1. Writing an Effective Proposal

2. Mell Bolen, BCA 2009 Conference Chair Pat Willer University of South Carolina Content Chair Deb Pierce Northern Illinois University Conference Chair Designate Presenters 2008 Annual Conference Committee

3. 500-600 general session proposals, 50% accepted 300 poster session proposals, 90% accepted 55 workshops scheduled, 30 CEP, 24 through proposal process The Competition Looks Like….

4. Divided by audience Read by KC Coordinators and review teams Read by the ACC Executive Team Specialized input Content Chair and the ACC Selection Process

5. Understand conference planners’ perspectives Recognize the importance of the conference context and theme Connect with KC groups Planners’ Perspectives

6. Depth of topic/Learning objectives Active learning techniques Session organization Knowledgeable/skilled presenters and facilitators Proposal clarity and cohesiveness Evidence of Quality

7. Think about the audience(s) 30% non-US-based 44% are not NAFSA members 29% - 41% in the field 0 - 4 yrs, among membership 17% in the field 0 - 4 yrs 18 - 20% are exhibitors 47% are “frontline professionals” 34% are managers Conference Audience

8. Evaluate the best format for your topic Pre-conference Workshops General sessions Seminars Posters Formats

9. Active learning Applies to critical skills, practical and useful Expands knowledge of ideas, intellectually engaging Not “show and tell” Audience members are Adults!

10. Content focus areas Poster group themes KC topics Hot topics Colleagues Compelling topics

11. Colleagues Knowledge Communities ACC members Online Call for Proposals (www.nafsa.org/proposals) Guidelines for Proposal Writers (www.nafsa.org/proposals) Guidebook for Content Leaders (www.nafsa.org/annual_conference/ac08_proposers_expect) Resources for Proposal Writers

12. Sessions & Seminars What can be covered in the time period? Session length-normally 1 hr./15 minutes Seminars are longer Scope of topic broad and critical Frequently invited or Global Partner Format must support extended time Recommend support from KC

13. Content Focus Areas shape conference sessions Advocacy Internationalization Theory, Research and Measurement Global Issues and Politics Social Responsibility Content Focus Areas

14. Technology Ethics Personal and Professional Development Other: Innovative ideas that don’t fit elsewhere Content Focus Areas

15. Who are your presenters? Diversity of institutions, regions, nations, are desired Expertise of presenters is important in review process Approval process for including government presenters More Session Tips

16. Will the style and format be exciting? Interactive presentation is desired Innovative use of technology is desired Web or print resources are important Title and abstract are critical Make It Exciting

17. What sessions worked for you this year? Which ones were great? Why? Which ones did you leave early or fall asleep? Why? What was missing? Think about What Worked!

18. Core Education Program (CEP) Workshops Conference-specific Workshops Types of Workshops

19. Selected by the Training Coordination Subcommittee (TCS) Standard curriculum for each CEP workshop Foundations of International Education (FDN) Professional Practice Workshops (PPW) CEP Workshops

20. Workshop proposals submitted through the conference Call for Proposals Selected by the Annual Conference Committee (ACC) Workshop materials developed by training team who submitted proposal Conference-specific Workshops

21. Length: half-day or one-day formats Content: In-depth Skill-based learning Multiple perspectives Format: flexible, interactive, presentation/discussion Fee in addition to conference registration Workshop Characteristics

22. Scope: wide enough to justify length & intensity Relevance and impact: significant Workshop fee: value to participant/institution Topic: distinct from PPW and FDN workshops Target participants: new to field or have new responsibilities Appropriate Workshop Topics

23. Training design: clear and stimulating Method of instruction: varied/interesting – no talking heads Learning objectives: clearly identified Added value: clear to both ACC reviewers and potential participants Workshop trainers: selected to maximize expertise and reflect diversity Workshop Proposal

24. Topic: clearly stated Design/instruction: well-articulated Team: emphasize mix, expertise in bios - incorporate local experts and resources Audience: appropriate and clearly indicated Think marketing: title and text describing proposal should have punch and style Reviewers’ Criteria

25. Review the full Call for Proposals at www.nafsa.org/proposals. The full workshop proposal form is online at http://proposals.nafsa.org. Workshop Proposal Form

26. Audience: same choices as sessions Abstract: 25 words – if selected, primary marketing tool Description: 100 words – clarity Learning Objectives: what will people learn Workshop Proposal Details

27. Budget: Materials costs and reimbursements AV equipment: requests are difficult to change later Topics and Learning Approaches: address the “talking heads” phobia Trainer limits: 4-7 hour workshop, 4 trainers; 8-10 hour workshop, 5 trainers Workshop Proposal Details

28. Strive for institutional, geographic, national diversity Keep members based outside the U.S. in mind Study this year’s workshop offerings Use NAFSA resources to help identify additional expertise – put Professional Networks to work Remember

29. Key Message Think Visual Place for Show and Tell More Information on Handouts Poster Points

30. Learning Objectives = only 1 or 2 Method of instruction = describe visuals Title = Key marketing tool Presenter: Expertise you bring to share Poster Proposal

31. Examples of Use of Space

34. Reviewing Credentials from Secondary School s for Recruitment and Admission International Education Research Intercultural Initiatives for Campus and Community Study Abroad Resources: Increasing Diversity Outreach, Enhancing Learning Overseas Educational Advisors/Embassy Country Fair Innovations in International Institutional Partnerships Work, Internships and Volunteer Abroad Campus and Curriculum Internationalization Poster Fairs