Before the Conference: General Planning Strategies

Abstract

This chapter is chronological; it leads the reader to reflect on what needs to occur prior to proposing a conference session and describes the planning process. It begins with practical advice on how to fulfil the expectations for a presenter and includes many different considerations, including: physical appearance, travel funding, and proposing a session that meshes with the organization’s mission. With regard to session planning, the emphasis is on being participant-oriented and being clear about appropriate outcomes for those attending the session. Templates for a presenter’s introduction, a brief session description, and a one-hour workshop are supplied. This chapter also provides criteria for self- and peer-evaluation of conference proposals and presentations. Volunteer service as a reviewer of conference proposals is recommended as a way to more fully internalize expectations for presentation proposals.