Registration for the 2026 Wisconsin Idea Conference is now open.
The conference will be held in Varsity Hall at Union South from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2. Focusing on the theme of “Building Creative and Committed Partnerships,” this year’s conference aims to reaffirm the importance of collaborating across organizations to make a positive impact in our shared neighborhoods on issues that matter to residents.
This year’s conference includes a keynote conversation with Morgridge Center Faculty Director Travis Wright and YWCA Madison CEO Gery Paredes Vásquez.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue through a variety of workshops and facilitated discussions, collectively exploring ways to collaborate more effectively and bridge community wisdom with university resources. A wide range of presenters include UW Extension, Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Education, UniverCity Alliance and more.
There will also be a poster session from undergraduate and graduate students to demonstrate experiences collaborating with community organizations in partnerships built on shared leadership/power and focused on creating positive impact in communities.
“The conference is a unique opportunity for organizers and scholars interested in community-university partnerships to connect with one another and develop their work,” says Assistant Director of Community-Engaged Scholarship Dave Lassen.
An awards luncheon during the conference will celebrate the impact of community university partnerships and recognize the contributions of UW students to the campus and broader community.
Registration for the conference will remain open online until capacity is reached. For more information or questions regarding the event, contact Dave Lassen.