CALL FOR PROPOSALS

70 Years of Service: 

 Empowering Professionals and Championing Aging

THE DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS IS MIDNIGHT March 28, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the submission period. 

CLICK HERE to access the online submission form. If you are unable to use the online form, you may request a PDF by emailing administrator@georgiagerontologysociety.org.            

OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

We are excited to invite you to share your expertise with us at the 70^th annual GGS Conference on July 14-16, 2025. This three-day conference allows attendees to learn about new and innovative practices, develop new collaborative partnerships, and network with colleagues from across Georgia and beyond. We hope you will submit a proposal for consideration. 

OUR ATTENDEES

As the largest organization of multidisciplinary professionals in the field of aging in Georgia, GGS reaches across the state to educate, advocate for, and serve those working with older adults and their families. This conference attracts persons from a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the aging and gerontology fields. These persons are:

• Nonprofit & Community Organization Leaders
• Legal & Financial Professionals specializing in Elder Services
• Technology & Innovation Experts in Aging Solutions
• Mental Health & Wellness Professionals
• Fitness & Recreation Specialists
• Transportation & Accessibility Providers
• Volunteer Coordinators & Support Staff
• Faith-Based & Cultural Organization Representatives

ACCOMODATIONS 

Chateau Elan

100 Rue Charlemagne Dr

Braselton, GA 30517

The resort has approved a special rate of $219 a night (plus applicable taxes and fees). The resort fee of $49/night has been waived for all attendees. The reservation deadline is June 23, 2025, to secure the discounted rate. We will open registration in late March.  Stay tuned!

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDIT

GGS will apply for approval to offer CE credit for conference sessions. The type and number of credits offered will be determined by proposals submitted and selected. Details on CE credits will be updated as soon as available.

 SPEAKER COMPENSATION

GGS does not pay a speaker’s fee, cover lodging or travel costs, or offer other forms of compensation for general presenters.  Presenters will receive a discounted conference registration rate. You are not required to pay a registration fee if you plan to attend only your session.

TRACKS

We invite you to share your expertise, research, lived experience, and promising practices in the field of aging by submitting your proposal for a presentation at the GGS Annual Conference. The 4 conference tracks are listed below.

Elevating Professionals in Aging 

This track explores the challenges and opportunities professionals in the aging field face, showcasing innovative ways to elevate and empower them across various sectors. As the demand for aging-related expertise grows, it is crucial to support workforce development, foster leadership, and enhance skills for those serving older adults. Sessions will also address Health/Wellness, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being for professionals in aging. Potential topics include professional training and credentialing, workforce retention strategies, leadership development, innovative career pathways in aging services, intergenerational collaboration, workplace wellness programs, strategies for maintaining a healthy work–life balance, and policies that impact professionals working in the aging sector.

The Power of Experience

 This track celebrates the wisdom and expertise of experienced professionals in aging, focusing on how organizations and communities can leverage their knowledge. Professionals in aging contribute significantly to their fields and communities, and their lived experience offers valuable insights for future generations. Sessions will also include caregiving and care partnership by featuring personal narratives and case studies from caregivers and care recipients. These sessions will highlight how lived experiences in caregiving enrich professional and community practices, offering insights into compassionate leadership and intergenerational support. Potential topics include knowledge-sharing initiatives, succession planning, cross-generational leadership, maximizing workplace contributions, strategies for maintaining professional relevance, and the role of storytelling in preserving historical knowledge.

Advocating for Our _________________Future

This track will focus on advocacy strategies that promote social, economic, and professional advancement to build a future that we define. Advocates play a key role in shaping policies, protecting rights, and fostering inclusivity for all generations. Potential topics include strategies for effective policy change, advocacy training for individuals and organizations, mobilizing grassroots efforts, addressing inequities in aging, advancing inclusive workplace policies, and promoting financial security and social protections for older adults. Sessions will also explore elder justice and caregiving and care partnership from a policy and systems perspective, highlighting critical systemic challenges. Topics may include legal protections, elder abuse prevention, advocacy for caregiver support policies, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring equitable access to essential resources for both older adults and their caregivers.

Georgia on My Mind

This track highlights initiatives, success stories, and contributions rooted in Georgia, celebrating the state’s impact on aging-related advancements. With a primary focus on age-friendly and livable communities, sessions will showcase local initiatives and community-driven success stories that enhance accessibility, social engagement, and overall quality of life for older adults. Potential topics include state-specific research on aging, successful Georgia-based programs, local policy advancements, partnerships between government and nonprofit organizations, and rural aging initiatives. Discussions may also explore how Georgia-based programs integrate community health and caregiving services to create more supportive, livable environments for older adults.

PRESENTATION FORMATS

Presentations in any of the following formats are welcome. All proposals are required to specify a strategy they will use to make the presentation fun, engaging, or interactive. We strongly encourage the use of in-person or audio-visual contributions of aging persons related to presentation submissions where possible. 

• Workshop: A “how-to” or “best practice” session emphasizing Q&A. This format should highlight the exchange of information and the demonstration and application of ideas, techniques, and skills.
• Panel Discussion: A small group of panelists sharing different perspectives.
• Informative Presentation: Educational sessions emphasizing the latest research, trends, and initiatives.
• Fast Track: We will grant 5-6 students a unique opportunity to have their work spotlighted and heard in a session slot. Students would be invited to bring a traditional poster with a short 3–5 minute presentation followed by small group discussions with the presenters. These 60 minute sessions cover any of the tracks  we are offering. Visual displays of ideas, research, interventions, or programs are welcomed. 

• Concurrent sessions are 60 minutes with a maximum of four presenters, including panel formats. All proposals should include the following information. 
• Title, Conference Track, and Presentation Type – Please be sure to include the presentation title, track, and presentation format for each proposal. 

• Primary Contact Person and List of Presenters – Please include the following in the proposal: the primary contact and ALL presenter names, credentials, title, agency, mailing and email addresses, telephone numbers. The primary contact is responsible for receiving all correspondence related to the presentation and will forward such information to all presenters. 

• Learning Objectives – List three learning objectives for each presentation. The objectives should be measurable. For example: By the end of this session, participants will be able to discuss risk factors for heart disease. 
• Presentation Summary – Please provide a 40- to a 50-word summary of the proposed presentation. This description is included in the conference program and our CE credits applications for all approved sessions.
• Presentation Details – Include a more detailed presentation description, including key topics and elements. The word limitation is 300.
• Intended Audience – Describe the intended audience for your presentation. Include those most likely to benefit from your session.

• Mode of Presentation – All presentations are in-person.
• Technology (A/V) Needs – Request any items not listed under section about equipment. This includes a microphone, internet access, speakers, flip charts, etc. GGS does not guarantee that all requests will be honored.

• Presenter Short Bio – Provide brief bios (50 word max per bio) for all presenters in your proposal. Include each presenter’s experience and training that qualifies them to participate in the proposed presentation. Bios are for the conference program and our CE credits applications.
• Presenter Resume/CV – Provide a resume or CV for all presenters  for our CE credits applications.
• Presenter Picture – Provide a picture for all presenters for our conference materials. 

PRESENTATION EQUIPMENT

A computer with Microsoft PowerPoint, LCD projector, and screen are provided in each room. We ask all presenters to submit their presentations electronically ahead of the conference and to bring their presentations on a flash drive as a backup.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS

You will receive a notification within 5 days that your submission has been received. If you do not receive an email, please contact GGS at administrator@georgiagerontologysociety.org.

CLICK HERE to access the online submission form. If you are unable to use the online form, you may request a PDF by emailing administrator@georgiagerontologysociety.org. 

The submission deadline is midnight on Friday, March 28, 2025. Incomplete forms will not be considered and submission of a proposal does not guarantee a session. There will be a review process and selected presenters will be notified by email on April 11, 2025.