Call For Workshop and Panel Abstracts

Abstract Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST 

Conference Theme

Community First: Redesigning Health Care at Home

Ontario’s home and community care sector is at a crossroads. Workforce shortages, funding shortfalls, and sweeping system changes are transforming how care is delivered. The time to act is now. 



We are seeking workshop and panel proposals that tackle these challenges head-on. Sessions should offer new approaches, strategic insights and practical tools that help leaders and teams navigate change and deliver better outcomes for the people they serve. 


Call for Workshop and Panel Abstracts

We encourage submissions in these focus areas, as well as other topics that align with the conference theme: 

  • Community-First Innovation

    Possible topics include: 


    Innovations that support community living for older adults and people with disabilities 


    Improving nutrition, oral health, and other upstream determinants of health 


    Integrated community programs that support aging at home 

  • System Power, Funding and Data

    Possible topics include: 


    Integrating home and community care with primary care and other health services 


    Partnerships between home care providers and community support organizations 


    Funding models, system design, and advocacy for community-based care 


    Using data to demonstrate impact and inform decision making 

  • Operational and Workforce Resilience

    Possible topics include: 


    Workforce recruitment, retention, and new staffing models 


    Operational dashboards and performance management 


    Service delivery redesign and program innovation 


    Managing growth and complexity in community-based organizations 


    Emergency planning and service continuity during climate or community disruptions 

  • Leadership and Governance in Volatile Times

    Possible topics include: 


    Talent development and succession planning 


    Leading through system transformation 


    Governance practices that strengthen community organizations 


    Building organizational resilience and adaptive leadership 

CommunityConnect 2026 is a focused, collaborative gathering of CEOs, senior leaders, managers, board members, program staff, and system partners committed to strengthening care at home and in the community.

Who Should Submit


We welcome proposals from individuals and teams:


  • Home care and community support services
  • Community health organizations
  • Primary care providers
  • Government and health system partners
  • Research and policy organizations
  • Other professionals/institutions aligned with home and community care


Proposals that combine perspectives from multiple organizations or sectors are encouraged.

Session Formats

All sessions are 60-minutes. We are offering two session formats: 

Workshops  

A structured session where one or more presenters share insights, case studies, research findings, or innovative practices on a specific topic. Collaborative presentations showcasing the work of two or more organizations are welcome. The presentation will include an interactive Q&A period, allowing participants to engage with the speaker(s) and explore practical applications of the content. 

Panel presentations 

A dynamic session featuring up to three panelists who share diverse perspectives on a key issue in home and community care. Panelists will provide brief presentations or insights, followed by a moderated discussion and audience engagement. Panels should focus on collective problem-solving, knowledge exchange and debate rather than a series of formal presentations. 

What Makes a Strong Proposal


We are looking for sessions that:


  • Address strategic system issues and/or operational realities
  • Offer practical insights participants can apply in their organizations
  • Share lessons learned from real initiatives or programs
  • Reflect diverse perspectives across Ontario, including rural and northern communities


Submissions may include practice-based learning, system innovation, research findings, or collaborative initiatives.

Abstract Submission & Review

All abstracts are peer-reviewed and evaluated based on overall quality and alignment with the conference program.


Please review all guidelines carefully before submitting.

  • Selection Process

    Each session abstract will be reviewed by OCSA staff and a panel of volunteer peer reviewers and ranked based on the overall quality of the proposal and the session’s fit to the conference as detailed in this rubric (please review the rubric before submitting your abstract).


    Submission of an abstract does not guarantee acceptance as a speaker at the conference. All applicants will be contacted via email once the review is complete.


    If your workshop abstract is selected, OCSA will offer full-conference registration for up to two presenters at the special rate of $399.  Additional presenters will have to purchase conference registration(s) at the regular rate. No other compensation or costs will be provided by OCSA.

     

  • Submission Guidelines

    Please keep in mind the following guidelines when preparing your abstract:


    • Presenters are prohibited from marketing products, services, software or other commercial ventures in their sessions.  


    • Presenters warrant that their presentation is their own original work, that they are the sole copyright holder or that they have obtained all necessary permissions or licenses from any persons or organizations whose material is included or used in their presentation;


    • All PowerPoint presentations must be submitted to OCSA for review by September 11, 2026.  We cannot make changes to content, presenters, or slides after this date.


    • OCSA will provide full-conference registration to two presenters at the special rate of $399. The registration will provide access to all workshops, tradeshow, and meals. Additional presenters must purchase conference registration(s) at the regular rate.


Questions?

Questions about the Call for Abstracts can be directed to agnes.hui@ocsa.on.ca.