Call for Proposals - New WI-based National Conference Announced

Those fabulous folks at UW-Madison iSchool Continuing Education Dept just announced another innovative two-day national conference centered around technology and library service. Upgrade joins their other conference offerings like Power Up: A Leadership Conference For Youth Services Managers And Staff; Lead the Way: Libraries At The Heart Of Community Engagement Conference and Back In Circulation: A Conference For Managers And Staff In Access And Circulation Services. These national conferences offer cutting edge content that libraries in WI can take full advantage of by attending and presenting at them. This conference has great possibilities for strong youth content. Read on!

Upgrade: Enhancing Library Services with Technology

October 6-7, 2025

Pyle Center in Madison, WI

Dr. Brandy McNeil and Dr. Alex Hanna

CALL FOR PROPOSALS The University of Wisconsin-Madison iSchool is excited to announce Upgrade, a new conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology and library services. This two-day event in Madison, WI will bring together library staff from across the country to discuss innovative practices in library technology. This conference will focus on cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence applications in libraries, effective use of social media for community engagement, and the crucial importance of cybersecurity in protecting our digital resources. We are excited to feature Drs. Brandy McNeil and Alex Hanna as keynote speakers! Please submit your proposal by March 2, 2025. For more information, visit our website. Presenters will be required to present in Madison, WI. Topics may include but are not limited to: AI, virtual reality, cybersecurity and data privacy, media labs and makerspaces, social media, media literacy, podcasts, digital collections, equity, accessible and inclusive technology, and OER. Staff from public, academic, and K-12 libraries of all sizes are welcome to attend. Conference sessions can take one of several formats, and you are welcome to submit multiple proposals!Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience about a tool of your choice Lightning talk: 5-minute mini presentation about a new initiative at your library Roundtable discussion: Lead an in-depth full-group discussion on a topic of your choice. No need to prepare a presentation—just shepherd good conversation! Priority will be given to sessions that include interactive elements and audience participation. Full-length presentation speakers will receive free conference registration; lightning talk speakers and roundtable moderators will receive discounted registration. If you are willing, please include a jpeg photo of yourself that can be uploaded to Sched, our conference agenda app. This can be either a professional headshot or a more casual photo! Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement UW-Madison iSchool encourages presenters representing a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, perspectives, and voices. We aim for conference presenters to be as diverse as the communities we serve. Submissions are welcome from anyone who is interested in presenting, including students, new professionals, first-time presenters, and representatives of allied professions. This conference is an in-person event.