2026 MCOA Fall Conference Call for Presentations
The MCOA Fall Conference is an ideal opportunity to share your ideas and to connect with one another. The conference agenda and schedule are designed to optimize your time, help you meet your personal goals, and allows for many different ways to engage.
- Different learning types, session formats, to meet your presentation and learning styles
- Opportunities to network throughout the day
- With such a large conference, attendees and presenters bring many unique perspectives, opening the door for new collaborations and innovation
Being at an in-person conference allows for the opportunity for you and your team to reimagine, get reenergized, and feel a sense of community.
Call for Presentations Form
FAQ
Important Dates and Deadlines
- March 12, 2026: Online form opens for proposal submissions
- May 22, 2026: Call for proposals closes
- June 22, 2026: Presenter notification
- September 2026: Presenter guidance and conference agenda emailed
- October 21-23, 2026: MCOA Fall Conference at the Wellsworth Hotel in Southbridge, MA
We are seeking engaging presentations on a wide range of topics impacting older adults. Consider submitting a proposal in one of our following tracks:
Healthy Aging: Focuses on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Includes topics like dementia care, chronic disease management, nutrition, fall prevention, and end-of-life planning.
Community Connections: Topics include caregiver support, intergenerational programs, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and creative aging initiatives.
Professional Development: Offers a wide range of sessions to enhance professional skills. Topics include leadership, marketing, finance, HR, program development, evaluation, strategic planning, advocacy, grant writing, technology, and self-care.
Social Support & Isolation: Topics include elder abuse prevention, financial security, healthcare benefits, legal and estate planning, ageism, LGBTQIA+ issues, diversity and inclusion, and strategies to combat loneliness and isolation.
Livability, Mobility, & Accessibility: Create age-friendly communities that promote independence and quality of life, including transportation, digital equity, and community desgin.
When can I submit my presentation proposal?
Proposals will be accepted from March 12 through May 22.
When and where is the 2026 MCOA Fall Conference?
The 2026 MCOA Fall Conference will take place October 21–23, 2026 in Southbridge, MA, at the Wellsworth Hotel (14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA 01550). All conference activities will take place at the Wellsworth Hotel.
Does MCOA pay presenter fees and travel reimbursement?
MCOA does not pay presenter fees or travel reimbursement. We are extremely grateful that all our presenters donate their time to support MCOA in creating a dynamic and exciting set of workshops for our attendees.
I am no longer able to attend; may my colleague fill in for me?
Yes, conference presenter registration can be transferred to another individual. To transfer your conference registration, please email Andrea@mcoaonline.org with the name, email, and title of the individual to whom you are transferring your ticket.
Can I present at the 2026 MCOA Fall Conference virtually?
No. We do not have the infrastructure necessary to host hybrid sessions. All presenters must plan to attend in person. Only people attending in-person will be listed in the conference agenda/app.
Can I request a presentation date/time?
Although we offer date/time choices in our submission form, we cannot guarantee that one of your top choices will be selected.
If I am the primary presenter on a proposal and am unable to attend the conference, what should I do?
Although the primary presenter typically organizes the session, a co-presenter may become the primary presenter with permission from the person who submitted the proposal. If no one can attend the conference and present the proposal, the primary presenter must withdraw the proposal in writing by emailing Andrea@mcoaonline.org.
I am a co-presenter and I cannot attend—what should I do?
Please notify us at Andrea@mcoaonline.org of your withdrawal and cc your co-presenters.
When will I be notified about my submission?
Notifications for accepted sessions will be e-mailed to “primary presenters” June 22, 2026. To make sure you receive all MCOA correspondence, add info@mcoaonline.org and Andrea@mcoaonline.org to your email’s “safe senders” list.