The Ombuds Blog: Call for Presentations: COFO 2026 Annual Conference

August 24, 2026

Call for Presentations: COFO 2026 Annual Conference

The Coalition of Federal Ombudsman is seeking proposals for presentations at its 2026 Annual Conference, which will be held in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 25, 2026. The free, hybrid event focuses on the needs of Ombuds practitioners serving in the federal government, but welcomes presenters and attendees from across the profession and broader alternative dispute resolution community.

The conference typically attracts about 100 participants and proposals may range from 30-, 45-, and 60-minute presentations, as well as "blips" (brief, 5- to 15-minute presentations) or interactive activities designed to energize and engage participants between sessions. Proposals should include a title and description, along with the names, titles, affiliations, and bios of all presenters. COFO is unable to provide presenter fees or travel support. Proposals are due by August 31, 2026, to Chris Vermillion, Christopher.L.Vermillion@census.gov, or Mollie Berg, Mary.A.Berg@nga.mil.

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany/Austria -- Ombudspersonen and Ombudsleute

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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August 24, 2026

Call for Presentations: COFO 2026 Annual Conference

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