Who should use the online proposal submission site?
Potential presenters who wish to submit a formal proposal for Program Committee review and consideration.
How do I login to the submission site?
When visiting the proposal submission site for the first time, you will be asked to create a username and password. Once you have created your username and password, you may access the system at any time (up until the proposals deadline), to submit a proposal, make changes to an existing proposal or continue working on a proposal in progress.
Do I still need to create a username/password if I am already an IAPD/IPRA member?
Yes. Since the online proposal system is independent of both IAPD and IPRA’s membership databases, you are required to create a separate user account for the proposal site.
What do I do if I encounter technical problems when submitting my proposal?
If you encounter technical problems while submitting your proposal, click “Support” at the top of the submission site to submit a support ticket. For questions regarding the conference program or the Call for Proposals process, contact Duane Smith, IPRA Education Director, at duane@ilipra.org.
How can I be sure my proposal was submitted?
You will receive a confirmation email with a proposal reference number upon successful submission of your proposal.
How can I make a change to the proposal after I submit it?
You will be able to select and modify all existing proposal(s) up until the proposals submission deadline. Please keep in mind that the system will allow you to have a limited number of incomplete proposal at any given time. Be sure to review your proposal carefully. All information should be submitted exactly as you wish for it to appear in the conference program books. IAPD/IPRA will not be responsible for errors in any printed materials resulting from errors or omissions contained in the information submitted by presenters.
May I be listed as a presenter for more than two (2) proposals?
Yes. IAPD/IPRA currently does not limit the number of sessions a presenter may participate in on the conference program. You may submit as many proposals as you wish, however, submission does not guarantee acceptance.
Who evaluates my proposal and what criteria is used for judging?
Proposals are peer reviewed by members of the conference Program Committee. When completing a review, reviewers will evaluate proposals using the following criteria:
- RELEVANCE: The proposal offers essential, high impact information, addresses current issues, and/or builds on concepts that are important to parks and recreation, special recreation, forest preserves and conservation agencies.
- INNOVATION: The proposal offers creative, cutting-edge, innovative, or provocative ideas and/or a novel approach to a common issue. After attending this session, participants would have new inspiration, motivation and/or tools to take back to their agencies/organizations.
- ENGAGEMENT: The proposal provides evidence of an opportunity for participants to learn actively and/or engage with the material through participatory activities, discussion and/or a question/answer period.
- PRESENTATION: The proposal is clear, concise, well-organized and grammatically sound. The author(s) demonstrate attention and care in the development of this proposal.
Additionally, the proposal description and learning outcomes must accurately reflect and be consistent with the content of your presentation. Proposals must also be free of commercial interest and promotion.
When will I be notified of my proposal’s status?
Notification of a proposal’s acceptance/non-acceptance will occur once the review process has been completed. The anticipated time frame is September.
I am an attendee with an idea for a session topic. Can I use the online form to submit my suggestion?
No. Attendees and non-presenters who wish to suggest topics and speakers should use the Session Suggestion form to do so.