Session Organizer Guidelines
Please read all guidelines thoroughly before submitting your proposal.
Proposal Review
Proposals will be reviewed by the Professional Development Committee (PDC) guided by the following criteria:
Relevance: Does the proposal adhere to the overall conference goal?
Quality of Topic: Is the topic of importance, relevance, and of value to the needs of the Arkansas museum field?
Content: Are the learning outcomes and objectives relevant for a wide audience rather than a project of limited interest and resources?
Speaker Credentials: Do the proposed speakers have sufficient knowledge, expertise, and authority to address this topic?
Engagement Strategies: Does the proposal include strategies to engage attendees and encourage further exploration of the topic?
The PDC will review session proposals and contact organizers if further clarification is needed during review. The PDC will then present the slate of proposed sessions to the AMA Board. During review, you may be invited to merge your program with others who have proposed a similar topic or adjust the content of the proposal as needed. If your proposal is accepted, you will be notified by the PDC. Organizers will need to confirm presenters and make changes as requested by the PDC. You are responsible for fulfilling your commitment to AMA and deliver the presentation as proposed and approved. Changes in programming should and will be communicated as soon as possible between the organizer and the PDC. The PDC may contact the organizers periodically before the conference to check in on status of the program and help address any issues the organizer may be facing.
Session Formats
Based on feedback from attendees, organizers should allow adequate time for questions and comments. At a minimum, presenters should entertain questions from the audience or facilitate discussion for at least 20 minutes. Session blocks range from one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes. You may request up to two blocks if your session requires it.
Hands-on workshop: This is the most requested session by members on the feedback forms. Workshops teach special skills in a small group setting. Workshops should provide adequate supplies and appropriate reference materials. Proposals should specify the particular skills the workshop will teach, as well as the methods and techniques instructors will use. Participants in workshop sessions should not be charged a fee and presenters and panelists all contribute their materials in-kind. If you have questions regarding participant fees, please contact the AMA board. It is recommended for a workshop to consist of two consecutive blocks.
Roundtable: An informal group discussion on specific issues, usually led by one or two facilitators. Discussion leaders should use effective techniques to stimulate maximum group participation.
Panel: Presentation by an individual with or without additional panelists; includes a chair and a few speakers. They are not merely show and tell or direct reading of notes, but should provide insightful takeaways for attendees. Panelists often provide contrasting perspectives and represent varied institutions.
Session Proposal Outline
Title: Session titles should be clear, concise and adequately represent the content.
Program Format: See list of formats above for details.
Topic Category (You may choose more than one): Administration; Collections Management; Exhibitions; Development and Fundraising; Interpretation and Public Programs; Research and Scholarship; Technology; Outreach, Audience Development and Marketing; Other (Please Specify)
Target Audience (You may choose more than one): Board Members/Directors/CEOs; Administration (Finance, Marketing, Volunteer Coordinators, Fundraising, H.R., Facilities); Programming (Educator, Exhibitions, Interpreter, etc.); Collections (Preservation/Conservation, Collection Management, Curators, etc.); General Audience; Students; Other (Please Specify)
Content Level:
Introductory - For participants with little or no knowledge of the topics, practices, resources or publications covered in this proposal.
Intermediate - For participants with general or basic knowledge of the topics, practices, resources or publications covered in this proposal.
Advanced - For participants with extensive knowledge of the topics, practices, resources or publications covered in this proposal.
Title: Session titles should be clear, concise and adequately represent the content.
Session Abstract: Include an abstract of up to 50 words. If your proposal is accepted, this abstract will serve as the basis for your session information and will appear on the conference website and in the program.
Session Description: Describe the content of your session. Suggested statements can include questions, issues, or problems the session will address; intended audience, how the session fits with the conference theme (optional); session objectives and anticipated learning outcomes ("After attending this program, participants will...")
Online Resources (If Applicable): What online resources could participants reference prior to the conference?
Length of Session: You may request up to two blocks for your session. Session blocks range from 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Schedule Preference: The selection committee will assign all session times and dates. Submission of a proposal indicates your willingness to accept the schedule as assigned. You may submit a request for a specific date or time; however we cannot guarantee that we can honor all requests.
Maximum Group Size: If your session has a participant limit, please indicate. Contact Information: Fill out information for all session presenters.