Center for Experiential Learning

Innovative, real-world experience bridging theory and practice.

Conference Proposal Tips

Professional conferences across industries and academic disciplines regularly solicit paper and presentation proposals, making proposal abstract writing an essential skill for career advancement and knowledge sharing. If you have a special interest in a field, discipline, problem, or idea, then creating and presenting on the topic can help advance your scholarship and professional career. Conference presentations are something impressive you can include on your resume!

To be considered for the STEAM@Schoolcraft Conference, you are required to submit a 250-word proposal abstract for your presentation. The conference proposal abstract is a short summary of your presentation. The purpose of your proposal abstract is to intrigue or garner interest in your topic so that you are selected. Consider the following as you begin to create your proposal abstract:

Choosing a Topic 

  • Is there an idea or topic you have a special interest in? 
  • Is there a trending topic in the field? 
  • Is there a significant problem that needs to be addressed? 
  • Is there an aspect of a topic that previous scholarship has not addressed? 

Stating Your Topic 
In your abstract, you will need to state your topic, its importance and how it relates to the conference theme. 

  • Start with a compelling statement that clearly identifies your topic and its importance. 
  • Provide a brief background to the topic 
  • State your presentation’s main objective 
  • What research have you done or will you do for your presentation? 
  • Highlight main points and key findings 
  • Outline the significance of your research and its implications 

Other Considerations 

  • Review examples or previous presentations 
  • Create a descriptive and engaging title that clearly reflects your topic 
  • Adhere to the specific word limit 
  • Consider your audience: 
    • First, your initial audience is the review committee or conference organizer. 
    • Then, your conference attendees.  
  • Use best practices for writing including: 
    • Use an active voice 
    • Use appropriate vocabulary 
    • Proofread carefully, or ask others to proofread your proposal