Proposal submissions will be accepted for in person workshops, presentations, and panel discussions. Please review all the requirements and guidelines below carefully, as submissions that do not meet the requirements will not be accepted. If you have questions or concerns about your proposal, please feel free to contact angela@losscs.org. The annual conference brings together a wide range of attendees each year, among them students, researchers, providers, those with lived experience, and survivors of suicide loss. We continue to strive to include content that reaches the needs of all our participants, covering a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, prevention and intervention, postvention, self care, and research.
Timeline for proposals:
Criteria
All submissions will be reviewed by panel, and judged based on the following criteria:
Proposal Format
All proposals must include the following:
Title
Brief summary. Your summary should be suitable for sharing for general audiences on the conference website and schedule of offerings. (max 200 words)
Abstract. Your abstract should be a precise description of your presentation content. Abstracts should be in paragraph format, with no bullet points, and all acronyms and abbreviations must be defined. (max 1000 words)
Objectives. In order for a workshop to be eligible for CEUs, the proposal must include 3 learning goals or objectives.
Proposal Agreement. You must review and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Agreement for presenters and panelists in order for your work, if accepted, to be included in the conference offerings.
Primary contact. The primary contact is the designated contact person for the presentation. Please select the person who can most reliably communicate with the Suicide Postvention Program Team leading up to the conference, if your proposal is accepted.
Description: A presentation on a single topic presented by a moderator for discussion by a panel of 3-5 experts on the topic addressed. Panel members will share their knowledge through discussion. Time: 90 minutes – 15 minutes for introducing the topic, 1 hour for discussion by the panel, and 15 minutes for summary and questions from the audience. Additional clarification: Your proposal must focus on a single topic, and address validity, value, and applicability. Three to five presenters are required for this presentation type. The moderator may be a sixth person if necessary.
Description: A presentation designed to actively involve attendees in structured activities, small or large group processes, simulation, and/or other training components. Presentation must have in evidence a meaningful rationale and/or theoretical base underlying the activities. Time: 90 minutes – 30 minutes for introducing the rationale and/or theoretical base of the planned experience, 45 minutes for active involvement of the attendees in the experience, and 15 minutes for debriefing and questions. Additional clarification: Your proposal must address the meaningful rationale and/or
theoretical base of your workshop, as well as information regarding the active and meaningful experience planned for attendees.
Description: A presentation giving an analytical description of a promising new and innovative intervention or program, in a peer support, counseling or institutional setting. The underlying theory and/or research model must be included in the presentation. Time: 60 minutes – 45 minutes for presenting the information, and 15 minutes for dialogue with attendees. Additional clarification: Your proposal must explain how the intervention or program is “new and innovative,” and must clearly articulate the theory and/or research model underlying the intervention or program.
Description: A theory-based presentation focused on exploring and analyzing new and current issues, trends, perspectives, and/or models in the field of postvention. Time: 60 minutes – 45 minutes for presenting the information, and 15 minute for dialogue with attendees. Additional clarification: Your proposal must clearly show how the theory or theories used are relevant to the material. The information explored/analyzed must be new material related to current issues, trends, perspectives, and/or models in postvention.
Description: A presentation giving an anecdotal account which has practice or educational applications related to postvention, and preferably to research and/or theory, or peer support. Time: 60 minutes – 45 minutes for presenting the information, and 15 minute for dialogue with attendees. Additional information: Your proposal must indicate how the material is applicable from a practice, professional or peer support perspective. Also, showing how research and/or theory link to your material is preferred.
Description: A visual format presentation of projects, interests, and/or research-in-progress, enhanced by appropriate handouts and informal personal interaction with the presenter. Presentations will be grouped by topic. Time: Designated 1-hour time slot for poster presentations will be assigned within a reception venue. Posters will remain on display for viewing the following day if space permits.
Topic Categories
Abstract Content
Category:
Each abstract submission must specify the topic that is most appropriate. Categories help conference organizers create a balanced program and allow for the creation of a subject index in printed meeting materials. The planning committee reserves the right to change the category if necessary.
Presentation Level:
Each abstract must identify the knowledge/skill level required of the participant.
Introductory – Presentations that all participants (including undergraduate students) with any appropriate background will be able to fully comprehend and/or appreciate. Presentations will discuss concepts that are considered basic skills/knowledge for those working in the field of postvention.
Intermediate – Presentations that participants may more fully comprehend/appreciate if they have at least some work experience in the topic to be discussed.
Advanced – Presentations that present concepts that require a high-level of previous knowledge or work experience in the particular area/topic to be discussed as well as being most geared for specialists and those in advanced stages of their career.
Learning Objectives:
All abstract submissions, except posters, must include three learning objectives that will answer the question: At the completion of this presentation, participants will be able to…
References/Citations:
All abstracts submissions must include a minimum of 3 references in the last 7 years from academic, clinical or statistical sources. There is a maximum of 5 references; the two additional references do not have a limit on years and do not have to be academic, clinical or statistical sources. No more than one reference may be from an Internet source. All references must be listed in proper APA style. Citation Maker available on submission site.
Disclosure:
All presenters will be required to disclose relationships with commercial entities. This is necessary to comply with accreditation policies and for sessions to be approved for CEU credit.
Primary Contact:
The primary contact is the designated contact person for the presentation. Please select the person who can most reliably communicate with the Suicide Postvention Program Team leading up to the conference, if your proposal is accepted.
Speaker Benefits
Speaking at the Annual National LOSS Team Postvention Conference is a challenging and rewarding opportunity. All proposals are selected through a competitive peer review process. Presenter(s) of accepted proposals will receive the following benefits:
Please fill out the Submission Application Form below. Once approved to present, all presentation materials may be emailed to amy@losscs.org.
