Two Regions, One Future: Shaping Governance, Policy, and Public Management Through Research, Education, and Practice
Two Regions, One Future: Shaping Governance, Policy, and Public Management Through Research, Education, and Practice
The 2026 SECoPA–NECoPA conference theme reflects a commitment to advancing public administration by bridging regional perspectives from the Southeast and Northeast. It emphasizes the dynamic interplay between academic research, professional education, and applied practice in shaping the future of governance, policy, and public management. By convening scholars, educators, and practitioners, the conference fosters cross-regional dialogue on pressing public service challenges, such as climate resilience, equity, intergovernmental coordination, and institutional trust. The theme invites comparative analysis, pedagogical innovation, and practice-informed scholarship that strengthen public administration and prepare the next generation of public leaders.
Conference Tracks and Topics
The conference will be organized around 4 tracks. The tracks and suggested topics are:
Critical Issues in Public Administration
– Leadership and organizational change
– Equity, inclusion, and social justice
– Civic engagement and public trust
– Public budgeting and finance
Bridging Regions and Sectors
– Federalism, intergovernmental, and regional coordination
– Collaborative governance
– Public, private, and nonprofit collaboration
– Global perspectives with regional relevance
Emerging Issues
– Coastal and environmental governance
– Technology, data, AI, and digital governance
– Implications of the changing federal policy landscape
Public Administration Education and Pedagogy
– Teaching and Learning in Public Affairs
– Preparing Students for Public Service Careers
– Bridging Academia and Practice in the Classroom
Submission Types
Proposals may include:
Individual Papers: Individual papers accepted for presentation will be grouped into thematic sessions by the program committee. Submissions should include a clear research question, methodology, findings (or expected findings), and implications for scholarship, practice, or education.
Panels: Panels should include 3 to 4 coordinated papers that collectively address a shared theme, issue, or question. Submissions should include a panel title and abstract, along with the name of each paper and the respective author(s).
Roundtables: Hour-long interactive sessions or facilitated discussions focused on emerging issues, pedagogical innovations, practitioner challenges, or cross-sector dialogue. Submissions should outline the topic, key questions, and intended audience, and list 3–5 confirmed facilitators or discussants.
Workshops: Hour-long hands-on, skill-building experiences or deep dives into specialized topics, including training, simulations, collaborative exercises, or tool demonstrations. Submissions should describe the workshop’s purpose, format, learning objectives, and target audience.
Submission Guidelines
Each proposal should include:
– Title
– Submission type (individual paper, panel, roundtable, workshop)
– Abstract (250 words maximum)
– Author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information
– Keywords (up to 5)
The deadline for full consideration of proposals is May 15, 2026.
Proposal Submission Portal: https://forms.gle/Aw3xmp4MWA8wVA5s7
Important Dates
Proposal Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: June 15, 2026
Location
The 2026 joint conference will be hosted by the School of Public Service at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, a dynamic coastal city that bridges the Southeast and Northeast regions—an ideal setting for our theme. Norfolk is easily accessible by car, plane, and Amtrak. More information regarding the conference location and hotel can be found online at secopa2026.com or necopa2026.com.