1. Writing a SUCCESSFUL Conference Proposal

2. https://aspireonline.org/
What is ASPIRE?
ASPIRE, INC IS THE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR TRIO PROFESSIONALS IN THE REGION INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING STATES: COLORADO, MONTANA,NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA,UTAH AND WYOMING.
MISSION
ASPIRE, Inc.’s mission is to increase the educational and success opportunities for low-income and first-generation college students though advocacy, professional development, and legislative awareness.
VISION
It is the vision of the ASPIRE Region to act with integrity, respect, ethics, and due diligence in working towards the completion of the established goals for while keeping center the mission of ASPIRE. The ASPIRE region strives to collaborate with other like-minded organizations while standing as a national model for quality in professional development and support to its membership. We seek to integrate and support all TRIO and EOP personnel at the State, Regional, and National level for the advocacy of our students.
Kyle Reviews ASPIRE Information

3. Session goals At the end of this session you should…
Be able to articulate 3 properties of an effective conference proposal
Develop an effective conference proposal
Develop Personal and Professional Implementation Plan
Take turns reviewing

4. Why do you attend conferences?
Why present at conferences?
Break into small groups

5. Now What? Personal Narratives (Self Authorship) Selecting a conference
Subject matter
Traditions/Cultures
Types of presentations
Writing a successful proposal
Andrea starts

6. Types of Presentations
Case Study
Informational Presentation
Roundtable Presentation
Panel Presentation
Instructional Presentation
Interactive Seminar
Intensive Series (Pre-conference workshops)
Kyle

7. How to develop a SUCCESSFUL proposal
Title
Abstract
Description
Learning Objectives
Type
How does it relate to Conference Theme(s)
Describe the Conceptual Foundation for the Presentation Content
Andrea

8. How to submit a proposal
An Effective Abstract is a brief description of what the presentation
will cover
Introduces topic and motivates reader to attend the session
Summarizes content, describes program format, explains special programs that may be unfamiliar to attendees, and suggests target audience
Previews what the attendee can learn
Andrea

9. How to submit a proposal
A Solid Session Description
Identifies the appropriate audience
Links your session to a conference theme
Explicitly states the take-a-way for the attendee
Example: Changing the Mindset: Building on Students’ Strengths
Kyle

10. How to submit a proposal
Most presenters tell attendees “how to” do something consider looking at providing opportunities for that help attendees “think” through something.
Attendees should learn new techniques /approaches and also strengthen their skills in the process.
Winning proposals identify no more than 3 learning outcomes for attendees.  Outcome verbiage must be specific. For example “create a plan” NOT “gain understanding” and “strengthen skills” NOT “ learn about”.
Learning outcomes should focus on how the attendees will be or act differently because of the session.
Andrea

11. How to submit a proposal
Thoughts on Types of Session
PowerPoints are okay but not if they are merely a script, Sessions are expected to be interactive and engaging.
Each attendee should leave with something to take home (handouts – may be electronic, templates, kits, websites, etc.)
Idea Exchange--attendees have time to idea share with one another.
Sessions with TRIO and Non-TRIO counterparts or collaborations are encouraged.
Kyle

12. How to submit a proposal
A winning proposal is related to the conference theme
Or connected to a specific conference tract
Be relevant and timely with your message.
Andrea

13. How to submit a proposal – Conceptual Foundation
Describe the Conceptual Foundation for the Presentation Content, Including Ways the Presentation is Grounded in Relevant Experience, Research, Appropriate Theory or an Effective Model.
This section explains the foundation or framework for your presentation. It may be a practice based on research (such as proactive advising, retention theory, non-cognitive skills development, student development theory), experience, or a model. This connects the individual practice to a broader conceptual framework.
For example: a presentation on involving students in international experiences may have a research framework that ties international experiences to increased engagement and persistence in postsecondary.
Example: a presentation about forming collaborations may be grounded in relevant experience that led to formulation of a partnership model –practice to theory.
Andrea explains how we are seeking presentations that are evidence based and/or founded in a theoretical framework.

14. 4 General Tips for good presentations
You should be able to give your presentation without your slides; your slides should not be able to give a presentation without you
Utilize new technologies -- multimedia
Avoid talking heads
Think of your presentation as part of a conversation with attendees
Kyle

15. Resources for quality presentations
Slideshare:
Making the Most of Conference Presentations
Prezi.com TED Talks
the-worlds-greatest-ted-talks/
Eric Stoller: Conference Sessions Do Not Have to Suck
not-have-suck
Kyle

16. Opportunities to Present
TRIO
10 regional conferences
State and chapter association meetings
Local college access network meetings
Non TRIO
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
American Council of Personnel Administrators (ACPA)
National College Access Network (NCAN)
Kyle explains the state and regions are also a place to go to present and resources on how to find them

17. Other opportunities to present in trio community www.coenet.org
Andrea

18. Crisis of Confidence Imposter Syndrome
Kyle explains the state and regions are also a place to go to present and resources on how to find them

19. Contact information
Andrea G. Takemoto Reeve
College Access & Success Consultant
Instructor, Student Affairs in Higher Education 
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
970/
Kyle K. Ethelbah, MPH
Director, TRIO Programs
The University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT  
801/

20. Any questions