excellence in I/DD services.
Executive Leadership - Great Providers Cultivate Strong Leadership and Partnership
Proposals may explore leadership development, community partnership models and fostering resilient teams in evolving landscapes.
Program Design & Innovation - Great Providers Deliver Person-Centered Outcome-Focused Services
Ideal proposals will showcase innovative service models, cross-disciplinary partnerships or outcome-driven approaches that enhance satisfaction and measurable impact.
Business/Finance/Operations - Great Providers Establish Strong Operational Foundations
Proposals should focus on operational excellence, including implementing policies, procedures, and processes that ensure sustainability, consistency and quality in service delivery.
Supervision & Customer Service - Great Providers Invest In and Support Qualified Staff
Proposals should highlight workforce strategies, training, wellness, and career development to enhance recruitment, engagement and quality.
Advocacy - Great Providers Advocate Continuously
Proposals should highlight advocacy or innovation, encouraging providers to drive change and continuous improvements in the field. Proposals may focus on advocacy at all levels (team, local community, state, federal, etc.) and how providers can foster advocacy skills within their staff.
Note: Sessions that promote specific products or services will only be considered for sponsored session tracks.
For sponsored opportunities, contact Melissa Fannon at mfannon@opra.org.
Please click the link below to submit your session proposal details for consideration. If you have any questions, please contact Sonya Summers at ssummers@opra.org
The deadline to submit your session proposal and required resume(s) for you and your co-speakers is Friday, March 7, 2025.
Selected speakers will be notified on or before Friday, March 21, 2025.
Questions about Sponsored Sessions? Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org
