• NYSDRA 2026 Annual Conference 

    Call for Workshop Proposals

    Rooted in Peace: One Tree, Many Branches

    October 8 – 9, 2026

    Virtual - Day 1 | Hybrid - Day 2 (Desmond Hotel, Albany, NY) 

    About the Conference
    The New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) invites proposals for workshop sessions at our 2026 Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Rooted in Peace: One Tree, Many Branches, recognizes that peace does not happen by accident—it is cultivated through intentional action, strong relationships, and communities committed to growth and repair.

    As we also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award, we will honor the individuals and ideas that have shaped the field of dispute resolution while looking toward the future of ADR and community-centered justice. Our roots hold the values that anchor our work—dignity, equity, voice, and repair—while our branches continue to extend into new communities, disciplines, approaches, and opportunities.

    We welcome proposals from mediators, arbitrators, restorative practitioners, trainers, researchers, program directors, attorneys, educators, community leaders, and emerging professionals at all career stages. We especially encourage proposals that are interactive, thought-provoking, practical, and reflective of diverse perspectives and experiences. First-time presenters are encouraged to apply.

    Workshop Tracks
    To help organize the program, we have identified several thematic tracks. You may choose to propose a workshop aligned with one of these themes or submit your own unique session idea using the “Other” fields in the form. We welcome proposals on any topic relevant to dispute resolution practice, policy, research, innovation, leadership, or professional development.

    Your proposal will help shape a program that not only celebrates the legacy of ADR in New York, but also helps define where the field grows next.

    We look forward to your submission!

    Sincerely,

    NYSDRA Annual Conference Committee

  • Presenter Information 

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Co-Presenters (if applicable)

  • Do you have co-presenters?*

  • Session Proposal

  • Morning Block  

  • 10:15 – 11:15 AM

  • Mid-Day Block

  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

  • Afternoon Block

  • 1:45 - 2:45 PM
  • 3:00 – 4:00 PM

  • About Your Session

  • 0/300

  • Accessibility & Inclusion

  • Do you or your co-presenters require any accommodations to participate fully in the virtual presentation?*

  • Additional Information

  • Have you presented at a NYSDRA conference before?*
  • Are you affiliated with a Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC)?*
  • Can we offer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit for your presentation? (see info below, as background)*

  • This link provides helpful information to help you determine whether your session may be eligible for CLE credits: https://www.nycourts.gov/continuing-legal-education-cle

    • At least one member of your presenting group must be an attorney in good standing.
    • Thorough, high-quality written materials must be provided before the conference.
  • Can we offer Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit for your presentation? (see info below, as background)*

  • CTLE-eligible presentations are professional development sessions that meet the requirements set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit. To qualify, the session should have clearly defined learning objectives, be standards-based, and include evidence of participation (e.g., sign-in sheets, certificates).

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