Become a Speaker in 2009

~ Official Call for Presenters ~

Click here to download the 2009 Speaker Application Form

The 2009 PDMA Annual International Conference Planning Committee is currently seeking corporate practitioners to submit their expertise for workshop and track session consideration at next year's Conference. Consultants and vendors who wish to submit should contact Sabina Gargiulo, Conference Director, at sgargiulo@ahint.com or call 856-439-9177, ext. 4503.

PDMA members and other professionals from CEOs to entry level product managers, service providers and academics come to the conference are looking for new tools and techniques to help solve product development and management challenges and to get a hold on how to move their organization and industry to the next level. As you consider the topics on which you may have some special expertise or point of view to share, we suggest you review the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about the conference and opportunities for speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the Annual Conference is to enhance skills and improve the professionalism of the industry by providing top rate content and speakers in exciting and interactive environments, to connect delegates/peers in tracks that debate hot, forward-thinking topics, introduce new tools and techniques, provide new ways to uncover creativity and innovation in both individuals and teams, improve skills through relevant workshops, meet gurus and outstanding corporate innovators in intimate roundtable discussions, and try new vendor tools.

What is New Product/Service Development?
The development of new products and services involves an integrated set of unique activities. PDMA is the only organization that focuses on addressing this challenge by providing a Body of Knowledge, professional certification, and opportunities for professional development, education, experience, networking and recognition.

What topic areas are we interested in?
We are looking for a range of presentations and workshops geared towards various experience levels, from seasoned professionals, through mid-career to newcomers. The conference program will include concurrent tracks and multiple post conference workshops (full-day and half-day) and we are looking for sessions that will fit within any of the following:

MAIN CONFERENCE TRACKS:

Foundational - Tool Story
These are one-hour, "how-to" presentations by masters of new tools and techniques and new twists on old tools and techniques that are extremely actionable and can be implemented immediately. Please self-nominate if you have or have not been published in the PDMA Tool Book Series.

Guru Roundtables
These are one-hour moderated, small group discussions with guru thought leaders and expert practitioners including keynotes. Please self-nominate to be considered for these targeted roundtables.

POST CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS:

A combination of 5 full-day and 4 half-day skills building workshops will be presented. 2009 Workshop focus areas will be announced shortly. Feel free to submit your suggestions to Sabina Gargiulo, Conference Director at sgargiulo@ahint.com. We accept input all year round.

How will my application be evaluated?

• Upon receipt, all applications will be forwarded to the members of the 2009 Conference Speaker Committee for review and screening based on their potential for contributing to the educational content and excitement of the conference.
• Presenter goals for the 2009 Conference Planning Committee is to seek the most qualified senior level speakers from all over the world and be as representative as possible of a range of industries, contexts and specialties within new product development and management.

What else do I need to know?

• Sessions can, and in all the Hot Topics will, be led by more than one individual
• We are interested in sessions led by PDMA members and non-members
• If your application is approved, you will be assigned a track chair mentor who will assist you in the process leading up to the Conference. Your mentor will work with you on ensuring quality and focus of content.
• To preserve the educational integrity of the Conference, presenters will refrain from using sessions to promote their company, products or services.

How do I submit my idea & what is the deadline for submissions? The timeline below lists all the key deadlines for submitting an application and other speaker materials. All speaker application forms must be received by March 2, 2009. We assume that by submitting an application you have agreed to meet the deadlines below and that all suggested speakers have already been pre-confirmed to participate. Note that these are firm dates -- NO EXCEPTIONS!

Why do we need everything so far in advance? Your session description will be included in materials promoting the conference, such as the conference website and brochure, and information provided to all attendees. Production deadlines for these items are many weeks in advance of the actual conference to ensure sufficient marketing lead-time for the event.

Are speakers compensated? PDMA members and qualified non-member speakers are responsible for their travel, hotel and incidentals; however, the conference registration fee is waived for speakers. We encourage all our speakers to attend and actively participate in the Conference. Speakers are welcome to attend the full duration of the event and have access to all sessions, networking activities and expo hall.

What if I still have questions about my submission? Help is available -- if you have any questions while you are developing your submission, email them to sgargiulo@ahint.com

Applicants are welcome to suggest topics that are not mentioned above as well as recommend speakers other than themselves. All submissions will be equally reviewed by the PDMA International Conference committee based solely on quality and integrity of content. Please contact Sabina Gargiulo, Conference Director, sgargiulo@ahint.com or call 856-439-9177, ext. 4503

Thank you for your interest in the PDMA's 33rd Annual International Conference, 2009