Hotel Roanoke
Roanoke , VA
March 31 - April 3, 2020

Call for Presentations

We’re Looking for Excellence

If you have an interesting presentation idea, the Virginia Emergency Management Symposium invites you to submit an application for our Call for Presentations. By submitting a presentation, you can help shape the educational content of the Virginia Emergency Management Symposium in March/April 2020, and lead the Emergency Management Profession to excellence. If selected as a conference speaker, you will gain visibility in the industry and contribute to the advancement of your profession. Complete the abstract application and return no later than 5:00 pm EDT, August 16, 2019. 

The theme of the 2020 conference is 20/20 Vision After the Disaster. In addition to our educational sessions you will have the opportunity to network with leaders within the profession.

The Evaluation Process

Members of the Program Planning Committee will evaluate all proposed programs based on the following criteria: overall quality, relevance and timeliness to the Emergency Management, Emergency Service Community, Public Health & Health Care, Business, and Colleges/Universities.

To be considered as a speaker, your program must be informative in nature — focusing on 20/20 Vision After the Disaster with Emergency Management. 

Your presentation material must be original; otherwise, reference your sources. In the case of multiple speakers, each speaker must agree to the submission.  Sessions may not include sales, commercialization, or product promotion of any kind. Incomplete program submissions will not be considered.

The final program selections will be made in mid-September. All notifications selected or not, will be completed by mid-October.

Program Guidelines

Your proposal should embrace the VEMS 20 theme 20/20 Vision After the Disaster.

VEMS 20 is looking for presentations of 45, 60 or 90 minutes in length, including a brief session for question and answer. Sessions are limited to no more than three presenters.

Speaker Expenses

Individuals invited to present at VEMS 20 will receive a complimentary one (1)-conference registration, one (1) night lodging, and travel cost for no more than three (3) presenters.

Steps for Submitting Your Program Idea

To be considered, your abstract must:

  1. Provide your complete contact information
  2. Provide information on your presentation including:
    1. The title
    2. A brief description
    3. Presentations must address process, solutions, and outcomes. The theme for this year is 20/20 Vision After the Disaster. We want attendees to leave with high-level, tangible process and solutions to their challenges – whether it’s local, regional or statewide.
  3. Indicate length of presentation.
  4. Breakdown your presentation by how much time you will need for the following:
    1. Introduction
    2. Presentation
    3. Findings/Outcomes
    4. Questions
  1. Identify the session (General or Breakout) of your presentation.
  2. Indicate the target audience.
  3. Provide a brief professional biography for each presenter (maximum of three).
  4. Confirm that you will submit your completed presentation no later than February 15, 2020, for inclusion in the mobile app and conference program.

Submit your application by email no later than Friday, August 16, 2019 to: Sarah Keeney, at [email protected].

Please address all questions and concerns to Sarah Keeney at [email protected].