Over the last week, I’ve spent several hour reviewing proposals for 3 conferences.
As such, I think I have a few tips on how to get your proposal accepted:
1 – Have a gov’t person speak. Honestly, if it is just you and your a vendor, I’m scared it is a product pitch for your company.
2 – Have a catchy title. If there are a lot of presentations, people will skim. You need a catchy title. Not “Social Media and Government”
3 – Be an awesome presenter. Word spreads and often program committees have seen others speak for. Nothing better than someone saying – I saw Bob and he rocks. Speaking of…Blogger Bob rocks!
4- Network. Whether you like it or not, it does help when reviewing proposals if you know a person. There is something nice when you can go – I know Jeff and the project working on and it is really good…vs I’ve never heard of this and wonder how cool it really is
Bonus #5 – Go lower in the alphabet/Submit early – If you somehow can be at the beginning of the list whether that is done by alphabetical order or first to submit, that is great. People get tired and spend a lot of time on early proposal but less at the end.