1. APTA NEXT Conference & Exposition: A Guide to Submitting a Proposal
Daniel Dale, PT, DPT
NEXT Programming Committee
Hello and welcome to the APTA NEXT Conference and Exposition Guide to Submitting a Proposal. My name is Daniel Dale, and as a member of the NEXT Conference and Exposition Programming Committee, I want to thank you for your interest in submitting a proposal to NEXT. I hope that this presentation helps guide you in developing a proposal for the conference. During this presentation, I’ll explain a little about the NEXT conference itself, talk about topics of interest and methods of delivery that fit at NEXT, give tips on how to make an effective submission, and help you understand what to expect if selected to present at NEXT.

2. What makes NEXT different?
Supportive of newer speakers and innovative topics
Smaller, more inclusive sessions with increased interaction
Collaborative sessions relevant to all areas of practice across the lifespan
Many people ask “what makes NEXT any different from the other conferences?” NEXT is very different in a variety of ways. The NEXT Conference supports both newer speakers and innovative topics. As a speaker at NEXT, you are coached through the process from start to finish, so new speakers should feel comfortable and prepared to work with our committee. NEXT offers smaller, more inclusive sessions with a focus on interactivity between the speakers and the audience to enhance learning. Sessions generally are less than 300 attendees, giving everyone the opportunity to ask questions and enhance their learning. All sessions at NEXT are encouraged to focus on all areas of practice rather than specific specialty areas. As a speaker, we will ask that your content be geared towards all areas of practice across the lifespan whenever possible.

3. What makes NEXT different?
Shorter sessions with focus on dialogue (90 mins)
Varying, interactive session formats
Countless networking opportunities
Unique lectures specific to NEXT (Mary McMillan Lecture, John H.P. Maley Lecture, Oxford Debate)
Sessions are shorter at NEXT, and speakers are coached to focus on dialogue with the audience along with their presentation materials. This has been one of the highest rated aspects of NEXT by our attendees for multiple years. Sessions encompass varying interactive formats, from audience polling, sessions involving technology in the Experience Zone, a graphical artist taking notes in a creative artistic format, or even a live action musical! Speakers are encouraged to get creative and think of ways to engage the audience beyond the standard lecture. NEXT’s intimate structure leads to countless networking opportunities for attendees and speakers alike. Finally, NEXT is the only place you can catch the prestigious Mary McMillan lecture, the John H.P. Maley lecture, and the one-of-a-kind Oxford Debate, a hallmark event for the physical therapy profession.

4. What fits at NEXT? NEXT submissions that are most successful:
Meet the call for topics of interest
Demonstrate an impact on improving practice, research or education
Provide knowledge that can be applied immediately
Highlight emerging perspectives or unique practices
Incorporate innovative or interactive delivery methods
If you are thinking of making a submission to NEXT, there are a few things that can make your submission more successful. The NEXT Programming Committee is always looking for submissions that meet our call for topics of interest, which I will talk more about on the next slide. Sessions should demonstrate an impact on improving areas of practice, research or education. Sessions that stress application of knowledge or skills that can be applied immediately are highly regarded. Topics that highlight emerging perspectives or unique areas of practice are widely considered. Finally, as stated earlier, topics that incorporate innovative or interactive methods of delivery are weighted heavily.

5. Topics of Interest for NEXT
Each year, the NEXT Programming Committee puts out a list of topics of interest
This is published on the NEXT website with the Call for Proposals
These are topic areas that are popular and are expected to draw an audience
Every year during the call for proposals, the NEXT Programming Committee puts forth a list of topics of interest. These generally include hot topics that are currently affecting the profession, or topics that the committee believes based on research and feedback will be major issues in the profession for the year to come. This list is published along with the call for proposals. Your submission does not have to fall under the topics of interest, but ones that do are highly considered as they fit the goals and structure of the NEXT conference.

6. Other Submission Types
Poster Submissions
Preconference Submissions
There are other possibilities at NEXT for submissions. NEXT also accepts poster submissions, which are generally included as well in the call for proposals. The submission due date for posters is generally a little later than proposal due dates.
One can also submit for a pre-conference submission, which is generally a full day course prior to the official start of the conference.

7. Tips for an Effective Submission
Clever title
Proper grammar
Following submission requirements
Demonstrating innovation/uniqueness
The following are tips from the NEXT Programming Committee for the actual submission portion of your proposal. These are things that the committee has noted have either helped or hurt scores in the past. First, make sure to try and come up with a clever title—something that clearly states what your talk will be about but is also fun and unique. Be sure to use proper grammar and spelling throughout---if your proposal is messy, it’s believed that your proposal might also be. Also, be sure to follow the submission requirements, including specifying the type of submission and following all rules as laid out. Finally, be sure to demonstrate the uniqueness and innovation of your session in the description—whether that be about the topic itself or the way you will be delivering the session.

8. I Got Accepted - What’s Next?
Speaker touch points
Coaching
Onsite assistance
One of the best parts about the NEXT conference is how closely you will work with the NEXT programming committee if your proposal is accepted. If accepted, you will receive multiple direct s from a member of the programming committee, outlining what to do to prepare your submission for the conference and answer any questions along the way. You will also receive coaching from the programming committee and updates about any conference logistics so that there are no surprises when you arrive onsite to give your presentation. Once onsite, you will also meet with a programming committee member, and have responsive audio/visual support throughout your presentation. This allows us to provide exceptional service, as well as a great experience to speakers both new and seasoned.

9. Questions?
or call Meeting Services at (703) and the APTA Event Programming Staff will respond.
I hope that this presentation was helpful for you, and I hope that it leads you to submitting a proposal to the NEXT Conference and Exposition. On behalf of the NEXT Programming Committee, APTA staff, and our attendees, we thank you in advance for your contribution to the physical therapy profession. Should you have any questions going forward, please or call Meeting Services at and the APTA Event Programming Staff will respond. Thank you again, and best of luck on submitting!