2024 CONFERENCE & EXPO CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Conference Session Proposal Information & Tips

• Presenter Requirements:

  • The primary presenter must be an ACA member in good standing. ACA will verify your membership, so please make sure it is current and remains current for the duration of the conference (through April 2024)

  • The primary presenter is the contact person and is responsible for notifying all co-presenters of acceptance, rejection, scheduling and any other information provided by ACA. The primary presenter's email address is the primary form of communication.
  • An individual may not be listed on more than two (2) ACA Conference Session (excludes invited sessions).
  • Presenters must be able to attend the ACA 2024 Conference & Expo and be available to present any day/time during the conference.
  • Presenters must be registered and paid in full for the Conference by January 5, 2024. Presenters that do not register by this deadline will not be listed in the Conference Program or be allowed to present.

• How many times is the same presentation offered?

  Each Session is presented one time during the Conference.

• Tips:

  • Attendees have many sessions to select from and often choose those that have well written descriptions.
  • Attendees desire brief reviews of research that support the concepts presented.
  • Prepare your proposal in a word document and use the grammar/spell check before copying and pasting into the online form.
  • ACA is seeking advanced programs that provide in-depth knowledge or skills beyond the general or intermediate level.
  • ACA is seeking sessions that actively engage and involve the audience.
  • Education Sessions are recommended to utilize a three-part presentation structure: 1/3 teaching content, 1/3 engaging the audience, and 1/3 processing the learned content.
  • Save a copy of your submission for your reference and records.
  • Presenter Headshot Tips:
    • Photo image:
      • Submit a color photo, taken in the last 6 months.
      • Use a clear image of your face, do not use filters commonly used on social media.
      • If possible, have someone else take your photo.
      • Use a plain background.
    • Resolution, Print Size, and Quality:
      • Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
      • The correct size of the photo is 3 x 4 inches.
    • Pose and Expression:
      • Have a natural smile with both eyes open.
      • Face the camera directly with full face in view

• Grounds for Disqualification:

  • Do not submit the same proposal under different formats (i.e., submission as a 60-minute session and the same as a 30-minute poster session).
  • Do not use presenter name(s) or identifying information, except under the presenter contact information section(s), as the proposal process includes a blind review.

• How will my proposal be reviewed?

  • Proposals are blind reviewed
  • A committee of professional ACA members will review proposals
  • Proposals will be rated using the below rubric and criteria

  Scoring Rubric:

  1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 4 = Fair, 6 = Good, 8 = Very Good, 10 = Outstanding

  Proposal Review Criteria

  1. Organization and clarity
  2. Relevance to professional counselors
  3. Appropriateness of rationale
  4. Clearly stated and appropriate learning objectives
  5. Well-developed presentation to assure accomplishment of objectives
  6. Consideration of Cultural Diversity and Ethics
  7. Innovative and cutting edge or proven and effective evidence-based practices
  8. Substantive content to be covered in presentation
  9. Actively engages audience