Proposal and Policy Guidelines

We invite those interested in presenting at the 2025 Fall Social Work Conference to submit a proposal for review by our Conference Planning Committee. Speaker proposals are evaluated objectively with emphasis on the following criteria (listed in order of significance):

  • Degree to which the proposed session meets the conference/program objectives
  • Desirability of the topic
  • Speaker’s presentation skills and experience

Proposals must contain and convey sufficient detail to allow our Conference Planning Committee to understand how the proposed session will support the conference objectives. Selection is competitive, so you must submit a compelling and complete proposal.

Submission Details

Submission Deadline is July 18, 2025

We will consider no more than two proposals from each speaker. Please complete a separate application for each proposal. We will not consider incomplete submissions.

Length of Presentation

Presentations are in person, 60 minutes, including 10 minutes for questions.

Presenter Contact Information

Provide contact information for each presenter/co-presenter.  Please be as accurate as possible, as this will be posted on the conference website, program and app.

Presentation Description and Learning Outcomes

Presentation Abstract–no more than 300 words

Provide a brief description of the presentation.  This will be printed in the conference program exactly as submitted.  Maximum length is 60 words.

Use these tips to help create an effective description of your session:

  • Highlight how the presentation will help an attendee solve a problem, overcome a challenge or launch a new initiative, and how what they will learn will directly impact their work/life.
  • Create action-oriented learning objectives.
  • Set accurate expectations. Clearly describe what the session will cover and highlight the learning activities an attendee can expect.
  • Use active tense. For example, change “Strategies to improve child welfare will be examined” to “Learn strategies to improve child welfare.”
  • Avoid repeating the title in the description and phrases like “In this presentation” or “The presenters will.”

Additionally, please specify up to three expected learning outcomes for attendees using measurable action verbs.  These outcomes should be tailored to the audience members. Maximum length is 100 words.

Biographical Information

Offer a brief description of your qualifications that relate to the presentation topic. Maximum length is 150 words. At a minimum, please include:

  • Name
  • Education
  • Current position
  • Certifications and designations

This will be posted in the conference app, exactly as provided.

Proposal Acceptance

The conference planning committee has the sole authority and responsibility for selecting the topics and content of all educational programming it delivers.

We will email a notification of acceptance by July 31, 2025.

Honoraria

Our speakers receive a full complimentary conference registration. Travel, lodging and meal expenses are your responsibility.

 

Click Here to Submit a Proposal