Call for Proposals – 2009 NAFSA Annual Conference

International educators are increasingly demanding more relevancy and depth in conference learning opportunities. As a result, the Annual Conference Committee (ACC) has revamped the approach to educational opportunities for the 2009 Annual Conference. Based on past conference evaluations as well as on trends and practices in effective learning, the 2009 Call for Proposals has a very different structure and the proposal submission process differs significantly from previous years.

The 2009 proposal reviewers will pay particular attention to how proposals connect with specific audience groups attending the conference. Proposals must demonstrate the use of effective adult learning principles and practices to ensure value for participants. Proposals most likely to be successful are those that are informative and relevant, with clear and immediate application to the work of audience participants. Strong proposals will focus tightly on specific content, rather than including every aspect of the topic, and will include opportunities for learner engagement.

It is highly recommended that you read this entire online Call for Proposals, including the Guidelines for Proposal Writers, Submission Requirements, Submission Instructions, and Conference Policies before choosing your topic and writing your proposal. Conference expectations, learning focus, and proposal guidelines have all changed to support the new approach to conference learning.

Your Commitment to Speak

If your proposal is selected for presentation in 2009, you will be joining an elite group of professionals who have substantial expertise and experience to share with conference participants. Please secure the support of your institution in advance and manage the workload involved in developing your session or workshop to guarantee your successful participation in the conference. You will need to submit materials to NAFSA by the announced deadlines to continue being included in the program.

Proposal Submission Deadlines

Other Important Dates
Status notification for session and workshop proposals	Mid-Nov 2008
Deadline for confirmation of accepted session/workshop proposals	Dec 1, 2008
Status notification for poster proposals	Late Jan 2009
Deadline for confirmation of accepted poster proposals	Feb 1, 2009
Preconference Workshops	May 24-26, 2009
Annual conference general conference sessions, seminars, and posters	May 26-29, 2009

Workshops, Sessions, and Seminars
August 1, 2008 – 11:59 p.m. EDT (U.S.)
Poster Sessions
November 14, 2008 – 11:59 p.m. EDT (U.S.)

Regardless of format, proposals will be accepted only through the online mechanism. Proposals will not be accepted in any other manner.

*Proposals cannot be accepted after the deadlines.