Share your expertise with peers.

Proposals for the Virginia APPA  Annual Conference are being accepted through February 1st, 2026.

Submit your Application

Future-Proofing Education Facilities: Meeting the Next Decade’s Challenges

Educational facilities colleagues and business partners alike are encouraged to submit proposals addressing the current and emerging challenges facing K-12 and higher education facilities management, especially within this year’s theme. 

Single presenters, group presentations, and panel formats will all be considered. Sessions should be designed for approximately 45 minutes of content or activity, plus 10–15 minutes for Q&A (about 60 minutes total).

We are especially interested in sessions that could qualify for Continuing Education credits (CEUs/PDHs) for professionals such as engineers, architects, CPAs, project managers, energy managers, facilities leaders, and licensed tradespersons.

 

Conference Tracks To help guide proposal development, this year’s program will be organized around five tracks. These provide a framework for forward-focused and practical sessions, while giving presenters flexibility to bring unique perspectives.

People in the Age of AI

Emotional intelligence, leadership, and adaptability in a tech-driven workplace

Closing the Trades Gap

Apprenticeships, training, and strategies to address workforce shortages

Securing the Smart Campus

Cybersecurity, IoT integration, and safeguarding connected infrastructure

Tech in Action

BIM, drones, predictive analytics, and other tools reshaping daily operations

Innovation at the Edge

Vendors showcasing what’s next for facilities management and campus sustainability

Submit your Application

The Presentation Submission Form will guide you through the process. To submit a proposal for the 2026 Conference, please complete your submission no later than end of business on February 1, 2026.

When submitting, you’ll be asked to provide:

  • Presentation Title – clear and concise, suitable for the program.

  • Abstract/Description – a short summary of your session (150–250 words).

  • Conference Track – select the best fit from the five themes:
    People in the Age of AI, Closing the Trades Gap, Securing the Smart Campus, Tech in Action, Innovation at the Edge.

  • Learning Objectives – key takeaways participants will gain.

  • Speaker Information – name, title, institution/company, short bio, and headshot.

  • Format Preference – presentation, panel, or interactive session.

  • Target Audience – K-12, higher education, vendors, or mixed.

Thank you!

Adam Moyer,
VP for Conferences

Submit your Application

Some suggestions to spur your thinking:

We are looking for proposals that bring practical solutions, forward-looking ideas, and real-world experiences that help K-12 and higher education facilities prepare for what’s ahead.

Here are a few examples to inspire your submission

  • People in the Age of AI
    • Developing emotional intelligence to balance the rise of AI
    • Leading teams through disruption and change
    • Building resilient and adaptable workforces

  • Closing the Trades Gap
    • Building a modern apprenticeship program
    • Attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled trades
    • Creating internal training pipelines for long-term workforce stability

  • Securing the Smart Campus
    • Addressing cybersecurity risks in smart buildings
    • Integrating IoT while protecting data and infrastructure
    • Real-world lessons from securing connected campuses
  • Tech in Action
    • Using BIM in daily operations, not Construction
    • Drone Tech and Imaging for inspections
    • Leveraging predictive analytics for maintenance and planning

  • Innovation at the Edge
    • Emerging Tech for Energy Management
    • Market Shifts vendors see shaping the next decade
    • New tools that could transform facilities management
Submit your Application