MSOD 2002 Alumni Conference
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Again, wanting to be upbeat about the opportunity. We are framing it as "our" conference. Of course we will have some noted speakers and some of the "friends" but essentially we will be spotlighting the knowledge and talent within the community. In order to do that people need to step forward.

This is a great opportunity for seasoned and not so seasoned practitioners. First time presenters are really encouraged to step forward.

For the proposals, the initial evaluation will be based on the following four categories: 

1. Content - value; is there enough to carry a session; is the info too basic, etc. 
   
2. Relevance to the theme - does it fit high-speed, is it the latest and greatest? 
   
3. Practical aspect - will participants take home tools, techniques, etc. 
   
4. Type of proposal - briefing, poster, experiential (we don't want to have all poster sessions, etc.) 

The committee is approaching this will a lot of flexibility. If someone has an idea that doesn't fit the current format, we'd like to hear it. If it fits within the theme we will do whatever we can to accommodate it. For example, Paula Communeli wants to do a session that is 3 hours long. That doesn't fit but we've made an adjustment for her because the session fits well within the theme and what we are trying to accomplish.

The initial proposal does not have to be a work of art. Essentially, we need enough info to evaluate it based on the criteria above. Some people have sent in pages of info some have sent in a few paragraphs. If they don't include something we need, we will go back and ask for more. Once they are accepted, we will ask for more detailed in (objectives, agenda, outline, etc.). Of course, we'd like to have them all in place before the registration materials go out in April. I hate to keep extending because people will typically take whatever time we give them. I'd like to see as many as possible to us by the 22nd.