Call for Abstracts: Overview

We are inviting all people interested in presenting at this year's CESBC Evaluation Conference to submit an abstract for review before July 14th 2023. There are a number of different presentation formats to best suit the needs of your content and material, from traditional PowerPoint presentations to poster presentations and interactive workshops, we encourage engaging and creative methods of presenting and knowledge sharing. 

Please take the time to go through each topic outlined below: 

• Abstract Writing Workshop

• Application Deadline

• Accessibility Considerations

• Inclusivity Resources 

• Presentation Formats

• Submission Process Details 

• Submission Assessment Criteria

Please note that due to logistical constraints, WiFi is limited for presenters and requires approval ahead of time. Please plan to have a presentation with no wifi, or ask for approval from the conference committee if wifi would expand the impact of your presentation. 

Abstract Writing Workshop

Are you a new evaluator, an emerging evaluator, a student, or submitting an abstract for the first time? We want you to submit! As part of our commitment to make the conference more accessible, we aim to support those new to abstract writing and presenting, who are interested in sharing their valuable experience.

We are holding a virtual workshop and Q & A session on June 12 2023 from 6-7pm PST. Please click here for more details and to register. All are welcome!

If the hyperlink doesn't work, please click on or copy and paste the link below into a new browser window: https://evaluationbc.ca/event-5281704?CalendarViewType=0&SelectedDate=5/10/2023

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, July 14 2023 at 11:59 pm PST.

Once the submission deadline has passed, the program committee will review all abstracts. We will contact the primary presenters by the email used in the submission to inform them of the final decision by mid-August.

Accessibility Considerations 

We are committed to providing an accessible environment and space for everyone to be able to attend and benefit from the conference.

Accessibility features of the conference venue can be found here. If you have specific accessibility needs please do not hesitate to contact the CESBC Conference Lead and Support at cesbc.conference@gmail.com.

Inclusivity Resources  

Evaluators play a crucial role in addressing systemic issues that affect people's lives, and as part of this, we encourage presenters to consult the following resources to create respectful, inclusive, and accessible presentations. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of resources, and we encourage you to seek out resources specific to your presentation. 

• Land Acknowledgements: native-lands.ca

• BCCDC COVID-19 Language Guide: Guidelines for inclusive language for written and digital content: http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/Language-guide.pdf 

• Building accessible presentations: https://mcmasteru365-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/marquis_mcmaster_ca/EVWsx9yGFiFEmhFZmi_sBu4B7KwnVRKQ_Tg0NlqSfHm5Lg?rtime=dI130W9D20g 

• Guidelines for Creating Accessible Printed Posters: https://www.aucd.org/docs/annual_mtg_2008/accessibility_posters_gilson2007.pdf 

We are continuing to build the list of resources to support inclusive presentations. If you have any resources that you want us to add to the list, please email us at: cesbc.conference@gmail.com 

Presentation Formats

1. Interactive panel discussion (45 minutes + 15 minutes engagement, 2+ facilitators): In this format, a chair will lead the panel in which panelists will present their work or projects around a common theme. The chair (or a discussant) will then lead a discussion which will include the engagement of the audience.  
2. World cafe or interactive workshop (60 minutes, 1+ facilitator): In this format, a small group of facilitators will lead an engaging and interactive discussion, either in the form of a world cafe or an educational workshop.

3. Long presentation or practice session (20  minutes + 10 minutes engagement, 1+ presenter): In this format, the presenter(s) present content of choice followed by engagement with the audience, or lead a practice session to teach a specific skill. This format is suitable for a discussion or deep dive into a topic or method.

4. Short presentation (12 minutes + 6 minutes engagement, 1+ presenter): In this format, an individual presenter will introduce a topic, tool, method or experience. They will then lead a brief Q&A or discussion.

5. Poster presentation: In this format, the presenter will prepare a poster visually presenting a concept, idea, past project, or work they are doing in the area of evaluation. This is a very flexible format, and a great opportunity to engage with your fellow evaluation community through a more interactive and informal means. 

Submission Process Details

Please submit your abstract using this form. If the hyperlink doesn't work, please click on or copy and paste the link below into a new browser window: https://forms.gle/5XFEgjp6YivW2cPp9 

Multiple submissions by a primary presenter can be made; please submit one form for each abstract proposal.Proposals submitted by email will not be accepted.

Please make sure to have the following required information in your submission as outlined in the submission form:

1. Presentation title (20 word max)

2. Abstract (250 words)

3. Presentation type (listed above)

4. Conference stream (choose one of three; see here for details)

5. What is the relevance of your presentation to the conference stream, and how is your presentation suitable for the presentation type you selected? (max 100 words)

6. How do you plan on engaging the audience, and what will be the main takeaway from your presentation? (100 words maximum)

7. Is your submission relevant to one or more of the 5 CES Competencies found here?
   

8. Full name, affiliation, and a short biography of each presenter (50 words maximum per bio and up to five presenters are permitted depending on the presentation format)

NOTE: Presentation title, abstract, and presenter bios will be printed in the program and on the conference website as submitted; so please ensure information is correct before submitting.

Submission Assessment Criteria

Please keep in mind the following review criteria will be used to assess submissions.

1. Clarity: Does the proposal clearly outline what the presentation is about and how it will be presented? Is all of the required information present?

2. Appropriateness: Does the proposal fit the conference theme and the selected stream? Is it appropriate for the presentation type?

3. Usefulness: What relevant knowledge or skill will the presentation share with the evaluation community? How does the proposal address broader issues in evaluation (i.e., methods and practice and not on the results or circumstances of a specific evaluation)?

4. Presentation Style: How will attendees be supported in applying knowledge from the presentation to their own work? How will the information be presented in an interesting and engaging way that supports learning?

If you have any questions, please contact us at :cesbc.conference@gmail.com