Call for Proposals
We’re excited to launch our inaugural IT conference, and we want you to be a part of it! We’re looking for Ohio State experts who are ready to share their knowledge. Submit by Jan. 30.
Save the date
IT Conference 2026: Stronger Together: Merging Minds. Multiplying Impact
April 29-30, 2026
Welcome to the inaugural OTDI IT Conference. Our theme, “Stronger Together: Merging Minds. Multiplying Impact,” highlights the power of collaboration, innovation and shared expertise across our community. The free conference is designed to bring Ohio State IT professionals together to learn, connect and share ideas.
Join educators, leaders and industry partners from across campus for two days of inspiration, innovation, and connection. Throughout the conference, you’ll hear from experts and changemakers who are pushing boundaries and sharing practical insights you can apply in your own work.
What to Expect
Conference Themes and Learning Tracks
Empowering People and Growing Talent
This thread explores how individuals and teams can strengthen their professional skills, adapt to evolving technologies and build a culture of continuous growth. Sessions may highlight leadership approaches, career development strategies, coaching and mentoring, team dynamics and practices that support staff at all stages of their careers. Topics related to fostering engagement, navigating change and enabling people to do their best work are welcome.
Collaboration, Community and Digital Experience
This thread invites sessions that showcase ways we work better together—across units, disciplines and technologies—to improve the digital experience at Ohio State. Presentations may cover collaborative project models, cross-campus partnerships, service design, communication practices or approaches to building digital environments for all. Submissions that highlight lessons learned, success stories and strategies for community engagement are encouraged.
Intelligent Technologies: AI, Data and Innovation
Sessions in this thread explore how emerging and established technologies are transforming teaching, learning, patient care, research and operations at Ohio State. Presenters may address AI applications, data governance, data literacy, analytics tools, automation, machine learning or novel digital innovations. This track welcomes both technical and nontechnical proposals— including case studies, demos, frameworks, and big-picture discussions on how intelligent technologies are shaping higher education.
Protecting the Buckeye Ecosystem
This thread centers on safeguarding the university’s people, data and digital infrastructure. Sessions might explore security best practices, privacy considerations, risk mitigation strategies, identity and access management, incident response, secure development or building a culture of shared responsibility. Proposals that connect security with usability, accessibility or collaborative campuswide initiatives are welcome.
Innovation Playground
This thread provides an opportunity to propose topics or ideas that may not align with the other categories. Submissions should focus on innovative concepts, emerging technologies or forward-thinking strategies. Please note that not all proposals will be selected, and some ideas may be combined to create comprehensive sessions. Use this space to share your vision for advancing technology and collaboration in meaningful ways.
Session Formats
OTDI's IT Conference 2026 will feature a variety of dynamic session formats designed to meet different learning styles and spark meaningful conversation:
- Inform and Engage: Dive into 45-minute sessions showcasing innovative projects and practical strategies you can bring back to your department, unit, or team.
- Lightning Ideas: Fast-paced 15-minute talks that introduce compelling concepts and bold approaches from colleagues across campus. Perfect for discovering something new—quickly.
- Imaginarium: An interactive space where you can explore hands-on demonstrations, tools, prototypes, and emerging practices. Engage directly with presenters, ask questions, and experiment alongside colleagues.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the conference or proposal submissions, please contact us via email at OSUITConference@osu.edu.
The OTDI IT Conference is free and open to all Ohio State educators, leaders, researchers, staff, and technology professionals.
We’re excited to explore the future of IT together—and even more excited to see you there.