There is something for everyone at this year’s 2026 Public Affairs Conference! There are numerous ways to integrate into the classroom and attend.  The schedule includes 18 virtual panel sessions and 5 in-person speakers addressing this year’s public theme, The We Factor: Building Connections That Matter.   The 60+ speakers represent 17 states, 6 countries and 12 MSU Alumni, who will each share their expert perspective in a variety of academic interest areas.  And, don’t forget about the 2 pre and 2 post conference events and our kickoff keynote, acclaimed actor, Rainn Wilson!  Check out the full schedule!

Live Zoom sessions follow the general schedule of class times and panels will be recorded as possible for viewing through the end of fall semester.  The conference’ online schedule provides the Zoom links to attend virtual sessions, along with the recording links that will be uploaded afterward.

SUGGESTED CLASSOOM INTERGRATION ACTIVITIES

• Show one of the Zoom Webinar panel sessions that relates to your course content and use as discussion in your next class or over rest of semester
• As an assignment, have students attend 1-2 sessions in or outside of class and write a reflection on what they learned from the session
• Give extra credit for attending and have students write 2-5 true or false questions (with answer) given the content from the session
• Each panel speaker shares from a unique perspective:  have students share those 3-4 multiple viewpoints and if those various viewpoints influenced their thoughts on the topic
• Have students select a session of choice and write a paragraph on how that topic related to them personally or to your specific class.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Faculty, staff, students and members of the community are also encouraged to incorporate one or more events into their special projects, community engagement or employee development!

FOR MORE IDEAS OR QUESTIONS

Contact the Office of Public Affairs Support at 417-836-8832 or email at PublicAffairsSupport@MissouriState.edu!