OSA 2026 Annual Conference

Join our Conference
Organizing Subcommittee

Nine subcommittees. Multiple roles. One shared mission — to build the most impactful Oromo Studies gathering yet. Applications are open to OSA members, students, and community allies.

Program & Content Logistics & Operations Media & Creative Design Marketing & Communications Registration & Experience Social Events & Networking Sponsorship & Finance Community Outreach

Who Should Apply

This is an open call for OSA members who want to help support and shape the 2026 conference. We especially encourage undergraduate and graduate students, early-career professionals, and OSA members under 40 to apply — bringing fresh energy, new perspectives, and next-generation leadership to the organizing process.

Subcommittees

Find Your Role

Explore the nine subcommittees below. You may apply to up to two that align with your skills and interests.

01 / 09

Program & Content

Shape the intellectual heart of the conference.

  • → Curate panels, speakers & keynotes
  • → Develop conference theme & academic tracks
  • → Review and select paper submissions
  • → Coordinate with JOS editorial board
Academic backgroundCFP experienceEditorial judgment

02 / 09

Logistics & Operations

Keep everything running — before, during, and after.

  • → Coordinate venue, travel & accommodations
  • → Manage vendor contracts & timelines
  • → Oversee day-of event execution
  • → Handle A/V, catering & accessibility
Project managementVendor negotiationEvent ops

03 / 09

Media & Creative

Capture the energy. Tell the story.

  • → Photograph & video-document the conference
  • → Create promotional graphics & short-form video
  • → Edit highlight reels and recap assets
  • → Archive visual media for OSA records
Photography/videoAdobe CCSocial media

04 / 09

Design

Bring the OSA brand to life across every touchpoint.

  • → Design program, signage & print collateral
  • → Apply OSA brand identity across all materials
  • → Create slide templates for presenters
  • → Produce digital and print-ready assets
Figma / AdobeBrandingPrint production

05 / 09

Marketing & Communications

Spread the word. Build the buzz. Grow the reach.

  • → Develop & execute promotional campaigns
  • → Draft press releases and outreach emails
  • → Manage conference communications calendar
  • → Track engagement and campaign performance
Marketing / PRCopywritingEmail platforms

06 / 09

Registration & Experience

Make every attendee feel welcomed from day one.

  • → Set up and manage registration platform
  • → Handle attendee inquiries and ticketing
  • → Manage check-in and on-site attendee flow
  • → Gather post-conference feedback & surveys
Eventbrite / CventCustomer serviceData reporting

07 / 09

Social Events & Networking

Build the connections that last beyond the conference.

  • → Plan opening night dinner & networking events
  • → Coordinate cultural programming & entertainment
  • → Work with local Oromo community organizations
  • → Create welcoming spaces for all attendees
Event hospitalityCommunity organizingDiaspora networks

08 / 09

Sponsorship & Finance

Fuel the mission. Secure the resources.

  • → Identify and cultivate potential sponsors
  • → Draft sponsorship packages and proposals
  • → Track conference budget and expenditures
  • → Process reimbursements and vendor payments
Fundraising / devBudget managementGrant writing

09 / 09

Community Outreach

Bridge scholarship and community. Center belonging.

  • → Engage Oromo diaspora communities
  • → Partner with local Oromo cultural organizations
  • → Coordinate student & early-career outreach
  • → Amplify conference in non-academic spaces
Community organizingAfaan Oromoo a plusAdvocacy
Apply Now

Ready to Shape the Conference?

Complete the application below to express your interest in joining a subcommittee. Tell us about your background, the role you’re excited about, and what you’d bring to the team.

We’re moving quickly — the conference organizing process is already underway. Due to limited spots, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to move forward.

📋 Commitment Required

All subcommittee members are expected to attend two recurring weekly meetings: your subcommittee meeting and the all-team coordination call. Please only apply if you can commit to this schedule.

Questions? Reach the conference team at conference@oromostudies.org.

What Happens Next

 
 

Submit Your Application

Fill out and submit the form on this page

 
 

Review (Within ~1 Week)

The conference team reviews all submissions promptly

 
 

Shortlisted Applicants Contacted

Only those moving forward will hear from us — we appreciate everyone’s interest

 
 

Onboarding

Join your subcommittee and hit the ground running

Subcommittee Application

OSA 2026 Annual Conference

Briefly describe your background and why you're a good fit for your selected subcommittee(s)