Frequently Asked Questions

I have never submitted/presented before. How do I get started?

We welcome and encourage submissions from first-time submitters/presenters. There is a video that provides helpful tips and tricks. The video is available on the NAEP Speaker Resource Center.

The speaker's page is on the NAEP website with resources and tools for new and experienced submitters and presenters. Click Here to view the NAEP Speaker Resource Center.

What is the submission deadline?

The submission and editing period closes Monday, September 30, 2019 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Can I edit my proposal after it has been submitted?

Yes. You may return to your proposal and make edits until the call for presentations closes on Monday, September 30, 2019.

I have presented during a previous Annual Conference. May I submit a new proposal?

Yes. Speakers who have presented in the past are welcome to submit a new proposal.

I have been asked to participate in more than one concurrent session. Can I submit more than one proposal?

Yes. Speakers are welcome to submit multiple proposals. To ensure that all submitters have an opportunity, speakers will be limited to the number of approved sessions they can present. Each speaker is limited to present no more than two (2) approved sessions and each institution is limited to present no more than five (5) approved sessions.

Speakers and institutions may submit more than the respective two or five sessions. Once submitted and approved, the sessions will be selected based upon the highest rated per individual speaker and institution. 

How will the 2020 Annual Conference Program Committee rate the submitted proposals?

Each submitted proposal will receive a rating based upon the following:

• How well the session addresses and contributes to the conference theme, "Getting in Tune With Procurement" as evidenced through a connection with one of the six tracks: 1) Analytics, 2) Diversity/Sustainability, 3) Procure to Pay (Contracts, Payables, Technology, Travel and Expense), 4) Strategic Sourcing, 5) Supplier Management or 6) Supply Chain.
• How well the learning objectives and detailed description reflect a presentation that will encourage attendee participation and engagement and limit lecture.
• The relevance of the session to current trends and procurement issues.
• How knowledgeable and experienced the speaker is on the selected topic based upon what is represented within his/her biography and detailed description.

Can I submit a proposal for a session based upon a topic that doesn't directly complement one of the six tracks?

Yes, individuals are welcome to submit proposals on a variety of topics. One of the review ratings is based upon the connection to the annual conference theme, "Getting in Tune With Procurement" as evidenced through the session's connection with one of the six tracks: 1) Analytics, 2) Diversity/Sustainability, 3) Procure to Pay (Contracts, Payables, Technology, Travel and Expense), 4) Strategic Sourcing, 5) Supplier Management or 6) Supply Chain. Priority will be given to submitted proposals that fit within one of the tracks.

How many presenters may appear on a panel discussion/round table?

To assure substantial time for interaction between speakers and the audience, all panel discussion/round tables are limited to a maximum of three participants serving as panelists. In addition to the three panelists, one moderator should be selected to manage the content and facilitate the discussion.

Can I submit a proposal if I am not a NAEP Member?

No, only NAEP members may make a submission. We welcome proposals that include a wide spectrum of individuals, members, suppliers, consultants, subject matter experts, etc. Any one who is not a NAEP member must work with a member to submit a proposal. The content of the session must reflect the member’s experience (his/her story) or other connection so that he/she is actively involved. The member should have the majority of the session time. Suppliers and consultants are required to present subject matter that is of interest and relevance to NAEP members—a sales pitch for a service or product is not acceptable.

How many proposals will be selected for the 2020 Annual Conference?

We anticipate offering 40 to 45 concurrent sessions in 2020.

Who will typically attend the sessions?

The session attendees are mostly NAEP Members. There may also be suppliers in attendance and other invited guests.

May I select the day and time that best fits my presentation and schedule?

Requests for specific days or time slots will be considered but not guaranteed. The agenda will be created so there is a balance of tracks and session formats offered during each concurrent session time slot.

When can I expect a response to my proposal?

The Call for Programs opens in July 2019 and closes September 30, 2019. The Program Committee is expected to review all submitted proposals in September and October. Everyone who submits a program will receive notification of the committee’s decision. The final approved list of programs will be announced by November 2019.

Will I receive a response if I am a Co-Presenter?

All correspondence (primarily by email) will be sent to the submitter. It is up to him/her to notify co-presenters.