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.

2015 FGS National Conference Call for Presentations

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces a Call for Presentations for the FGS 2015 Conference being held February 11-14, 2015, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 2015 conference will be held at the same time as the RootsTech 2015 Conference. This innovative blending of the established tradition of FGS’s stellar conferences, focused on genealogical society management, records, and methodology, with RootsTech’s famed conferences, centered on family history, technology, and storytelling, will provide speakers the opportunity to participate in an exciting, once in a lifetime event. A separate Call for Presentations will be announced soon for the RootsTech 2015 Conference.

The conference theme "Connect. Explore. Refresh." defines the elements FGS conference attendees will see and experience in 2015. The FGS program committee seeks original, relevant, and engaging lecture proposals that will impact, inspire, and motivate genealogists of all experience levels and skill-sets to form connections with other family historians, the larger genealogical community, and within their own personal research.

Categories for submissions include, but are not limited to:

• Back to Basics
• Tried and True Methods
• Answering Difficult Questions with Leading Questions
• The 21^st Century Genealogical Society for Today and Tomorrow
• Genealogical Society Leaders and Visionaries
• Modern Access to Vintage Resources
• A Retro Look at Organization and Planning
• The Most Useful Hidden Records in Plain Sight
• Connecting to the Past with Military Commemorations - i.e. War of 1812, Civil War
• 20th Century Migration - i.e. Dust Bowl, WW2 movements, etc. 
• Wagon Trains, Railroads, and Modern Transportation
• Ethnic Groups in the West - i.e. African Americans, Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, and Greek
• Missionaries and Settlers
• Compiling Singular Records into Lively Stories

The FGS 2015 Conference schedule will commence with a Focus on Societies Day on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, followed by the three-day annual conference event. The FGS program committee seeks proposals for the Focus on Societies Day and the annual conference. Submissions for sponsored talks from societies, businesses, and organizations within the family history community are greatly encouraged.

Submissions

Speaker submissions and deadlines for the FGS 2015 Conference will be very different from previous years, as FGS now utilizes an online submission system. Interested speakers must submit all lecture proposals using the online forms. The Call for Presentations opens on May 1, 2014 and will close on May 31, 2014.

Camera-ready handout materials are due for all lecture presentations on October 1, 2014.

Questions concerning the Call for Presentations should be sent to program2015@fgs.org.

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. Speakers receive compensation according to the FGS Conference Speaker Policy at http://www.fgs.org/cpage.php?pt=44.

Sponsored speakers’ costs are compensated by the sponsoring organization. Sponsored speakers will abide by all speaker deadlines and syllabus requirements. Sponsored speakers will receive complimentary FGS conference registration and electronic syllabus materials.

Click here to download a copy of the Call for Papers or to submit your proposals.

2014 FGS National Conference Call for Presentations

Deadline for Submissions is June 1, 2013

February 6, 2013– Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces a Call for Presentations for the FGS 2014 Conference, “Gone to Texas,” to be held August 27-30, 2014, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference will be held in conjunction with the Texas State Genealogical Society and the San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society as local hosts. The deadline for submission of lecture proposals is Saturday, 1 June 2013.

The conference begins with an all-day Focus on Societies program for genealogical society officers, board members, volunteers and other interested parties followed by a three-day genealogical conference in which a variety of topics will be presented.

The program committee seeks proposals for engaging, collaborative and dynamic presentations, workshops and sponsored talks. The categories of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Society Management
• Basic and introductory genealogical instruction
• Methodology and problem solving techniques
• Ethnic research (African American, Czech, German, Hispanic, Native American)
• Technology, software and social media
• Genetics, DNA and family medical history
• Transportation, migration and immigration
• “Gone to Texas” topics
• Southern and western regional topics

Speakers based more than 50 miles from the conference location are strongly encouraged to submit multiple proposals (more than four), as those speakers will be invited to present a minimum of three lectures at the conference. There is no limit to the number of proposals a speaker may submit.

Submission Requirements

Presentations will be one-hour long, which includes a ten-minute question/answer period. Send proposals in Microsoft Word, RTF or similar format. File names should include your last name, first initial, and proposal topic. (Example: SmithR - TechStrategies). Please submit one file per proposed topic. Each proposal document should include:

• Speaker(s) name.
• Speaker(s) contact information, including mailing address, phone, email and website, if applicable.
• Prior speaking experience. Speakers who have not spoken at a national conference are encouraged to submit a video, audiotape, or CD recording of a recent presentation.
• Speaker(s) biography.
• Speaker(s) abbreviated brochure biography (350 characters, including spaces).
• Lecture title and description for brochure (230 characters combined, including spaces).
• Lecture outline/summary (1 page or less)
• Audio-visual requirements. FGS does NOT provide projectors, computers, or internet access for speakers.
• Intended audience level: beginner, intermediate, advanced or any level.

Send proposals, as an email attachment, with “FGS 2014 Call for Presentations” in the subject line, to 2014program@fgs.org no later than Saturday, 1 June 2013. If submitting lecture recordings by mail, please email 2014program@fgs.org for the appropriate postal address.

Invitations to speak will be extended between 2 September and 20 September 2013. All submitters will receive notification of their selection or non-selection by 27 September 2013. The deadline for acceptance and submission of signed speaker contracts is 1 November 2013. Syllabus format guidelines will be sent to all speakers upon receipt of their signed contract as every presentation will require materials to be included in the conference syllabus.

For additional guidelines regarding the selection process for FGS 2014, please refer to the supplemental document at http://www.fgs.org/cpage.php?pt=114.

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 at http://www.fgs.org/cpage.php?pt=44.

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 and electronic syllabus materials.

Additional Information

Camera-ready handouts will be required for every lecture or workshop presentation and will be compiled in a syllabus distributed to conference participants. The deadline for submissions of syllabus materials is 1 June 2014.

FGS 2014 Deadlines

• 7 Jan 2013: Call for Presentations
• 1 Jun 2013: Proposal deadline
• 27 Sep 2013: Last date for invitations or declines sent to submitters
• 1 Nov 2013: Signed speaker contracts due
• 1 Jun 2014: Syllabus materials due for all presentations

RootsTech 2013 - Call for Presentations

March 21-23, 2013 | Salt Lake City, Utah

[Editor's note: The Federation of Genealogical Societies is a proud sponsor of RootsTech!]

The world of genealogy is changing at an ever-increasing rate through the development of new technologies. Millions of people are passionate about discovering their roots. They share an interest in learning about the latest technologies and methods to help them in this pursuit. The third annual RootsTech Conference brings together thought leaders and consumers who want to share and experience the latest trends in genealogy and technology. Building on the success and growth of previous years, RootsTech 2013 will reach thousands of participants on site and around the world. RootsTech includes engaging, interactive sessions that promote learning and the free exchange of ideas on improving the way genealogy is done. Genealogists and technologists attending this conference share a stance that is progressive and forward thinking. They are interested in the application of technology to simplify and improve the family history experience.

Unique tracks will be offered that address the specific needs of genealogists and technologists, with an emphasis on how they can more effectively work together. We invite proposals that address technology challenges and solutions that have the potential to improve family history and genealogical research. Additional consideration will be given to proposals that provide hands-on or interactive experiences, with presenters giving step-by-step approaches and live demonstrations for using technology for genealogy, including tips and helps for using software, hardware, standards, APIs, plug-ins, etc. Since RootsTech is designed as an interactive conference, traditional lectures depending entirely on text-based slides are discouraged.

Possible sessions for genealogists include:

• Solutions for saving, accessing and sharing data
• Publishing and sharing family history online
• Tools for online collaboration and community projects
• Using popular applications for family history
• Reaching and engaging new genealogists through technology
• Online sites and services for getting started

Possible sessions for developers include:

• GPS and geo-mapping ancestral locations
• Applications for mobile devices
• Social applications
• Standards and APIs
• Records imaging and tree visualization
• Gamification of family history experiences
• Cloud-based solutions for saving, accessing, and sharing data

Submissions are due by June 15, 2012, with an extended deadline of October 15, 2012 for limited, late-breaking technology research submissions.

Types of Sessions

1. Presentations: Classroom settings that engage participants.
2. Panels or Discussions: Formal panels of experts discussing specific topics, led by a facilitator.
3. Hands-on Workshops: Labs where attendees have hands-on experience in a specific task or objective.
4. Unconferencing: Informal, participant-led discussion groups.

Submission Information

Proposals will be accepted online at rootstech.org from May 9, 2012 through June 15, 2012. Syllabus materials will be due from participating presenters on October 1, 2012 (other than late-breaking proposals).

Presenters participating in the RootsTech Conference will receive a complimentary conference registration and a syllabus. There is no monetary compensation for presenters at this conference. Out-of-state speakers selected to present three or more lectures will also receive hotel accommodations.

FGS 2013 Request for Lecture Proposals Due May 15, 2012

REMINDER!  All lecture proposals for the FGS 2013 Conference, “Journey Through Generations,” to be held August 21 – 24, 2013, in Fort Wayne, Indiana are due on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

See 2013 FGS National Conference - Request for Lecture Proposals for details.

2013 FGS National Conference - Request for Lecture Proposals

For Immediate Release
January 19, 2012

2013 FGS NATIONAL CONFERENCE REQUEST FOR LECTURE PROPOSALS

Deadline for Submissions is May 15, 2012

January 19, 2012 – Austin, TX. The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) announces a Request for Lecture Proposals for the FGS 2013 Conference, “Journey Through Generations,” to be held August 21 – 24, 2013, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The conference will be held in conjunction with the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana and the Allen County Public Library as local hosts. Outstanding nearby research facilities and attractions will enhance the conference experience. The deadline for submission of lecture proposals is Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

The 2013 FGS Conference theme, Journey Through Generations, has dual meaning. It symbolizes the literal journey our ancestors took through America's heartland, on rivers, railroads, Indian trails, wagon roads, canals and the Underground Railroad. The theme also infers the virtual journey that genealogists take through bygone times and distant places as they explore the lives of their ancestors generation by generation.
Topics relating to the Midwest, migration patterns, technology, regional repositories, and religious and ethnic groups are encouraged. Wednesday, 21 August 2013, is an all-day "Focus on Societies" program for genealogical society officers, board members, volunteers, and other interested parties.

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:

• Focus on Society Management
• Methodologies and Strategies
• Transportation (e.g. canals, Great Lakes, railroads)
• Midwestern Records (e.g. land records, early forts and settlements)
• Military Records
• Repositories
• Record Types
• Technology
• Religious Groups (e.g. Quakers, Amish, United Brethren)
• Ethnic Groups (e.g. German, African American, Native American, Polish, Irish)
• Genetics and DNA
• Migration/Immigration

Speakers are strongly encouraged to submit multiple proposals (more than four), as most speakers will be invited to present a minimum of three lectures at the conference. There is no limit to the number of proposals a speaker may submit.

Submission Requirements

Send proposals in PDF, Microsoft Word, or RTF format. File names should include your last name, first initial, and proposal topic. (Example: SmithR - TechStrategies). Each proposal should include:

• Speaker(s) name.
• Speaker(s) contact information, including mailing address, phone, email, fax, and website, if applicable.
• Prior speaking experience. Speakers who have not spoken at a national conference are encouraged to submit a video, audiotape, or CD recording of a recent lecture by mail.
• Speaker(s) biography.
• Speaker(s) brief brochure biography (50 word maximum).
• Lecture title (not to exceed 10 words).
• Lecture brochure description (40 word maximum).
• Lecture outline/summary.
• Lecture audio-visual requirements. FGS does NOT provide projectors, computers, or internet access for speakers.
• Intended audience level: beginner, intermediate, advanced, any level.

Send proposals, as an email attachment, with “FGS 2013 Lecture Proposals” in the subject line, to program2013@fgs.org no later than May 15, 2012. If submitting lecture recordings by mail, please email program2013@fgs.org for the appropriate postal address.

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 at www.fgs.org/conferences/speakerpolicy.php.

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 and electronic syllabus materials.

Additional Information

Camera-ready handouts are required for each lecture or workshop presentation and will be compiled in a syllabus distributed to conference participants. The deadline for submissions of syllabus materials is April 15, 2013.

Invitations to speak will be issued in October 2012. Syllabus format guidelines will be sent to speakers at that time. The deadline for acceptance and submission of signed speaker contracts is November 1, 2012.

About the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)

The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies. FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow through resources available online, FGS Forum magazine (filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news), and Society Strategy Series papers, covering topics about effectively operating a genealogical society. FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference -- four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics. To learn more visit http://www.fgs.org.