Conference Session Management

Welcome organizers, speakers, and moderators.

Here are the tools you need to create a top-notch conference session. Use these resources to confirm your participation, learn more about APA guidelines, and manage your involvement.

Access Online Forms

I am participating in a:

Facilitated Discussion

Training Workshop

"Fast, Funny and Passionate" Session

Student Capstone Presentation

Important Dates for Speakers
January 17, 2013	Deadline: Speaker invitation deadline
January 24, 2013	Deadline: Speakers confirm their participation.
February 14, 2013	Speaker conference registration deadline.
March 14, 2013	Hotel reservation deadline. Complete biographical data form.
April 13–17, 2013	APA National Planning Conference in Chicago.

Important Speaker Links

Update Your Bio, Permissions, and A/V Request Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Where do I go for speaker assistance at the conference?

A. Speaker Preview is located in Grand Suite 3 in Hyatt Regency Chicago. Go here for onsite loading of your PowerPoint, to discuss a-v questions with the technicians, or to rehearse your presentation.

Q. What do I do if I have technical problems in my session?

A. The a-v staff members (in black t-shirts) circulate regularly throughout the session rooms. Look for them before your session starts to discuss any problems. As a last resort, send someone to the Speaker Preview room (Grand Suite 3) to get assistance.

Q. May I use my own laptop in a session?

A. No. Your presentation will be sent to your session room from the main network in the Speaker Preview room (Grand Suite 3). You must preload your presentation online or in the Speaker Preview room.

Q. Do I have to use the microphone?

A. Yes. Do not assume that everyone can hear your voice in a session room. Make it easy for your audience and allow them to hear everything. Sessions are recorded for Virtual Sessions so a recording of your presentation is important.

Q. Will APA automatically make my PowerPoint available for conference attendees to download, if I provide it to the Speaker Preview room?

A. No. You must send your PowerPoint to APA separately if you would like conference attendees to be able to download it from APA’s website. Send your presentation to Speakerinfo@planning.org, with the name and function code of your session.

Q. Do I have to register for the conference to participate as a speaker?

A. Yes. All speakers must be registered for the conference. Read the speaker registration policy and learn about registration options.

Q. Is every session required to have at least one APA member as a speaker?

A. Yes.

Q. Where do I find information about organizing my session?

A. Select the type of session you are participating in and download the handbook.

Speaker Policy

Speakers are allowed to speak in no more than two sessions. A session is defined as a general session, a division session, a local host committee session, or a poster session. A speaker may also participate in one additional technology showcase or facilitated discussion. GIS workshop speakers and mobile workshop speakers are exempt from this policy. Any deviation from this policy is at the sole discretion of the Director of Education.