ABA Program Examines Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World

The American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section will mark Ombuds Day 2026 with a virtual program exploring the connections between mediation and Ombuds work. “Options in Action: Where Mediation Meets the Ombuds World” will examine the shared skills and approaches of the two professions, as well as the ways different Ombuds models provide an “Office of Options” for those navigating conflict. 

IOA Announces Speakers for 2026 September Symposium

The International Ombuds Association has released the agenda for its 2026 September Symposium, "Reframing Power and Influence: Exploring Intentional Ombuds Sway and the Tension Around Influence."  The event for intermediate and advanced Ombuds practitioners will take place on September 30 and October 1, 2026, at the Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, DC. 

Call for Presenters: IOA 2027 Annual Conference

The International Ombuds Association is inviting presentation proposals for its 22nd Annual Conference, which will be held in Vancouver, BC, on March 15-17, 2027. The announcement include several significant changes from last year's process, including the addition of half- and full-day pre-conference programs and a possible Research Symposium on the last day of the conference.

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. 

ABA Ombuds Committee Begins Open Monthly Meetings

The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution Ombuds Committee will begin monthly meetings on August 25, 2026. These meetings are free and open to "practicing ombuds from any sector, ombuds-curious, or just want to connect with individuals dedicated to the work." Bathabile K. S. Mthombeni and Matt Ricke are the committee co-chairs. Subsequent meetings are planned for: September 22, October 27, and November 24, 2026; and January 26, February 23, and March 23, 2027. (ABA Events.)

FCO Announces 2026 Conference

The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman has released details for its 2026 conference. The event will take place at the Delta Hotels Quebec City on October 19-22, 2026. The conference theme is "Ombuds: Institution of Trust - Strengthening Public Confidence" and registration is now open. 

Here are the scheduled speakers:

Cal Caucus 2026 Has Not Yet Sold Out

For the first time in several years, the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds has not sold out in the first day. Organizers for the event at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, November 8-11, 2026, report that there are still a few spots available. (Cal Caucus Humanitix.)

Registration Opens for 2026 California Caucus

The agenda has been posted for the 2026 California Caucus of College and University Ombuds. Registration for the event, which regularly sells out, opens today. The caucus takes place at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, November 8-11, 2026.

Here is the full agenda for the caucus, "The Grove & the Understory":

ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Seeks Spring 2027 Conference Proposals

The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution has issued a call for program proposals for its 2027 Spring Conference, which will be held in Chicago on April 16–17, 2027. The Section is seeking forward-thinking, skills-based presentations that help dispute resolution professionals address today's most pressing challenges. Selected programs will be 60 minutes long and feature two to four presenters. The organizers encourage proposals that bring together diverse perspectives, experiences, practice areas, and backgrounds. Proposals are due July 24, 2026. (ABA DRS.)

Registration Opens for Inaugural Mid-Atlantic Ombuds Network Annual Event

Registration is now open for the in-person annual event of the Mid-Atlantic Ombuds Network (MAON). After meeting virtually for several years, the regional group will convene Ombuds and other conflict resolution practitioners in Washington, DC, on October 15, 2026. Registration is $115.06 and includes breakfast, lunch, and a full day of educational programming, networking, and collaborative discussions. 

ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Annual Membership Meeting

The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Outgoing Section Chair Liz Hill will reflect on the Section's work over the past year and share a few thoughts as leadership transitions to a new team for the coming year. As the Section partners with IOA to implement a Model Ombuds Act, this promises to be an exciting year.

2026 International Ombudsman Seminar to Include Two Organizational Ombuds

Hans Kohler and Mary Rowe are among the speakers for Seminário Internacional de Ouvidorias - 2026 taking place next week. The online event is aimed at Classical Ombuds and features 14 senior public servants, Ombuds, and auditors from Brazilian federal and local ministries. Kohler, a Regional Ombuds with the International Organization for Migration in Kenya and Associate Editor of the Journal of IOA, and Rowe, the former inaugural Ombuds for MIT, will join a panel on the topic of "Effective Ombudsman Offices: Challenges and Pathways to Strengthen Structure, Processes, and Culture." 

Registration Opens for 2026 Summer Virtual Small California Caucus

The California Caucus of College and University Ombuds has opened registration for its fourth annual summer meeting. The online event on the morning of June 25, 2026, usually previews the topic for the traditional fall caucus in Pacific Grove.

Here are more details from announcement:

Save the Date for 2027 International Ombud Expo

Organizers have announced that the International Ombud Expo will take place in Willemstad, Curaçao, on May 24-28, 2027, with the theme of "Just Society for All: Celebrating Facilitators and Promoters in a Challenging World." The event follows the second International Ombud Expo, held in Gaborone, Botswana in 2024, which included several Organizational Ombuds (Sana Manjeshwar, Zetu Makamandela-Mguqulwa, Sarah Klaper, and Youssoupha Niang, and IOA Executive Director, Ellen Miller). According to the organizers, the Expo is intended as a global platform for sharing ideas, publications, technology, and governance practices among Ombuds of all types and related institutions. Additional details will be posted when available. (International Ombud Expo.)

Call for Proposals: Cal Caucus 2026

The California Caucus of College and University Ombuds is seeking speaker proposals for its annual in-person meeting. The unique and intimate caucus is set for November 8-11, 2026, at the rustic and historic Asilomar Conference Grounds. This year's theme is, "The Grove & the Understory." The deadline for proposals is May 11, 202.

CIDR Posts Agenda for 2026 Symposium

The Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution at Saint Paul University in Ottawa has announced the agenda for its 2026 annual symposium. The hybrid virtual and in-person event, "Navigating Crises: The Evolving Role of ADR Practitioners and Ombuds in Turbulent Times," is set for May 11-12, a beautiful time of year in Ottawa. 

ENOHE Announces 2026 Conference Speakers

The European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education has announced speakers and session details for its 21st annual conference at AGH University of Kraków on June 10-12, 2026. This year's theme is "New Developments in a Maturing Profession: Ombuds Skills and AI" will connect emerging issues in artificial intelligence with Ombuds work in higher education.

ENOHE Opens Registration for Annual Conference in Krakow

The European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education has announced details for its 21st annual conference at AGH University of Kraków on June 10-12, 2026. This year's theme is "New Developments in a Maturing Profession: Ombuds Skills and AI." Speakers will connect emerging issues in artificial intelligence with Ombuds work in higher education. The agenda is expected soon. Conference fees are €420 for members and €470 for non-members. Grants are available for Ombuds who are new to the field. (ENOHE Conf Info.) 

ABA Dispute Resolution Section 2026 Skills Summit Includes Joint IOA Programming

The American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section will host its inaugural Skills Summit on April 15-16, 2026. The first day of the virtual event will overlap with the third day of the IOA annual conference, with Day 1 designed as a concurrent program bringing together Ombuds and other dispute resolution professionals. (Participants will need to register for only one or the other event, not both.) In addition, the Skills Summit has been pre-approved for Certified Organizational Ombuds Professional Development Hours. 

Ombuds Academy Launches Training for Developing Ombuds

Reese Ramos has launched Ombuds Academy, a new training program for aspiring and early-career Ombuds. Ramos, an Ombuds with more than 25 years of experience, said the program responds to demand for more practical insight into the realities of Ombuds practice and opportunities to connect with experienced practitioners. The Academy’s flagship course, Ombuds Fundamentals, introduces the principles, challenges, and day-to-day dynamics of Ombuds work and is priced at $1,295 for four half-day sessions.