2018 FGS National Conference Call for Presentation Proposals

Deadline for submissions is 14 July 2017.

We are very excited to announce that presentation proposals are now being received for the FGS 2018 Conference, “On the Three Rivers—Past, Present & Future” to be held 22-25 August, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The conference will be held in conjunction with the Allen County Public Library as local host. Outstanding nearby research facilities and attractions will enhance the conference experience. The deadline for submission of lecture proposals is Friday, 14 July 2017.

The program committee specifically seeks new and dynamic proposals that will provide exceptional and unique educational experiences for conference attendees. Proposals for workshops and sponsored talks are also encouraged. Categories for submissions include:

·         Society Management                     

·         Methodologies and Strategies

·         Transportation

·         Midwestern Records

·         Military Records

·         Repositories

·         Record Types

·         Technology

·         Religious Groups

·         Ethnic Groups

·         Genetics and DNA

·         Migration/Immigration

Please note that there are approximately 130 slots to fill and we are looking for presenters that can give talks on multiple topics. Speakers are encouraged to submit 6 or more presentations for the committee to consider. The committee reserves the right to contact presenters for more details and/or clarification of submission.

Submission Requirements

Each proposal should include:

·         Speaker(s) name.

·         Speaker(s) contact information, including mailing address, phone, email, and website, if applicable.

·         Prior speaking experience.

·         Speaker(s) biography.

·         Speaker(s) brief brochure biography (40 word maximum).

·         Lecture title (not to exceed 12 words).

·         Lecture brochure description (50 word maximum).

·         Lecture outline/summary.

·         Lecture audio-visual requirements. FGS does NOT provide projectors, computers, or internet access for speakers.

Proposals should be submitted online at: https://www.fgsconference.org/fgs2018-call-for-presentations/

Submissions are due no later than 14 July 2017.

Compensation

Selected speakers receive an honorarium, travel compensation, and conference registration as well as per diem and hotel nights based on the number of lectures presented. (Sponsored speakers only receive conference registration and syllabus materials. See more about sponsorships below.) Non-sponsored speakers receive compensation according to the FGS Conference Speaker Policy.

Sponsored Lectures

Societies and businesses are encouraged to submit proposals for sponsored talks. The sponsoring organization will cover its speaker's costs to present the lecture. Sponsored speakers will abide by all speaker deadlines and syllabus requirements. Sponsored speakers will receive complimentary FGS conference registration.

Invitations to speak will be issued in October 2017. Syllabus format guidelines and deadline will be sent to speakers at that time. The deadline for acceptance and submission of signed speaker contracts is 1 November 2017.

Email questions to program2018@fgs.org.

FGS Call to Action

Statement from the FGS Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Federation of Genealogical Societies

Over the past few days, the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) has been carefully watching the events unfolding in regards to the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

As host of past conferences, and the upcoming FGS 2018 Conference in Fort Wayne, the state of Indiana has greatly benefited from the support of FGS over many years. We have also enjoyed the support of our member organizations in Indiana, including the Indiana Genealogical Society, the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana, and the Allen County Public Library and will continue to lend our voice and support.

Planning for FGS conferences is part of a five-year process, and we cannot predict changes in legislation that will have a negative impact on our events. In making plans for its 2018 conference, FGS pledges to only conduct business with vendors and venues who have a clear non-discrimination policy and is deeply encouraged by the public statement made by the city’s official convention and visitor’s bureau, Visit Fort Wayne affirming “our city and hospitality industry is 'open for business' without restriction or limitation.”

FGS will work to ensure all Indiana vendors associated with the conference are listed by Visit Fort Wayne as “Open for Business” throughout its event planning process for the 2018 conference. The FGS 2018 conference will be open to all.

Sadly, the situation in Indiana is not the only place where open access to all is threatened. Therefore, FGS is acting immediately to implement non-discrimination policies in current and future conference planning, and across all FGS activity areas.

As an organization, FGS is open to all, and strives to only work with businesses that have clear non-discrimination and non-bullying policies in its activities.

Further, FGS strongly encourages its member societies to examine their own non-discrimination policies and the policies of those they conduct business with. Those providing event space, catering services, editorial skills, technology services, etc. should strive to create an environment that is accepting and open to all.

FGS remains supportive of all member societies within the state of Indiana and elsewhere who work to adopt a spirit of non-discrimination and acceptance. 

Urgent! Indiana State Library Could Lose Its Genealogy Department

The following was received from the Indiana Genealogical Society:

Have you heard the news? The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis is in danger of having its entire genealogy department eliminated. Governor Pence's proposed budget (House Bill 1001) - which is currently being considered by the Indiana legislature - calls for a 24% cut in funding for the Indiana State Library, including the elimination of the library's entire genealogy department (please read Indiana State Librarian Jacob Speer'sfull report on the proposed budget cuts).

The cut would only save $400,000, but if enacted, it would be a devastating loss, not just to Indiana residents, but to all those across the country who utilize the library in their research. Did you know that the library's statistics show that almost half of all their interactions with the public concern genealogy? And those interactions are only going to increase as 2016 - the state's bicentennial celebration - gets closer.

WHAT TO DO: The proposed budget is just that - a proposal. Legislators can change the budget and adjust funding levels before it comes to a final vote. Members of the House Ways and Means Committee - chaired by Rep. Tim Brown - are the ones to contact first. E-mail or phone are recommended, as they will make the quickest impact:
Rep. Tim Brown, Committee Chair - fill out this contact form that's already designated to go to Rep. Brown. Or you can manually e-mail him at h41@iga.in.gov
House Ways and Means Committee - go to their committee pageand scroll down the left side to see the list of the Majority Members. Click on one of the photos to see their contact information.
Call the switchboard - 1-800-382-9841

If you're an Indiana resident, you can also contact your specific legislators before it comes to the full General Assembly for a vote - use the handy Find Your Legislator tool.