Session Formats & Program Roles

2026 SWS Winter Conference Interest Form 

Session Formats

Sociology in Practice

These sessions are spaces to share research, actions, and other engagement with current critical issues. They are opportunities to describe how to use sociology in interventionist ways, beyond traditional academia, to address pressing concerns and generate social change. They may provide insights into how to navigate a career path interweaving sociological community, advocacy, or policy work. 

Short Form Presentation

These sessions are spaces to present and celebrate complete or well-developed work (whatever that may be) or to “dress rehearse” a portion of a presentation in preparation for a high-stakes formal setting. As with all sessions, presentations will reflect the diversity of positions, work, career stages, and interests of members. Formats other than a typical conference paper presentation are strongly encouraged, and guidelines will be provided for these brief presentations (e.g., lightning talk, PetchaKucha, three-minute-thesis, SWS mini-TED Talk).

Listen/Learn/Engage

These are interactive sessions in which presenters share experiences, approaches, or developing ideas and invite others to practice, brainstorm, reflect, and critically engage with the topic. Participants may gain practical tools, new perspectives, and strategies they can apply or adapt to their own work. Sessions explore innovative methodologies, creative pedagogies, and the potential impact of our work.

Collaborative Feedback Forum 

These sessions are for academics and applied practitioners seeking advice on work-in-progress. Sessions begin with a short presentation offering a brief overview of the work and provide context for a specific feedback request. Presentations are followed by small-group discussions focused on each project, encouraging insights and advice from both scholarly and practical perspectives.

Dialogue Circle

These focused dialogue sessions bring people together to work out or work through a problem, idea, challenge, or transition. They are designed for collaborative problem-solving or idea development. There are no formal presentations, and sessions are more focused than casual conversation. Participants share experiences and insights, build community, and develop strategies and collective solutions.

Proposals for Session Participation includes session formats that vary in formality and in purpose. Formats offer what appear to be more traditional opportunities for conference participation including research presentations, requests for feedback, collaborative idea incubation, focused discussion, and problem-solving. 

Program Roles offer a wide variety of ways to actively engage, connect, and contribute to the conference—including, perhaps, discovering the best spot for a quick recharge. Please read descriptions carefully and share topics and/or areas of interest/expertise for any roles you are interested in. All career stages welcome! Graduate students - We’re expecting you! Early career scholars bring essential perspectives to SWS. After reviewing submissions, the Program Planning Committee will draft a preliminary program. Members will receive a follow-up to confirm or update your preferred role. Names will appear on the program. 

Input and Offers is a space to suggest a topic or pose a question on which you’d like to engage with others.  Offers to share creative and restorative activities. 

Connection, Conversation, Community

Informal opportunities to connect around shared interests and concerns. Formats may include themed meals, beverage breaks, walks, or casual meetups. These are opportunities for intentional networking, mutual support, and serendipitous collaboration—often extending and enriching discussions from sessions.

Renew, Reflect, Reconnect 

Time to unwind, recharge, and build community through shared creative and restorative activities. Opportunities for movement, mindful reflection, artistic expression, and the pleasure of connecting over everyday joys. These sessions provide space to explore, relax, and discover new inspirations together.

Program Roles 

All career stages are welcome. Graduate students - We’re expecting you! Early career scholars bring essential perspectives to SWS. 

Presenter 

Share complete or well-developed work in traditional or innovative formats. 

Discussant 

Provide thoughtful commentary on presentations without preparing your own research. Great role for those wanting to engage deeply with specific topics, meet others working in their field, and build visibility. 

Facilitator

Lead focused dialogues, workshops, or other activities on specific topics. May involve preparing discussion prompts or activities. Ideal for those with expertise to share.

Moderator 

Facilitate session flow, introduce presenters, manage time, and guide Q&A. This is a great professional development opportunity for practicing facilitation skills.

Notetaker 

Document key ideas, things to revisit, and takeaways. Notes will be submitted and then curated for sharing with members. 

Convener

Host informal themed conversations or meetups. These may include meals, beverage breaks, walks, sitting by the pool, or chatting in the courtyard.

Connector 

These are members who have attended past winter meetings or have some experience with and knowledge of SWS. They may welcome people at large-scale events like the Welcome Reception, Member Assembly, and SWS Banquet. They may also serve as “Ask Me Anything!” hosts – members who welcome questions about conference logistics and SWS in general.  

Respondent 

Attend sessions, participate actively, and provide informal feedback during Short Form Presentations, Listen/Learn/Engage Sessions, Collaborative Feedback Forums, and Dialogue Circles. This role represents what we consider a conventional conference attendee.

After the final program is released (and before registration closes in mid-January), members who do not hold another formal program role will have an additional opportunity to indicate their commitment to attending specific sessions and will be recognized on the program as Respondents for those sessions.