2026 Call for proposals
A page within INTERNATIONAL DEATH, GRIEF, AND BEREAVEMENT CONFERENCE
2026 THEME
Loneliness in Grief: Exploring the Silent Struggle and the Path to Connection
Loneliness is a profound and often unspoken companion of grief. As individuals mourn the loss of a loved one, the overwhelming sense of isolation can become all-encompassing, even when surrounded by others. This theme could explore the multifaceted experience of loneliness in grief, examining its psychological, emotional, and social dimensions, while also considering the impact of cultural contexts, modern technology, and social support systems. Presentations should address the role of loneliness as a central challenge in the grieving process and explore ways to mitigate its effects and facilitate healthier pathways for moving forward and for reconnection to life in general. Potential groups/ideas related to this theme include:
- Men in Grief: The Toll of Loneliness
- Loneliness in Grief for Vulnerable Populations (i.e. older adults)?
- The Loneliness in Grief for Marginalized Communities (LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, and immigrant populations)
We welcome perspectives from academic, clinical and practical perspectives on these topics. Please submit an abstract for the 2026 conference. We look forward to learning with and from one another!
Concurrent session and poster session proposal deadline: November 11, 2025
Notification date: December 11, 2025
2026 International Death, Grief, & Bereavement Conference
Pre-conference: June 1, 2026 | Conference: June 2–4, 2026
Sponsored by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Center for Death Education & Bioethics
Graduate & Extended Learning
All proposals must be submitted online using the call for proposal submission form.
Proposals for concurrent sessions (1.25 hours each) will be accepted based on the relevancy to the theme and to a chosen strand.
Strands:
- Research, theory or policy implications
- Practical skills and application
- Contemporary therapies
Concurrent Session Proposals
- Sessions are limited to 60 minutes of presentation and 15 minutes of questions, discussion and dialogue with participants. It is highly encouraged that you allow 15 minutes for interaction with those attending your session.
- Selected concurrent session presenters will receive a discounted conference registration.
- Submission requirements
Poster and Roundtable Session Proposals
- The poster or roundtable presentation is 'open stream' and presentations are welcome on any topic, theme, theoretical innovation or policy development across the field of death, dying and bereavement.
- Poster display materials will be up throughout the conference and one 30 minute author presentation will be scheduled.
- Poster and roundtable presenters are expected to pay full conference registration fees.
- Submission requirements
For questions, please contact: Graduate & Extended Learning, 608.785.6500 or ex@uwlax.edu.
When are posters available for viewing?
- You will be assigned a day to display your poster at the conference
- Your poster will be displayed for the entire day
- Poster presentations take place during scheduled break times throughout the day
What are the requirements for the poster?
- Posters will be affixed to provided easels
- The easels are W 4' x H 6'
- Pins/clips will be provided to secure your poster to the easel
Where do I display my poster?
- Please check in at the registration desk on your assigned poster session day
- You will be directed to your poster station by Graduate & Extended Learning staff
- Poster stations are located in the foyer outside of the Bluffs Ballroom (where lunches, breaks and keynote presentations occur)
Do I present my poster?
- Please be prepared to present your poster during break times on the day you have been assigned
- Please stand next to your poster during break time you are scheduled to present; this will encourage attendees to visit with you and discuss your poster
When is the roundtable session?
- Roundtable sessions are held during one of the lunch breaks
- Sessions occur concurrently at selected tables in the Bluffs Ballroom (where lunch is served)
- Please be prepared to start your presentation at the beginning of the 60 minute lunch break
- Your presentation will occur at your assigned table
Where do I set up for my roundtable discussion?
- Roundtable presenters should check in at the registration table and indicate they are a roundtable presenter
- The UW-La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning staff will show the presenters to the table that will host their roundtable session
- Tables will have signage to indicate its use for a roundtable session
Should I bring handouts to my roundtable discussion?
- You are welcome to print and bring handouts for attendees at your session
- Tables seat 8 people
- There will be a maximum of 7 attendees at your table
- Should more people want to participate, they are welcome to add chairs from other tables
How many people will be at my roundtable discussion?
- There will be a maximum of 7 attendees at your table
- Should more people want to participate, they are welcome to add chairs from other tables