Call for Theme Track Session Ideas

The SIOP 2027 Annual Conference, taking place in National Harbor, Maryland, in April 2027, will spotlight the consequential applied psychology work happening across the federal workforce and the broader ecosystem surrounding it. The 2027 SIOP Annual Conference Theme Track seeks to bring in individuals who can share this interesting and impactful work, including those who may not function in traditional I-O roles. The goal is to recognize the great past and ongoing contributions from our field, and to discuss how we can shape the future.

Up to two additional sessions will be selected to round out the Theme Track. Theme Track sessions are invited. Ideas sent for the Theme Track do not enter the general program’s peer review process. Also, participation does not count toward the Rule of Three.

Topics of Interest (not limited to):

• Workforce Development
  • Skill gaps, up/reskilling, and workforce readiness
• Legal Issues and Regulation*
  • Selection, compliance, and the shifting policy environment
• Government-Academic Partnerships
  • Universities partnering with federal or state agencies for mentorship, research, or enhanced experiences
• AI-Driven Job Disruption
  • How work is being redesigned, displaced, or created
• I-O and National Priorities*
  • Defense, space exploration, governmental efficiency, and reform
• Nonprofit, NGO, and Global Issues
  • Mission-driven and cross-border applications of I-O work

*A session on this topic is already in development. Suggestions for speakers are welcome.

Format and Logistics:

• Session types: Panel discussions, symposia, debates/IGNITE, and alternative sessions are welcome
• Length: 50-minutes sessions are strongly preferred; 80-minute sessions will be considered
• Participants: SIOP and non-SIOP members are welcome, with nonmembers eligible to serve as co-presenters

A formal submission is not required. We welcome brief abstracts outlining your session idea, including the proposed theme, format, and potential participants. If you have a promising speaker or contact but do not have a complete session concept, please feel free to share that as well, as that participant could fit into a developing session. If your idea is chosen, we will work with you to develop it into an invited Theme Track session.

To submit an idea for the Theme Track, email Bradley Pitcher at bradpitcher@aptmetrics.com by September 30, 2026.