2025 NATIONAL CONVENTION
CALLING ALL VISIONARIES, LEADERS AND CHANGEMAKERS…
The 2025 National Convention Learning Labs aren’t just workshops — they’re a the beating heart of our once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Celebration where over 1,500 members will gather to shape the next 100 years of the Fraternity’s legacy.
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT TO SHINE
Only once every century does an opportunity this monumental present itself. Your expertise, your passion, your insights could become part of APO history as we commemorate 100 extraordinary years of Leadership, Friendship, and Service.
Brothers who attend our Learning Labs don’t just expect education—they crave transformative experiences that will:
- Challenge them to reach new heights
- Energize them with renewed fraternal spirit
- Revolutionize their understanding of our Fraternity
- Elevate both their chapter’s impact and personal development
DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO LEAVE YOUR MARK
The countdown to our Centennial has begun—and space on this historic program is limited! Both students and alumni with compelling ideas will be competing for these coveted presentation slots.
We need YOUR unique talents and valuable expertise to create the most memorable educational experience in our Fraternity’s 100-year history. This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand before your brothers and help chart our course for the next century.
WILL YOUR NAME BE IN THE CENTENNIAL PROGRAM?
Imagine future generations looking back at this historic gathering and seeing YOUR contribution. Don’t let this moment pass you by—submit your Learning Lab Proposal TODAY!
Below are details to help clarify what content areas proposals are needed for, how to submit a proposal and what to expect next. Questions regarding any of the information below can be directed to [email protected].
WHAT IS A LEARNING LAB?
A Learning Lab is like a workshop – ONLY SO MUCH BETTER! Learning Labs are interactive and engaging sessions around a variety of topics (see the Content Area section below for more on topics we are looking for). The Labs are fun, innovative and high-level. They provide tools, resources and strategies that can be implemented into daily practice right away. Labs are engaging, accessible, enriching and well thought out.
National Convention Learning Labs are held to a high standard and are not something a member can get at any other conference or event.
Learning Labs are either 30, 60, 75 or 90 minutes in length.
IMPORTANT DETAILS AND DATES TO CONSIDER
- Conference Date: December 27-30, 2025
- Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
- Session Lengths: 30-, 60-, 75- and 90-minute labs will be offered.
- Learning Lab Proposals are workshops, trainings, demonstrations or discussions a member wishes to facilitate as part of the learning schedule. For example, Pat is a professional fundraiser and is submitting a presentation on Chapter Fundraising that they have the skills, passion and expertise to facilitate themselves.
- NOTE: Incomplete proposals will not be reviewed; please be thorough and complete in your submission.
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMELINES
| Call for Proposals | May 2025 |
| Proposal Deadline | June 30, 2025 |
| Proposal Selection Notification | July '25 |
| Selection Announcement | July '25 |
| Facilitator Registration Deadline | September 1, 2025 |
HOW DO I SUBMIT A PROPOSAL AND WHAT IS THE CRITERIA?
Learning Lab proposals must be submitted by June 30, 2025, using the form provided on this page. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Students and alumni alike are encouraged to submit proposals!
Once the deadline has passed, the submitted proposals will be gathered and shared with a diverse committee of volunteers who will then evaluate the proposals based on the criteria provided. Identifying details such as name, chapter and school will be removed from the proposal before being shared with the committee to ensure the evaluation is merit-based. The evaluation committee includes current students, recent graduates and alumni volunteers with a broad range of experience and involvement.
You will be notified whether your proposal was selected for presentation at the Convention in August. For those selected to facilitate a Learning Lab, details regarding what needs to be provided (bio, picture, etc.) and by when will be included in the confirmation email. Please Note: Selected facilitators will be asked to register for the Convention no later than September 1, 2025.
PROPOSALS SHOULD…
… be thorough and identify ways the facilitator will deliver engaging, accessible and innovative content based on the needs of the audience.
… show value as a topic to a diverse set of learners.
… be relevant to the current chapter and member experience.
… include clear learning objectives.
… provide a thorough overview of what will be presented and how the information will be shared.
… identify information reinforcement tactics such as interactive activities, discussions, polls, etc.
Questions regarding the information above can be directed to [email protected].
WHO ARE THE LEARNING LAB AUDIENCES?
National Convention attendees come from a broad range of backgrounds, learning styles, chapters and member experiences. Learning Labs are open to all attendees, although topics may lend themselves to one segment more than another. For example, a workshop on innovative recruitment practices might be geared towards student officers although alumni, non-advisors are welcome and may find the session valuable and informative.
The following educational audiences are typically represented at the National Convention
- Chapter Officers
- Student Members (Non-officers)
- Alumni Volunteers
- Alumni Members
WHAT CONTENT AREAS ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR LEARNING LABS?
The Fraternity is hoping to facilitate Learning Labs in the following content areas at the 2025 National Convention.
- Advisor Development
- Alumni Association
- Brotherhood
- Chapter Operations
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Fun and Excitement
- Member Development
- Operations
- Professional Development
- Recruitment and Retention
If the proposal you are planning to submit does not fit into one of the content areas below… Perfect! Proposals that do not fit in to one of the areas below are absolutely welcomed! APO is always on the lookout for new and different areas to grow and develop our members. The content areas are provided as a guide and not a mandatory criterion.
SAMPLES AND EXAMPLES
Are you interested in presenting at the 2025 APO National Convention? Check out the proposal examples below before submitting your own, and consider the following:
- Who is the most suited attendee for this session? And how many attendees can this session accommodate?
- What content area does this session target?
- How will this session help members beyond their APO experience?
- How will this session be accessible to all learners?
- How will this session engage attendees?
Learning Lab Proposal Example 1 – Officer Transition Tactics and Solutions
Learning Lab Proposal Example 2 – Supporting Membership Growth