Here’s all the things you should know before submitting a presentation to the IT Professionals Conference!

1. Topic Tag Descriptions

In the call for presentations you are asked to “tag” your talk. Below are the detailed descriptions of the tag options. In the form you may select as many as you feel apply and you may also add your own tags using the “Other” option.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Services – This tag is for any use and support of AI services as part IT operations. This is a new tag for the conference and can be used to share success or lessons learned.
• Cloud Computing, Hosting & Services – Like your on-prem infrastructure, but in the cloud, this tag is all about virtual datacenters (VMs), storage, and related services.
  
• Cybersecurity – All things related to cybersecurity can be listed in this tag, including network/firewalls; security information and event management (SIEM); endpoint security and management; identity, access, vulnerability management; and risk analysis/management.
  
• Data Management, Analysis & Visualization – This tag is all about data and how to use it. This tag includes how to collect and store data, analyse it, and share it including how to visualize data for different audiences.
  
• Design, Accessibility, Usability & UI/UX – This tag is focused on more “front-end” development, including graphic and visual design, user interface and user experience, accessible design for those with disabilities.
  
• Development & Programming – This tag is focused on more “back-end” development and programming and can include discussions of application programming interfaces (APIs), architecture, development methodologies, and secure coding practices.
  
• DevOps, CI/CD – This tag is about the compound of development (Dev) and operations (Ops), and the union of people, process, and technology to continually provide value to customers and includes containers and orchestration, as well as continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment.
  
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging – This tag is about how IT can be used to support DEI initiatives. This includes any tools, solutions, and policies that helped create an inclusive workplace that made colleagues feel seen, supported, and empowered.
• Instructional Technology – This tag includes hardware and software used in computer labs/classrooms for course work or other instructional purposes. This topic also encompasses remote learning technologies, such as Canvas, Zoom, etc.
  
• Personal/Professional Development – This tag is all about you and your career. Topics can include training opportunities/certifications, emotional intelligence, imposter syndrome, self-management, collaboration, partnerships, and communication.
  
• Project Management & Change Management – This tag is about the discipline of leading a team’s tasks to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria on time. This can include experiences and effective tools for project management and change management.
  
• Remote & Hybrid Work – This tag is a relatively new topic introduced by the pandemic. This is both for those who want to share tools/solutions/home office setups and those who are interested in strategies for effective remote or hybrid work, including hybrid meetings.
  
• System Administration & Operations – This tag is about the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems. This includes things like backup, redundancy, and disaster recovery; configuration, infrastructure, and dependency management; data storage, transfer, and file sharing; database administration; and virtualization.
  
• Other – Did we miss something or do you have a more precise tag? Add it using this option.

2. Session Formats

In the call for presentations you are asked to choose which session format would best fit your presentation. Below is a more full description of each of the session formats. Need help with this? You can select the “I’m unsure and would like help choosing” option or type in what you’re thinking by selecting “Other.”

• Traditional presentation — 30 minute presentation with time for Q&A
  These presentations usually have one to three speakers, and use slides or other visual aids. Traditional presentations typically reserve time for audience questions at the end.
  
• Short/Flash talk — Short 5-15 minute presentation with optional audience Q&A
  A flash talk is a very short presentation lasting only a few minutes in which you present a specific concept or idea in a manner understandable to those outside your immediate field. Typically flash talks do not have reserved question/answer time, but may if time allows.
  
• Panel discussion — 30-60 minute moderated discussion with multiple speakers and audience Q&A
  Panel discussions are extended question, answer, and discussion sessions, usually with 3–5 panel members and a moderator. Questions come from a mix of moderator-selected talking-points and audience solicited questions.
  
• Interactive workshop — 60 minute structured activity/discussion with a brief introductory presentation/explanation
  Workshops typically have a 10–15 minute introductory presentation component, then allow individuals or small groups to directly interact with the presented concepts and with each other for the majority of the time allotted.
  
• Networking or Informal Event — No longer than 60 minute activity intended for participant interaction
  These are meant to be a facilitated decompression activities and can be anywhere from 10-60 minutes long. Some past examples have included yoga and online games. 
  
• I’m unsure and would like help choosing
  We can help you decide if you’re confused by these options or could go in multiple directions. Feel free to choose this option and we’ll start a conversation with you to find out which session format will work best for your presentation.
  
• Other
  You’re welcome to write in your own answer if you have multiple preferences or want to give us more details.

3. Presentation Formats

In the call for presentations you are asked to choose which presentation format you would be open to. Here are a few considerations for each of the different presentation formats. Need help with this? You can select the “I’m unsure and would like help choosing” option or type in what you’re thinking by selecting “Other.”

• In person with Q&A
  We plan to schedule at least 5 minutes at the end of live sessions for Q&A. We would also prefer all live presentations be recorded for later viewing, and will collect permission from presenters after the program has been set.
  
• Virtual with Q&A
  We plan to schedule at least 5 minutes at the end of virtual sessions for Q&A over Zoom. We would also prefer all virtual presentations be recorded for later viewing, and will collect permission from presenters after the program has been set.
  
• I’m unsure, please contact me
  We can help you decide what might work best! Feel free to select this option and we’ll start a conversation with you to find out which format will work best for your presentation.