How do you submit your conference proposal?

1 Know your audience

Before you start writing your proposal, you need to research the conference and its audience. What is the theme, format, and duration of the conference? Who are the organizers, sponsors, and speakers? What are the topics, trends, and challenges that interest the attendees? How can you tailor your message and delivery to suit their needs and expectations? Knowing your audience will help you choose a relevant and appealing topic, craft a clear and compelling title, and write a concise and persuasive abstract.

2 Choose your topic

Your topic should be something that you are passionate and knowledgeable about, but also something that adds value and novelty to the conference. You want to avoid repeating what has been said before, or presenting something too vague or too technical. Instead, you want to focus on a specific problem, solution, case study, or insight that showcases your expertise and perspective. You also want to consider how your topic fits into the conference theme and agenda, and how it addresses the audience's pain points and interests.

3 Write your title

Your title is the first thing that the conference organizers and attendees will see, so you want to make it catchy and informative. Your title should summarize the main idea of your presentation, and include keywords that relate to your topic and audience. You also want to avoid jargon, acronyms, or questions that might confuse or alienate your readers. A good title should spark curiosity and convey the benefit of attending your session.

4 Write your abstract

Your abstract is a short summary of your presentation that explains what you will talk about, why it matters, and how it will help the audience. Your abstract should be clear, concise, and coherent, and follow the guidelines and word limit of the conference. You also want to use active and engaging language, and avoid unnecessary details or technicalities. A good abstract should answer these questions: What is the problem or opportunity that you are addressing? What is your main argument or solution? What evidence or examples will you use to support it? What are the main takeaways or implications for the audience?

5 Write your bio

Your bio is a brief introduction of yourself that highlights your credentials and credibility as a speaker. Your bio should be relevant, professional, and personal, and follow the format and tone of the conference. You also want to use the third person, and include your name, title, affiliation, expertise, achievements, and contact information. A good bio should demonstrate why you are qualified and suitable to speak on your topic, and what makes you unique and interesting.

6 Submit your proposal

Once you have written your proposal, you need to proofread it for errors, clarity, and consistency. You also need to check that you have followed the instructions and requirements of the conference, such as the deadline, format, and attachments. You can also ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or friends who can help you improve your proposal and spot any mistakes. When you are ready, you can submit your proposal online or by email, and wait for the response from the conference organizers. You may also need to follow up or provide additional information if requested.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?