Call for Presentations

Deadline Extended: April 10, 2020
Click here to submit a proposal.

New Beginnings along the Historic Coast
NAI will kick off a new decade by holding its annual conference in the first and oldest continuously populated European city in the new world, St. Augustine, Florida. Our theme, "New Beginnings along the Historic Coast," provides inspiration for creative presentations and learning something new while incorporating St. Augustine’s rich historical cultural heritage, which includes the first Underground Railroad for escaped slaves and numerous historical buildings and sites. For outdoor enthusiasts there are 42 miles of beaches and coastline, providing ample opportunities for birding, wildlife observations, and outdoor presentations. So what are you waiting for? Help make this the best conference ever and submit a proposal today!

Hot Topics from the Field
Incorporating one of the hot topics listed below for your presentation will help fill the programming needs for this conference:

• Climate Crisis and the Interpreter’s Role
• Innovative Interpretive Techniques: Addressing multiple learning styles, constructing themes, cutting-edge technology, etc.
• Facts vs. Fake News: Successful communication tips for dealing with generally accepted scientific facts like climate change, the geological time scale, the shape of the Earth, etc.
• Reconnecting People to the Outdoors
• Nature Journaling
• Diversity/Inclusion: Building bridges, not walls
• History/Cultural Interactions: Bonus points for incorporating St. Augustine's history!
• Creating Safe Non-judgmental Spaces for Difficult Discussions: Environmental issues, employee development, dealing with difficult guests, etc.
• Heritage Tourism/Interpretation
• The Art of Storytelling
• Sustainability: Practicing what we preach
• Virtual Engagement- *NEW!  Best practices to keep up engagement and participation virtually or online

Important Dates
Proposal submissions deadline: March 27, 2020
Notification of acceptance to presenters (presenters accept or decline offer to present): Mid-May, 2020
Conference registration:  early bird deadline August 15, 2020; regular registration deadline: October 14, 2020
Conference dates: November 10-14, 2020 (Sessions held November 11-13, 2020)

Who should submit a proposal:

• Professionals who work or teach in the field of interpretation and love what they do!
• Commercial attendees who will be exhibiting in the Resource Expo who want to share their knowledge. (Please note that sessions should address issues in the field of interpretation and are not to be used to promote products or services.) It is suggested that you include co-presenters from interpretive sites in your presentation.
• Senior, mid-career and emerging members who have a story to tell that speaks to the overall 2020 conference theme, New Beginnings along the Historic Coast.
• Anyone who has a contribution to make to the field of interpretation – help us promote professionalism in the industry by sharing your experience and expertise.

Presenter tips for submitting a proposal:
Session proposals will be reviewed based on how relevant it is to this year’s conference theme, hot topics and the profession of interpretation. Reviewers will look at how engaging the presentation is to the audience members along with actionable outcomes that can immediately be put to use to better their programs or organizations.

• Title: choose a title that fits your program description and speaks to a broad audience.
• Description: write a clear concise description that tells the reviewer why you chose this subject matter. Also include an Introduction, methods used and results or outcomes. 
• Learning Objectives: define the expected goals of your session in terms of demonstrable skills or knowledge that a participant will learn as a result of instruction.
• Picking one of the hot topics for your presentation will help fill the programming needs for this conference.
• Please be realistic when you indicate the experience level of your program – attendees use these designations to determine if the session is right for them.

Key information to help you budget:
Submitting a session proposal indicates your intention to attend the conference. All speakers are required to register. Below are some of the costs to help you plan your budget to attend. For tips on securing organizational support from your supervisor, please visit "How to Get Approval to Attend the NAI Conference."

• Hotel: $129/night plus applicable taxes (currently 12.5%)
• Registration Fee: $450 early bird discount / $575 regular registration
  Travel: Check one of the travel sites for estimated airfares from your nearest airport to either Jacksonville, Florida, or Daytona Beach, Florida.  Jacksonville’s airport (JAX) is a bit closer and has more direct flights; however flights into Daytona Beach (DAB) may also fit your needs.