Session Proposal FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Program Committee looking for?

Proposals that can:

  • Help the audience understand the relevance of the topic to their professional and personal development needs
  • Offer practical and relevant examples and how to apply them
  • Include audience discussion and participation
  • Encourage the audience to learn different perspectives on events, issues, and topics
  • Are relevant to a diverse range of disciplines, cultural perspectives, geographic locations and/or museum size

Proposals may NOT be accepted based on the following criteria:

  • Narrow – Topic is too narrowly focused to have broad appeal.
  • Underdeveloped – Topic did not offer any new insights or innovation in the area.
  • Unclear – Proposal description lacks clarity and/or specificity.
  • Lacking Diversity – Proposal content lacks applicability to a diverse range of disciplines, cultural perspectives, geographic locations and/or museum size.

Can I submit my proposal without using the submission system?

Proposals should be submitted via our online submission portal, which is WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility compliant. AAM staff are also able to assist if needed. If you submitted in 2019, please use your existing submission system credentials. If you’ve forgotten your password, the system can send you a reminder.

Can I submit more than one proposal?

Yes, you are welcome to submit multiple proposals for different tracks. In order to promote diversity in perspectives, the Program Committee will limit each person’s participation to two sessions. Make sure to check with your panelists to ensure they are available to participate in your proposed session(s).

When do I need to complete my submission?

We must receive your submission by midnight (11:59 p.m. PST) September 23, 2019.

How will my proposal be evaluated?

During the first round of evaluation, your proposal will go through a blind peer-reviewed process. Each proposal within a track will receive an equal number of reviews. The review teams will evaluate each proposal against a rubric and make selection recommendations through consensus.

Evaluations will be based on:

  • Articulated, defined, and actionable content.
  • Clear, relevant learning objectives that are appropriate to the audience selected.
  • Diverse perspectives – a range of disciplines (history, art, science, etc.), and diverse contexts (multicultural, international, museum size, etc.). The proposer MUST include information about the proposal participants and their institution WITHOUT including presenter or institution names, or titles.  Example: A senior-level administrator from a government art museum or an early-career curator from a mid-sized historic museum.
  • Engaging content and/or experience – guiding attendees to analyze, demonstrate, display, discuss, summarize, reflect on, and articulate their thoughts as it relates to your content.

During the second round of evaluation, graded proposals will be organized by the National Program Committee to ensure content and presentation diversity throughout the conference.

When will I find out if my proposal has been accepted?

Notifications will be sent via email after Thanksgiving 2019.  Make sure the email used for your submission is one that you check frequently, as this will be the email that will receive all notifications and updates.

Do I have to register for the conference if my proposal is accepted?

Yes, accepted speakers receive discounted registration for the conference. If you cannot register you can request a Session Only Presenter badge.

I can’t attend in person; can I present virtually?

While we are exploring this possibility for the future, it is not currently something that we are able to accommodate.

Need Help With Your Proposal?

AAM Professional Networks are available to assist with ideas, content, or speakers. Reach out to the Professional Network(s) that best fit your proposal for guidance or helpful tips.

Museum Junction is an virtual forum for AAM members to engage with each other on various topics, including proposals, content and speakers.

Need help with writing your proposal? After your read the 2020 Proposal Instructions, follow this link for other helpful tips: https://medium.com/@fox/how-to-write-a-successful-conference-proposal-4461509d3e32

One of the most interesting parts to a proposal submission, besides the content, is the actual title. This proves true even more so if it becomes a session.

Try these links for help with creating your proposal title:

The submission system will have links to helpful information and more. AAM staff are also available to assist by telephone or email at meetings@aam-us.org.