2026 Heartland Workshops

2026 Heartland Regional Call for Workshop Proposals

Workshop proposal deadline: January 21, 2026
Greetings, potential workshop presenter!

First and foremost, thank you for your interest in participating in this year’s AEE-Heartland conference as a presenter. These presentations are an integral part of our annual conference. Sharing our stories is how we advance the field of experiential education. We can’t wait to hear yours!

In order to formally submit your conference proposal, complete and submit this form by January 21, 2026.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form in detail.
About you...
Your full name (as you would like it to appear in the Conference Program)*
Your Organization
City, State
E-mail*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Your biography. (100 word limit)*

0/100
About co-presenters...

Optional
Names of co-presenters
Co-presenter 1 biography (100 word limit)

0/100
Co-presenter 2 biography (100 word limit)

0/100
About your workshop...

Some of this information will be publicly shared in the conference brochure.
Proposed Title (15 word limit)*
Proposed Length*

60 minutes90 minutes
Workshop description (75 word limit) (this will appear in the conference program)*

0/75
Learning Objectives: (Please describe 2 or 3 outcomes participants can expect)*

0/75
What is your experience with this topic?

I have published peer-reviewed research on this topic, and have new insights to present.I am a practitioner and have actively applied this content to my work for several years. I intend to share applicable lessons learned for others.I am interested in this topic, and think it should be discussed further, but I'm not an expert - my session will facilitate the discussion amongst interested peers.
Briefly describe your strategy to engage your workshop audience. (150 word limit)*

0/150
How do you plan to build in reflection during or at the end of your workshop?. (150 word limit)*

0/150
THEMATIC STRAND DESCRIPTIONS Select the one that is the most appropriate*

Adventure-Based Programming -- Techniques and models used by practitioners to foster learning and growth in wilderness- and adventure- based programs, outdoor education, or organized camping. Topics could include, but are not limited to: challenge course building/design, universal programming/design, initiatives and trustbuilding activities, climbing, boating, expeditions, and wilderness medicine.AEE Leadership Development -- Workshops designed for AEE current and potential leaders and presenters. Topics could include, but should not be limited to: first-timer orientation, how to write a proposal, presenter development process, regional or Professional Group leader training or development, board and committee development, how to put on an AEE conference or event, general membership meeting, and AEE accreditation or publications training or meetings.Art and Science of Teaching -- We all teach no matter in what thematic strand we operate. Topics could include, but are not limited to: techniques of effective teaching (i.e., what’s in your teaching toolbox?), the “art” of teaching, skills necessary to be an effective teacher and an efficient learner, techniques to enhance learning, how multiple ways of seeing and thinking influence learning and teaching.Schools and Colleges -- Experiential teaching and learning for primary, secondary and higher education. Topics could include, but are not limited to: collaborative learning, empowerment-based education, service-learning, adult education, inquiry and action learning, problem-based instruction, peer education, simulation and role playing, learning style–appropriate teaching, and lab-based instruction. Workshops may also focus on unique theories and models of programs, including co-curricular education, integrating adventure into the curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, learning communities, youth development, values and character development, and community-based education.Experience-Based Training and Development --Techniques and theories to facilitate growth and development of and within organizations. Topics could include, but are not limited to: team building, leadership development, assessing clients' needs, program design and evaluation, facilitating strategic planning, visioning, business transformation, and systems thinking.Environmental Education/Nature Study --Techniques, models, and curriculum used by practitioners to foster environmental literacy and learning about environmental issues and the natural world. Topics could include, but are not limited to: environmental awareness and stewardship, sustainability, nature studies, conservation, and minimal-impact techniques.Facilitation/Processing -- Cross-disciplinary techniques, tools and models for exploring philosophy, practice, methodology, self-development and growth as a practitioner working with groups in a variety of settings. Topics could include, but are not limited to: challenge by choice, full-value contracts, group dynamics and development, framing, reflection, facilitating the experiential learning cycle, observation skills, technical skills, collaboration and co-facilitation, and developing professional skills.Mind/Body/Spirit -- Integrating all dimensions of the human being as an essential aspect of experiential education. Topics could include, but are not limited to: creativity, yoga, meditation, martial arts, personal wellness, prayer and other practices that involve a synthesis of spirituality, mindfulness and body work.Program Administration -- Managing risk, responding to trends, promoting and marketing, maintaining client relations, fiscal management and staff development. Topics could include, but are not limited to: grant writing, strategic planning, capital campaigns, partnerships, accreditation, certification, insurance, internship programs, training, supervision, and site development.Research and Evaluation-- Theories related to experiential learning, new and continuing research results, evaluation methods and outcomes.Social Justice and Ethics -- Social and ethical issues and questions as they relate to experiential education. Topics could include, but are not limited to: issues of ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability and multi-culturalism. Also includes professional standards, ethics and integrity.Therapeutic -- Therapeutic application and underlying theories and models of adventure-based practice in mental health, corrections, substance abuse, health and related fields. Topics could include, but are not limited to: clinical assessment, treatment modalities, ethics of client treatment, and workshops that blend other forms of experiential practice (art, drama, music, animal assisted, etc.) for therapeutic purpose.Other
Other workshop information you would like us to consider in your proposal (this information will not be publicly available)
Attendee Capacity*

Up to 1516 to 2525-50
Intended audience*

BeginnersIntermediatesSeasoned ProfessionalsAll
This workshop: (Workshop type/room /environment needed (check all that apply))*

Will be noisyNeeds a lot of open spaceNeeds outdoor spaceNeeds high ceilingsWorks well in a conference room (one large table with chairs around)
Technology Needs*

portable tv screen with laptop connectionWhite board and markersNoneOther
Other space or technology needs
Anything else about your workshop the selection committee should know:
Review the following statement and check the boxes below.
We expect presenters to:

Present the workshop that has been approved by the workshop committee.Present during any of the conference dates or times (Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning)Respond promptly to communications from the workshop committee.Share information with any co-presenters. Co-presenters will not be contacted directly by the workshop committee.Register for the conference at the presenter rate ($160) by the regular registration deadline.
Presenter Agreement

I have read and understood the expectations for presenters.
Should be Empty:

2026 Heartland Regional Call for Workshop Proposals

About you...

About co-presenters...

About your workshop...

Review the following statement and check the boxes below.