Header image

2027 Annual Conference Call for Sessions

Submit a Session Proposal

The AOA 2027 Annual Conference Call for Sessions is now open. The conference will take place January 10–12, 2027, at the Sheraton San Diego Resort in San Diego, California.

Educational sessions are a central part of the AOA conference experience. CSU auxiliary organizations support a wide range of programs, services, and operations, including research administration, philanthropy, student services, commercial services, business operations, and more. The Conference Planning Committee invites proposals that share expertise, practical insights, innovative programs, and forward-thinking ideas that support and strengthen higher education.

Session proposals are due August 17, 2026.

Conference Theme

Better Together: Independent by Structure. Aligned by Purpose.

CSU auxiliary organizations, campuses, and the Chancellor’s Office each play a distinct role, but our work is deeply connected. When we align our efforts intentionally, we increase our collective impact and better communicate the value of the work we do.

The independent structure of auxiliary organizations supports innovation, flexibility, and solutions tailored to campus needs. At the same time, it creates an opportunity and responsibility to tell a clear and compelling story about the impact of auxiliary work.

The 2027 conference will highlight how we can work together to build a more coordinated, integrated, and effective CSU system that is truly better together.

What Types of Sessions Are We Looking For?

AOA welcomes session proposals that support the training, education, and professional development of conference attendees. Proposed sessions should help advance the mission of the CSU and provide meaningful learning opportunities for auxiliary professionals.

Strong proposals may include content related to:

  • Innovative approaches, programs, or solutions
  • Best practices and lessons learned
  • Shared experiences that others can apply
  • Strategies that support student success
  • Campus and systemwide partnerships
  • Operational improvements and efficiencies
  • Entrepreneurial initiatives and revenue development
  • Practical tools, models, or takeaways for auxiliary organizations

Sessions should be relevant to CSU auxiliary operations and provide attendees with ideas or strategies they can use in their own organizations.

Session Selection Criteria

The Conference Planning Committee will evaluate proposals using the following criteria:

  • The session includes new, timely, or innovative content.
  • The proposal demonstrates practical knowledge in processes, leadership, or management that can positively impact auxiliary operations, the student experience, or the campus environment.
  • Presenters have expertise in the topic area.
  • The session uses engagement, interaction, or participation techniques to involve attendees.
  • The session purpose and objectives are clear.
  • Attendees will leave with actionable takeaways.
  • The content is directly connected to auxiliary operations.
  • Collaboration among presenters from multiple auxiliary areas, campuses, the Chancellor’s Office, and/or business partners is strongly encouraged.

All submissions, including those involving business partners, should identify at least one auxiliary member presenter.

Presenter Expectations

Presenters selected for the conference should be prepared to meet the following expectations:

  • Sessions will be 50 minutes long, allowing time for introductions and Q&A within a 60-minute time slot.
  • All presenters must register and pay for at least the day of the conference on which they are presenting.
  • AOA does not provide complimentary guest registration for presenters.
  • Presenters are responsible for their own travel costs and will not be reimbursed for expenses related to presenting.
  • Final presentations should be submitted in PDF format for electronic posting in late December.

Content Areas

Session proposals should align with one or more AOA committee areas or may be submitted as a general session if the topic applies broadly to auxiliary members.

AOA committee areas include:

  • Associated Students, Student Unions, and Recreation
  • Business and Financial Services
  • Commercial Services, including food services, bookstores, and campus stores
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Philanthropy
  • Property Development and Management
  • Research
  • Risk Management 

Suggested Topics

Proposals may address core, emerging, or cross-functional topics relevant to auxiliary professionals. Suggested topic areas include:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Assessment and Decision Making
  • Auxiliary, Institutional, Chancellor’s Office, and External Relations
  • Business Efficiencies and Shared Services
  • Collaborative Efforts
  • Commercial Services and Revenue Development
  • Communication and Marketing
  • Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Impact
  • Human Resources
  • Leadership and Organizational Development
  • Operations and Facilities
  • Philanthropy and Donor Development
  • Property Management and Real Estate Development
  • Research and Sponsored Programs Administration
  • Risk Management and Compliance
  • Strategic Thinking and Planning
  • Student Services and Success
  • Technology and Innovation 

Submit Your Proposal

Ready to share your expertise, ideas, and innovations with the AOA community?

Submit your session proposal by August 17, 2026.

Submit Your Proposal

Questions

For questions about educational content or the session proposal process, please contact:

Debra Hammond
Coordinator, Educational Content
Email: debra.hammond@csun.edu

For sponsorship questions, please contact:

Richard Chester
Manager, Business Partners & EXPO
Email: richardmchester@gmail.com

Footer image
loading