Writing a Conference Abstract or Proposal
Why you should present at a conference
Network
Build your resume
Enhance interview potential
Advance your scholarship
Travel
It can be fun!
What’s a CFP?
A CFP is a conference announcement, also
known as a Call for Proposals (CFP). It provides:
The conference theme
Guidelines for presentations
Requirements for abstracts/proposals
Deadlines
What is a conference proposal?
The conference proposal is a stand-alone
document—independent from your written
paper or presentation—that proposes your
presentation for a conference. The primary
audience for a conference proposal is the
review committee or conference organizer.
The secondary audience is conference
attendees (abstracts are generally listed in
conference programs).
The purpose of the proposal is to create a
“research space” for yourself, and to appeal to
your primary audiences so it will be accepted!
General Guidelines for Responding to the CFP
Writing the Proposal/Abstract
Define the problem you are addressing clearly
and concisely (BONUS: Include key words or
phrases from the CFP).
Captivate readers with your research
description in terms of the problem by:
- Providing interesting or controversial
perspectives on your topic.
- Explaining what your presentation will
cover in regard to the topic and problem
presented.
- Matching your research to the
conference theme/CFP’s topics, and
making sure the scope of your
presentation matches the time allowed
for presentations.
Additional Tips
Read the CFP carefully, and be sure to
reference it before you submit your proposal.
Adhere to the CFP guidelines. For instance:
- Title: Should be descriptive and intriguing
(Bonus: Use key words from the CFP if
possible.).
- Word count: After you have your ideas
down, stay within the word count on the
CFP (usually between 100-500 words).
- Additional information: Provide additional
information required in the CFP (usually
not included in word count), such as AV
equipment and your contact information.
- Meet the deadline.
Click here to see an example
Happy Writing and Happy Presenting!
Example Conference Proposal
Diane Martinez
Assistant Professor
Western Carolina University
305 Coulter Bldg.,
Cullowhee, NC 28723
[email protected]cu.edu
828-227-3923
Teaching global business communication: Using Bologna Process documentation as a classroom
example
Although the global workplace allows people the opportunity to work with individuals from all over the
world, there is still the challenge of knowing how to effectively represent multiple cultures in
professional communication; thus, it is crucial that college students learn various communication
approaches and styles for working with multinational groups.
Research on global communication has recently gained momentum due to our increasing global
economy, and teachers need effective classroom strategies to prepare students for the global
workplace. One strategy for teaching about effective global communication is to have students analyze
international documents. This strategy is especially insightful for students when the documentation
emanates from or serves a multinational group of people. When students are asked to analyze such
documentation, it is important to guide them toward careful consideration of the languages, cultures,
histories, and politics of concerned parties. To achieve these goals, I use documents from the Bologna
Process. Bologna Process documentation is a supreme example of contemporary professional and
global communication, and I will share how these documents can be used in the classroom to discuss
important aspects of global communication.
In my proposed presentation, I will discuss how globalization demands new skills from our students. I
address ethical concerns behind various approaches to teaching these new skills, and I share
instructional strategies that challenge students to move beyond their generic, and sometimes
monocultural, view of business communication and toward approaches that are more culturally
inclusive and sensitive.
