National Conference on DSW Education and Social Work
March 5, 2027
Future Forward: Advancing DSW Education, Practice, and Leadership
Conference Overview
Welcome to Future Forward: Advancing DSW Education and Practice, the sixth national DSW conference, hosted by The University of Alabama. This year’s conference will be held virtually via Zoom on March 5, 2027.
In every era of challenge, social work has found new ways to grow and lead. Future Forward builds on that legacy by asking how we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s progress. The conference brings together DSW students, alumni, educators, practitioners, and researchers to share ideas and shape the future of the profession.
| Available Dates | March 5, 2027 |
| Time | 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. CST |
| Registration Fee | Students – $25 Professionals – $35 Registration closes March 1, 2027 |
| Location | This workshop will be entirely virtual. We will send the links one week before the event. |
Abstract Submission
The call for presentation proposals is now open.
We invite DSW students, alumni, educators, practitioners, researchers, and community partners to submit a proposal. We especially welcome proposals in the following categories:·
- AI and Emerging Technology in Social Work.
- Strengthening DSW Programs and Accreditation
- Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Political Action
- Leadership and Advocacy in Education and Practice
- Practice-Informed Scholarship and Research
- Innovations in Direct Practice
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2026 11:59p.m. CST
Notification of Decisions: January 15, 2027
The 2027 Schedule Coming Soon!
All times are in the Central Time Zone.
Registration
The student registration fee is $25, and the professional registration fee is $35.
Special Accommodation Requests
The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.
Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or combine class sections, to limit registration, or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a sponsor or exhibitor of the DSW Conference, you are helping make this impactful professional development experience possible while gaining access to a highly engaged audience committed to learning and growth.
Individual Sponsorship Options
- Participant contact list: $100
- Logo on conference materials: $150
- Virtual conference booth: $250
Sponsorship Packages
Silver Sponsorship: $200 ($50 savings)
- Participant contact list
- Logo on conference materials
Gold Sponsorship: $300 ($200 savings)
- Participant contact list
- Logo on conference materials
- Virtual conference booth
2027 Sponsors Coming Soon!
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Questions about the event?
Contact the Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning team for more information.