CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

                     LIGHTNING TALK PROGRAM

This year, the CSAE Conference & Showcase is introducing a new program feature called Lightning Talks. These quick presentations are intended to stimulate new ideas, present innovative solutions to common challenges, and inspire conversation. 

Lighting Talks offer the freedom to present great content without preparing a full 60 or 90 minute talk. While Lightning Talks are not sales pitches we do encourage business members and suppliers to the association sector to propose talks that present generic solutions to common problems. See below for some sample themes.

When & Where

Lightning Talks will take place during the concurrent session programming  and throughout the Showcase on the trade show floor. 

Formats

Lightning Talks can be offered in two formats.  Scroll down for full descriptions of each.

1. Mini Sessions: 15 minutes with/without a deck

2. 20X20 Talks: 20 slides, 20 seconds each, i.e. just under 7 minutes

Sample Themes

Possible session themes include, but are not limited to:

• A new approach your association has taken to a common challenge

• New technologies that have saved your organization time and/or money

• Strategies that have been successfully implemented in your organization

• Trends you think will affect the association sector in the coming years

• Solutions you think association professionals will appreciate 

• Life-changing and even life-saving tips you want to share

• Wacky ideas that you think your peers might want to hear

Submissions

Be creative! Feel free to go off the conference beaten path with your submissions. Lightning Talks are a chance to share information with your colleagues that would not fit into the usual session format. The more concise speaking slot works well with a more conversational and storytelling presentation style. 

Given just a few minutes to speak, what would you share with other association leaders? What would you most like to learn from your peers?

Lightining Talk Formats

Mini Sessions

Mini sessions are 15-minute sessions that may or may not include a slide deck. While you’ll have access to a traditional AV setup when you present, you are not obligated to use these. You control both the format and the delivery; the sky’s the limit! Since your time is still limited, we encourage you to stay focused on the objective of your presentation. Mini-sessions may or may not include additional time for questions but it is not guaranteed, so make sure to cover your main points within the allotted 15 minutes.

Keep in mind:

1. You will only be allotted 15 minutes, so be sure to rehearse and time yourself.

2. The audience may be seated in a circle or in rows.

3. If you use slides, don’t read them. Your slides should complement your presentation rather than having your presentation clarify your slides.

4. Remember that 15 minutes go by very quickly if you are prepared but can feel like an eternity if you aren’t, so don’t wing it. Prepare your presentation in advance. 

5. Have fun! This short format style is a great way for you to gain experience presenting at conferences or to explore a new format.

20X20 Talks

A 20X20 talk is 20 slides at 20 seconds each in the style of PechaKucha or Ignite formats. We’ve included some helpful links below so you can explore further. These are highly recommended reading and viewing for anyone considering submitting a 20X20 talk. 

20X20 Talks require different preparation than typical conference sessions. Some tips to keep in mind:

1. Your slides are not visible long enough to be a major focus of your presentation. The slides should support what you’re saying, not make the point for you.

2. You’ll only have time to present 1 or 2 main points, explained or supported by your slides. It may be best to show one data slide and use the remaining slides to briefly introduce the idea and explain the rationale and consequences of the main point.

3. Your slides should focus more on quick, powerful visual impressions than on details. If you’re including complex figures or more than a couple of simple bullet points, then you’re saying too much on the slides.

4. Data intensive slides are very likely to create significant pacing problems for you. Since each slide is up for 20 seconds only, be careful about including too much content on a slide.

5. The slides will advance every 20 seconds, whether you’ve said everything you wanted to say or not. Plan for no more than three sentences for each slide (although two is better). Practicing your timing in advance is critical to avoid falling behind.

6. Assume your first and last slides (and therefore, 20 seconds) are here to introduce your topic and to wrap it up, respectively.

7. REHEARSE! Practice is even more important for a 20X20 presentation than it is for traditional talks.

8. Don’t let these differences intimidate you! Just be prepared and have fun!

Each 20X20 talk will feature 20 slides that advance automatically every 20 seconds. While there will be no scheduled time in-between individual presentations for Q&As, we encourage you to use the ample networking time built into the conference program to connect with speakers and pursue more in-depth conversations. These sessions will not be recorded. 

Resources to help you prepare for your talk:

PechaKucha 20X20 Website FAQ

A PechaKucha about PechaKucha

How to Make a PechaKucha

Building a PechaKucha in PowerPoint

How to Submit

You must submit your proposal using the online submission form. Proposals sent by email will not be considered. You will be able to return to the proposal to edit it until the submission deadline. 

Submission Tips

1. Make sure your title and description accurately reflect your session content! When considering a title, keep in mind that it should be able to stand alone and clearly convey what your presentation will cover. 
2. Ensure that your description reflects learning objectives so that the right people are encouraged to participate in your session.

CSAE National Conference Audience

Given the large number of associations located in Ottawa, we hope to attract an audience of professionals at various stages in their association career from young professionals just entering the sector to Chief Staff Officers.

Over each of the last 3 years, approximately 450 individuals attended the CSAE National Conference and Showcase. Close to half of all attendees are association professionals.

 

Key Dates

Please add these dates to your calendar up front, in the event that your presentation is accepted.

Call for Presentation Deadline - September 10, 2018

Acceptance and Rejection Notifications - September 15, 2018

Agreement Form Completion - September 30, 2018

Conference - October 24-26, 2018

Remuneration

There is no fee payable by CSAE for this engagement.