Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Conference Schedule
8:90am to 8:30am
Registration and Breakfast (Located outside the Ballroom)
8:35am to 8:45am
Opening Remarks (Located in the Ballroom)
9:00am to 10:15am
Keynote: Dr. Matt Zakreski (Located in the Ballroom)
Title: I'm in the Business of Hope: How to Keep Believing When Things Feel Impossible
Description: Life. Is. HARD! As a psychologist, I often say I am in the “business of hope.” But what is hope? And how do we have it authentically when it feels like the world is increasingly chaotic, unfair, and cruel? This talk will focus on what hope truly is from a psychological standpoint and explore how to apply it meaningfully to our lives. I also will talk about the importance of hope from a neurodiversity perspective. We will also identify potential barriers towards having hope and workshop solutions to overcome those challenge
10:30am to 11:20am - Session 1
Select each session title to view its description and room location.
List of Services
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11:30am to 12:20pm
Lunch and Awards (Located in the Ballroom)
12:30pm to 1:20pm
Select each session title to view its description and room location.
List of Services
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List Item 1 Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.Item Link List Item 1
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1:30pm to 2:20pm - Session 3
Select each session title to view its description and room location.
List of Services
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List Item 1 Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.Item Link List Item 1
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List Item 2 Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.Item Link List Item 2
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List Item 3 Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.Item Link List Item 3
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Logo Contest
Calling all creative K-12 students across Wisconsin! Each year, Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted invites students to design a logo for our Annual Conference, and we're excited to see your creativity shine.
Deadline Extended: April 15, 2025 at midnight
Theme for the 2025 Conference: Take a Chance on Gifted Education!
Conference Dates: October 5–7, 2025
Location: Wisconsin Dells
Size: No larger than 4" x 4"
Color: Black and white only
Adaptability: Must be scalable (use bold lettering and simple, non-intricate designs)
Submit your original logo design to help us represent this year's theme! Winning artwork will be featured in conference materials and recognized statewide.
How to Submit: Email your logo to watg@watg.org
The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is now accepting breakout session proposals for our 2025 conference!
Deadline Extended: May 1, 2025
Conference Dates: October 6–7, 2025
Location: Wilderness Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells
Theme: Take a Chance on Gifted Education!
Call for Proposals
This two-day event attracts a diverse audience, including K-12 educators, administrators, GT coordinators, parents, and others passionate about gifted education. We are seeking proposals that resonate with a wide range of attendees and provide actionable resources or lesson ideas across the five areas of giftedness:
- General intellect
- Subject-specific talents
- Visual/performing arts
- Creativity
- Leadership
Topics of interest from past conferences include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Self-advocacy strategies
- Supporting twice-exceptional learners
- Gifted program models in other schools
- Empower parents of gifted students
- Advocacy for gifted education
- Social-emotional learning for neurodivergent students
- Classroom differentiation techniques
- Leadership and creativity development
- Talent development models
- Strategies for reading and writing
Presenter Benefits: Main presenters for each breakout session will receive complimentary conference registration and meals for the day of their presentation. If you choose to attend the additional day, you'll only pay the one-day registration rate.
If your proposal is accepted, you will be notified via email. Registration details will follow soon after.
We can't wait to hear your ideas and collaborate on an inspiring event!
