2026 Staff Conference
The UCR Staff Conference is a virtual, two-day annual event organized by and for staff at UC Riverside. Its purpose is to provide professional development, foster engagement, and cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic environment where every staff member can thrive. This conference is co-hosted by the UCR Staff Assembly, Leaders of Excellence and Distinction (LEAD), and Human Resources Employee and Organizational Development (EOD).
This year’s conference theme is “Together, We Rise: Empower, Evolve, and Excel.” It will feature inspiring keynote speakers and sessions that offer invaluable insights.
Dates: Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Locations: Virtual sessions and School of Business, SBB Auditorium for the closing session on March 25, 2026
Registration will open in Mid-February 2026.
Call for Speakers: Join us for the 2026 Staff Conference
Are you passionate about sharing your expertise? Do you have a story or a skill that can inspire your colleagues? We want you on our stage! We are now seeking enthusiastic presenters for our upcoming Staff Conference. Whether you are a seasoned keynote pro or a first-time speaker looking to share a "lightning talk," this is your platform to shine.
How to Apply
To be considered, please have the following ready:
- Select Your Category: Choose which pillar (Empower, Evolve, or Excel) your talk best fits.
- Description: A brief description of your topic/idea
- Preferred Time: Let us know your ideal presentation length or time slot.
- Speaker Bio: A short paragraph highlighting your experience or passion.
- Headshot: A professional photo for our conference program.
Submission Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026
Will Giangrande
Founder & CEO,
The NextGen Playbook
Day Two Keynote Speaker
Will Giangrande is the founder of The NextGen Playbook, where he helps organizations
bridge generational gaps by translating how younger employees think, communicate,
and grow at work while also creating space for younger professionals to understand the
perspectives, expectations, and experiences of more senior leaders. His work equips
organizations with practical strategies that strengthen communication, alignment, and
performance across generations.
He also serves as a Kindling Ambassador, supporting young professionals through
mentorship, and is a certified Take Flight Facilitator, helping teams leverage individual
work styles for more effective collaboration. Across his work, Will is committed to
helping organizations build stronger, more connected, and thriving teams.