ABOUT IPAC

The International Personnel Assessment Council (IPAC) is the premier organization of assessment professionals who develop and deliver state-of-the-science testing and measurement services within the HR community. IPAC provides:

IPAC is a not-for-profit organization of over 200 human resource professionals actively engaged in or contributing to the professional, academic, and practical field of personnel research and assessment.  The Annual IPAC Conference offers professionals the opportunity to share their latest research, programs, and ideas with their peers.  Since its origins as the International Personnel Management Association Assessment Council (IPMAAC) over thirty years ago, IPAC's greatest strengths have been its members’ commitment to building a solid theoretical and applied research foundation for their professional activities and the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that pervades the organization.

You are cordially invited to be a part of that IPAC tradition.  Anyone may submit a proposal for consideration; membership in IPAC is not required.  Note that no author may present in more than 3 total sessions, regardless of format. 

This Call for Proposals provides information you need to fully submit your idea.  The following sections provide detailed descriptions of the submission components, as well as session types and example conference topic areas to help generate or focus submission ideas.

EXAMPLES OF CONFERENCE TOPIC AREAS

All topics in the area of personnel assessment, including selection, legal issues, performance management, training and development, and leadership and succession planning are welcome at the conference.  IPAC recognizes the value of assessment across the HR continuum as HR fulfills its role of strategic partner in the organization’s pursuit of its mission, vision, and business goals.

The list below provides a sample of program topics that are welcome at the conference.  You are not limited to these topics.

Challenges and Innovations in Personnel Assessment

As organizations and the nature of work continue to change, how are personnel assessment practitioners meeting the challenge?  What innovative approaches have been employed to handle issues such as the assessment of teams and the use of non-traditional assessment techniques?

Using Data to Help Drive Decisions 

Data can be powerful.  From building a case for assessment in your organization to making business decisions and developing organizational strategies, the form and function of the data collected and presented can greatly influence your success.  What data (or presentational format of data) do you find to be the most persuasive to different audiences?  How do you showcase the value added of assessments, given the additional costs associated with their use?  How do you use data to help drive your business?

Programs and Practices Demonstrating Excellence in Assessment

The focus of this program component is on sharing “sound practices” with colleagues.  Have you developed an effective program to address a specific personnel assessment challenge?  Have you designed a leadership development program to address today’s challenges?  What steps have you taken to ensure your performance management program promotes employee development?

Information Technology in Personnel Assessment

How is the use of information technology changing capabilities in personnel assessment?  How have video, computer-based, and Internet testing been incorporated into selection programs?  Is remote assessment meeting expectations and all requirements?  How can we use technology to enhance and expand training and development opportunities?

Strategies/Techniques for Managing the Assessment Function

The focus of this component is on the management of the assessment program.  What approaches have you found to be effective in managing an assessment program that meets legal and professional standards as well as the needs of your organization/client?  Have you incorporated assessment into leadership development?  Have you developed a telework program to ensure employee engagement and success?

Responses to Change/Role of Assessment Professionals

What strategies have you employed to meet the challenges of civil service reform, regulatory changes, quality initiatives, and/or downsizing?  How is the assessment function impacted by environmental changes, and how do assessment professionals assist in facilitating these changes?  Has the assessment function had a role in change management in your organization?

Assessment-Related Research

What research projects have you been involved with, either in a workplace or academic setting?  Have you, or someone you know, recently completed a thesis or dissertation on a topic related to personnel assessment?

SESSION FORMATS

Session formats include symposia, panel discussions, debates, roundtables, tutorials, paper presentations, and student posters and are described as follows.

Symposium (Length:  60 or 90 minutes)

A symposium is a group of usually three to five presenters, each of whom makes a presentation on the selected topic or problem.  Effective configurations of presenters include:  (1) individuals from different work settings discuss their experiences with a given problem; (2) individuals with different opinions or interpretations of a topic; (3) individuals offering alternative solutions to the problem; and (4) individuals with in-depth knowledge of different aspects of a topic.

Length:  Abstract (150 words), Proposal Narrative Summary (MIN: 500 words; MAX: 2,000 words)

Panel Discussion (Length:  60 or 90 minutes)

In contrast to a symposium, a panel discussion is designed to generate spontaneous interaction among participants and between participants and the audience.  The chairperson of a panel discussion must be knowledgeable about the topic to serve as a moderator, pose pertinent questions to participants, ensure that each panelist has the opportunity to speak, and guide the flow of the discussion.  Although diversity of perspectives among panelists is often a key to success, panels that present innovations, programs, or research are also appropriate.  Proposals must describe:  (1) the themes to be discussed; (2) questions to be addressed; and (3) the proposed session’s structure.

Length:  Abstract (150 words), Proposal Narrative Summary (MIN: 500 words; MAX: 2,000 words)

Debate (Length:  60 or 90 minutes)

Debates aim to present opposing perspectives or views on a single topic. The structure of the session should include one or two presenters on each “side” of the debate, as well as a session moderator. The moderator is responsible for introducing the topic of interest and managing the debate; the moderator may also serve as the session discussant to summarize and contextualize the discussion for session attendees. Submissions should include: (1) a description of the topic of interest; (2) the major points that will be discussed by opposing sides; and (3) questions for discussion and debate.

Length: Abstract (50 words), Proposal Narrative Summary (MIN: 500 words; MAX: 2,000 words)

Roundtable--Community of Interest (Length:  60 or 90 minutes)

Roundtables are designed to connect individuals with common interests and to share unique perspectives, experiences, or challenges, generate new ideas, etc. Participants can come together to openly exchange experiences related to assessment challenges or issues. The ideal structure of the session includes two or three ‘hosts’ of the session who are responsible for introducing the topic(s) of interest and facilitating the discussion with the audience. Audience participation is critical to the success of these sessions. Submissions should include: (1) a description of the topic(s) of interest and (2) questions to engage the audience in discussion.

Length: Abstract (50 words), Proposal Narrative Summary (MIN: 500 words; MAX: 2,000 words)

Tutorial (Length:  90 minutes)

A tutorial provides in-depth coverage of a topic.  Tutorials aim to help the target audience develop new skills or enhance existing skills.  Tutorials are not lectures; they are interactive sessions or “workshops” that afford an opportunity to gain “hands on” experience applying new skills and to discuss problems and issues related to the subject.  A tutorial may be presented by one or more persons.  Proposals must describe:  (1) the topic of interest; (2) the interactive activities planned; and (3) the audience level for which they are appropriate [i.e., Foundational (basic), Practitioner/Researcher (intermediate), or New Insights (advanced)].

Length:  Abstract (150 words), Proposal Narrative Summary (MIN: 500 words; MAX: 2,000 words)

Paper Presentation (Length:  30 or 60 minutes)

Individual paper presentations may also be submitted.  Individual paper presentations focus on a selected topic or problem.  Authors need not have completed a formal research paper for publication; instead authors may present a topic, challenge, or problem related to personnel assessment, best practices, recommended strategies, or alternative approaches, and results or outcomes of actions taken.  The proposal may take the form of an executive summary or write-up of a topic of interest.  If the proposal focuses on empirical research, the proposal must describe the study’s contribution to the field and methodology used for data collection.  The Program Committee will assign accepted proposals to a session comprising two or three presentations on related topics.

Length:  Abstract (50 words), Proposal Narrative Summary (MIN: 500 words; MAX: 2,000 words)

Student Poster (Length:  30 minutes)

The Student Poster Session is designed for current students to showcase their academic or applied work in any of the topic areas listed above.  During the Conference, a moderator (or discussant) will introduce the presenters and encourage audience participation.  Each student presenter will have the opportunity to provide a short introduction of their research to audience participants.  Afterwards, audience members are encouraged to engage student presenters in discussion.  Submissions typically include completed research, applied projects, or theoretical work. In-progress research/applied projects may be featured if data collection is underway; however, authors must present completed work at the time of the conference.   

Length:  Abstract (50 words); Proposal Narrative Summary (500 words minimum; 2,000 words maximum)

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Proposals must be submitted using IPAC’s online submission system [LINK COMING SOON].  

To register with the system, you will need to provide your email address and create a password to log in to the system.  Please select a password that you will remember.

A submission has two components:  (1) an online form that you will complete to provide basic information about the presenter(s), requested session, and Abstract, and (2) a proposal or detailed session document containing the content of the submission.  Please read everything below to ensure you include all necessary information in your Abstract and Proposal

To complete the online form, you must provide: 

• Title of the submission
• Presenter/Author name(s) and contact information (additional presenters' information must be included). Note that no author may present in more than 3 total sessions, regardless of format. 
• Abstract:  Provide a short statement that clearly describes the session’s content and format and states why it will be of interest to IPAC conference attendees.  Your abstract will be printed in the Conference Program if the proposal is accepted for presentation.  Please state the requested length of your presentation, session content level, and audience participation level in your Abstract and Proposal.

• Topic Area(s) of your presentation to help us match proposals to reviewers and schedule sessions. The system will provide a list from which to choose along with the session type.
• Session Type and Length Requested (i.e., symposium, panel discussion, debate, roundtable, tutorial, paper presentation, or student poster).  The system will provide the following list with the Topic Area (you will need to state the requested length in your Abstract and your Proposal):
• • Symposium – 60 or 90 minutes
  • Panel Discussion – 60 or 90 minutes
  • Debate – 60 or 90 minutes
  • Roundtable – 60 or 90 minutes
  • Tutorial – 90 minutes
  • Paper Presentation – 30 or 60 minutes
  • Student Poster – 60 minutes

• Session Content.  Please include the session content level in your Abstract and Proposal from the following:
• • Foundational (Basic):  The content of this session is designed to provide an introduction to or a re-fresher on a topic - detailing ‘tried and true’ methodologies and best practices in the field.  This session covers the foundational elements of the topic and provides attendees with ‘how-to’ guidance or ideas/processes that could be applied or implemented on the job.  Attendees do not need any prior understanding of the topic to find value in the session.
  • Practitioner/Researcher (Intermediate):  The content of this session is designed to delve deeper into a particular topic.  Presenters may discuss multiple perspectives on a topic, including a variety of approaches or practices that could be employed.  References to foundational items may occur, but attendees should have a basic understanding of the topic to find value in the session.
  • New Insights (Advanced):  The content of this session is designed to cover new or complex ideas.  These sessions do not reference foundational items and are intended to promote new ways of thinking on a topic.  Attendees should have a solid understanding of the topic to find value in the session.
• Audience Participation Level helps us provide more information to our attendees.  This is the level of audience participation you expect for your session.  Please include the anticipated audience participation level in your Abstract and Proposal from the following:
• • High (Interactive/Collaborative):  The session promotes regular interaction with the audience.  This could be through hands-on activities, in-depth discussions, or other audience-focused activity.
  • Medium (Prompted):  The session devotes some time to audience participation.  This could be through a single set of targeted audience questions (like an audience poll) during the session.  Additional audience participation is encouraged (at any time), and time at the end of the session will be devoted to audience questions.
  • Low (Informative):  The session is primarily lecture-based.  Audience participation is not anticipated, but audience questions are welcome (at any time).  The session will have structured time for audience questions at the end.
• Proposal (i.e., detailed session description):  Upload a file containing your full proposal.  Acceptable file formats include Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx), Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), and graphics.  To enable a blind review of the proposals, please ensure that presenter name(s) do not appear in the proposal you upload.  Length:  500 to 2,000 words for all session types.

After submitting your online form and proposal, you will receive a confirmation email including a unique proposal Submission ID.  You may log into the system to make revisions to your proposal until the submission deadline has passed, which is 11:59 p.m. PT on January 22, 2027.

REVIEW PROCESS AND NOTIFICATION

Proposals will be reviewed by the Program Committee for technical soundness, theoretical and/or practical significance, and interest to the conference attendees. You will be notified by e-mail regarding acceptance/rejection of your proposal.  Please be sure to include an accurate e-mail address for the presenter who wishes to receive correspondence regarding this submission.

PRESENTER REQUIREMENTS

All approved presenters must . . .

QUESTIONS?

Questions about the submission process may be directed to program@ipacweb.org. For more information about general conference planning activities, please email the Conference Chair at conference@ipacweb.org.

Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. PT on January 22, 2027.  

Proposals must be submitted using IPAC’s online submission system [LINK COMING SOON].