FAQs for QM Connect Conference Presentation Proposals

1. What are the advantages of submitting my session proposal by the early deadline?

The advantages are:

  • The opportunity to have the Program Committee do pre-review of your proposal.  You can then use their feedback to make revisions to your proposal, increasing the likelihood of it being accepted.
  • A discounted registration rate.

2. What are the session format options?

There are six format options:

  • Conversation that Matters
  • Active Learning
  • Quality Chat
  • Quality Talk
  • World Café
  • Poster

3. What is a “Conversation that Matters” session?

A 50-minute session in which the content leader presents an idea to participants for 10-15 minutes, followed by discussion among all participants. The content leader becomes a facilitator, volleying comments and questions around the room and facilitating discussion. A Conversation that Matters may be led by an individual or group of individuals from the same institution, or a group of individuals from multiple institutions.

4. What is an “Active Learning” session?

A 50-minute session that engages participants in the learning process by creating a dynamic, interactive learning experience through the use of small groups, pair and share, or individual hands-on activities. Active learning sessions may be presented by an individual or group of individuals from the same institution, or a group of individuals from multiple institutions.

5. What is a “Quality Chat” session?

A 25-minute lecture-style presentation on a topic related to quality assurance. A Quality Chat may be presented by an individual or group of individuals. We encourage collaboration with multiple institutions. The presentation should be dynamic in nature and engage participants through the use of high-quality graphics or story-telling.

6. What is a “Quality Talk” session?

A 50-minute lecture-style presentation on a topic related to quality assurance, ending with designated time for Q&A. A Quality Talk may be presented by an individual or group of individuals from the same institution, or a group of individuals from multiple institutions. We encourage collaboration with multiple institutions. The presentation should be dynamic in nature and engage participants through the use of high-quality graphics or story-telling.

7. What is the "World Café" format?

World Café sessions have three breakout hosts, each with a different set of questions belonging to a comprehensive theme.  The breakout hosts lead a discussion of the questions for approximately 10-12 minutes. The hosts then move to the next breakout where another topic - which is built upon the previous one - is discussed. Discussion results are directly noted down on a shared document. The breakout host shares the results of the previous discussion with the new group. Finally, the results of all groups will be reflected in a group discussion. Strategies for further actions and opportunities for further cooperation of participants are identified.

8. What is the “Poster” format?

A presentation that combines the graphic display of topics in a poster format with the opportunity for individualized, informal discussion of the work presented. Posters are typically presented by an individual or small group of individuals and often include handouts for participants. Posters are appropriate for information that can be conveyed in tables or process steps. 

9. What happened to the K-12 concentration?

We definitely want K-12 focused proposals! We want K-12 to be integrated into the conference, so we do not have a separate concentration for K-12 this year. Find topic suggestions for K-12 in each concentration. Indicate K-12 in the Intended Audience by Role question.

10. What happened to the research concentration?

Many of the presentations at QM Connect that primarily focus on a particular topic are also research- or evidence-related. In order to identify - and route attendees to - all of the presentations that discuss research or evidence, QM is flagging these presentations throughout the program instead of grouping them in a research concentration.

11. Can you explain the "intended audience" questions?

There are two "intended audience" questions. 

  • The first question asks about your intended audience in relation to their knowledge or experience level. The purpose of this question is to assist participants in selecting sessions that will benefit them the most. You may select only one.
    • New to the topic 
    • Some experience in the topic   
    • Extensive experience in the topic
  • The second question asks about your intended audience in relation to their role. You may select up to three.

12. What if I want to make changes to my proposal after I submit?

The confirmation email you receive after your initial submission contains the url and information you need to get back into your proposal to make changes. Changes will not be allowed during the Program Committee’s review.

13. How will proposals be evaluated?

The Program Committee will use a weighted rubric made up of the following questions (not in order of weight):

  • Effectiveness of Title - Does the title align with the content of the proposal? Does it synthesize the main themes and/or key takeaways of the proposal?
  • Fit to Concentration - How well does the proposal fit the selected concentration?
  • Engagement Strategies - Does the proposal describe how the presenter will leverage strategies such as interactive discussion, collaborative tools, question and answer, learning-by-doing, and/or small group work throughout the presentation to engage the participants?
  • Brief Description - Does the brief description synthesize the key themes, importance, and objectives of the full proposal?
  • Proposal Content - To what degree does the proposal reflect familiarity with the field (does not "reinvent the wheel") and frame the presentation of the topic to suit the level of the designated audience?
  • Learning Objectives - Are the learning objectives aligned to the presentation's content? Are they written from the participant's point of view and are they measurable?
  • Effectiveness of Writing - How well written is the brief description? Is it clear what will be discussed?

Don’t see your question here?  Send it to QM's Event Manager and we’ll get an answer for you.