For the 2022 NSGIC Midyear event, we are soliciting abstracts for both live Plenary and Innovation Summit content, which will be selected on a highly competitive basis. In addition, pre-recorded On-Demand presentations can be submitted. 

PLENARY CONTENT SUBMISSIONS

As we plan for a successful hybrid event, we have tailored live plenary presentation types for this new conference model. Live presentations may be made in person or virtually.

• Flash - 15 minutes, all Q&A based in chat during the presentation; one or two people presenting with an additional person active in chat to facilitate Q&A and respond to simple questions in real time

• Standard - 30 minute presentation with 15 additional minutes for Q&A; individual presentations or panel with an additional person active in chat to facilitate Q&A and respond to simple questions in real time

• Extended - 45 minute presentation with 10 additional minutes for Q&A; panel encouraged, but individual presentations allowable, with an additional person active in chat to facilitate Q&A and respond to simple questions in real time

In addition to live sessions, the meeting will also feature On-Demand presentations. This format is more flexible in terms of time, with lengths between 10 and 60 minutes.

Please note that in your abstract submission, you must note your preferred presentation type, but the Conference Steering Group may suggest an alternate type depending on the needs of the agenda and content relevance. You will be provided with confirmation of your presentation type upon confirmation of acceptance.

After debuting as part of the live content, all presentation recordings will be available to registered attendees for post-event access on the NSGIC Learning Link.

INNOVATION SUMMIT CONTENT SUBMISSIONS

The Innovation Summit, which will be held Wednesday, February 16, hones in on new and exciting developments in geospatial technology or its applications to keep participants abreast of new trends and future directions. We ask that all submissions for Innovation Summit content be truly innovative, introducing new ideas or showing originality and creative thinking. 

• Innovation Summit - 30 minute presentation with 15 additional minutes for Q&A; individual presentations or panel with an additional person active in chat to facilitate Q&A and respond to simple questions in real time

ALL ABSTRACT REQUIRMENTS

To submit an abstract, you will be required to complete the following:

• A short form to include your detailed written abstract (see below)
• A three- to five-minute video abstract overview of your presentation 

All steps must be completed for an abstract to be considered fully submitted.

Plenary abstract submissions will be evaluated by the NSGIC Conference Steering Group using the following criteria:

• Relevance to the NSGIC audience of state Geospatial Information Officers (and equivalents), agency GIS coordinators, local and other public sector GIS specialists; federal partners; tribal representatives; and private sector collaborators.
• Quality of content indicated by abstract
• Significance with relevant content presented concisely and coherently
• Originality to include new perspectives, approaches, or evidence
• Advancement of state GIS policy, technology, service, or system
• Oral presentation and delivery skills indicated by video abstract

In addition to the criteria above, Innovation Summit abstract submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

• Innovative methods or technology, introducing new ideas or showing creative thinking
• Fresh, original or unconventional content

All submitting presenters will be asked to comment on:

• What is your plan for audience engagement? This might include utilizing the chat function, facilitating Q&A, incorporating survey questions, etc.
• What is the desired outcome or product? In other words, what do you want the audience to do or take away as a result of your presentation?

PLANNING FOR A SUCCESSFUL PRESENTATION

The hybrid conference model requires speakers to tailor sessions to the virtual format while incorporating elements of dynamic in-person presentations. Successful presentations will be high-energy and engaging, incorporating video technology. Content should highlight state success stories, inspired collaborations, and thought-provoking ideas and solutions to the challenges faced by today’s state GIS leaders - including COVID-19 initiatives, remote citizen services, and equality efforts, to name a few.

The NSGIC Conference Steering Group and staff will be providing additional guidance and run-through opportunities with selected speakers prior to the event to ensure successful presentations in the hybrid format.

SPONSOR SUBMISSIONS

In line with NSGIC’s strategic direction, Plenary and Innovation Summit content will be selected on a competitive basis. For sponsors, that means that there are fewer opportunities for “guaranteed spots” on the agenda. However, competitively-selected sessions will not require the use of sponsor points. Due to this shift, we encourage sponsors to pay close attention to deadlines for abstract submissions and to frame proposed sessions in terms of highest value content to the NSGIC audience. 

Sponsors should submit abstracts via the appropriate form below by the January 13 deadline and the Conference Steering Group will make selections based on the abstract submissions. 

Private sector organizations must contact Amy Holmes at amy.holmes@nsgic.org to secure attendance, presentation, and other sponsor benefits.

USING SPONSOR POINTS FOR PRESENTATIONS

For those sponsors wishing to use points toward presentations, there will be one opportunity for a Lunch & Learn (85 points) where sponsors present in person or virtually while in-person attendees enjoy a meal. Additionally, On-Demand presentations (40 points) which will be pre-recorded (up to 60 minutes in length) and included as part of the agenda offerings and made available to registered attendees. These presentation options are not selected competitively, but on a first-come, first-served sign-up basis. If you have questions about using points as a sponsor please contact Amy Holmes at amy.holmes@nsgic.org.