Looking to submit a Speaker Proposal?  

Navigate to the "Sessions" tab to learn more.

Looking to submit an Award Nomination?  

Navigate to the "Awards" tab to learn more.

Check back for Registration updates...

General Conference Questions?

Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org

Hotel

Schedule

Sessions

OPRA is pleased to announce "The Call for Speaker Proposals" is officially open for the 2026 OPRA Annual Conference. 

Conference Dates:  October 22-23, 2026
Location:  Hilton Polaris, 8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus OH

OPRA conference attendees are typically composed of employees of all levels at both non-profit and for-profit I/DD providers. 
All proposals must be submitted with a clear outline ensuring your sessions are practical, forward-thinking and offer concrete tools and strategies for driving excellence in I/DD services.

The topics listed below represent a sample of the hottest issues of interest to our conference attendees. However, you may submit proposals on other critical topics you feel would be of interest that’s not listed below.

LEADERSHIP

• Leadership self-care/motivation skills

• Strategic planning and change management

• National policy updates

HUMAN RESOURCES & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

• HR for non-HR Managers

• Navigating changing employment law

• Best practices for navigating and de-escalating employee conflict

• Understanding the changing needs of employees

• Strategies for improving the HR workflow and processes

• Innovative approaches to staffing and employee retention and recruitment

• Creating cultures of inclusive belonging

DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

• Community integration

• Supporting mental health and trauma in individuals and staff

• Preventing employee burnout

• Job placement and coaching in post-pandemic economy

HEALTHCARE

• Best practices in medical care oversight

• Emerging medical technology and pharmaceuticals

• General nursing skills development

• Mental and physical health for people with I/DD

RESIDENTIAL WAIVER & ICF

• Cost reporting

• MUI

• Person-centered planning

• Individualized supports

PROMISING PRACTICES & QUALITY SERVICES

• AI tools for service delivery and business administration

• Innovative uses of technology in service provision

• Using data to inform practice and policy

• Participation/experience with credential, certificate, or pilot programs

• Interagency collaboration and shared services

Before You Submit Your Proposal - Important Information

Please be aware that this call for proposals is intended for "breakout sessions" only.

Keynote presentations and paid speaking opportunities are not being considered through this application process.

If you are a professional speaker interested in keynote or compensated speaking engagements, please contact Melissa Fannon at mfannon@opra.org to learn more about available opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

The deadline to submit is Monday, August 3, 2026. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sonya Summers at ssummers@opra.org

Sponsors

Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships

OPRA Annual Awards

The Ohio Provider Resource Association is thrilled to recognize and honor the exceptional individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in supporting and empowering Ohio’s intellectual and developmental disabilities service system. The 2026 OPRA Annual Awards spotlight those who exemplify excellence, innovation, leadership, and dedication - from frontline direct support professionals and job coaches to teams and business leaders whose behind-the-scenes efforts make high-quality support possible.

The “Call for Award Nominations” is now open for the 2026 OPRA Annual Awards.  

The Annual Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hilton Columbus/Polaris on Friday, October 23^rd.  

We are only accepting (2) nominations for each category per member organization.  Click the link below to review the OPRA Awards Descriptions and coordinate with your staff before submitting your nominations!     

2026 OPRA Annual Award Descriptions

All nominations must include the following information:

1. Nominator’s name, title, organization, address, phone number, and email.
2. Nominee’s name, title, organization and email (if known).
3. Reason for nomination not to exceed 750 words. 

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR AWARD NOMINATION

Or, you can email your nomination(s) with the required information directly to ssummers@opra.org.  

All nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, August 17th. 

Questions? Contact Sonya Summers