An Organization IS its people
Surviving and, in Fact, Thriving in Challenging Times
7th ISPI Europe/EMEA Conference
November 5-7, 2009
Surviving and, in Fact, Thriving in Challenging Times
7th ISPI Europe/EMEA Conference
November 5-7, 2009
A Unique Conference -
Based on an interesting SIMULATION
You are invited
The International Society for Performance Improvement Europe (ISPI-Europe) invites you to submit a proposal for a unique conference organized around an exciting simulation and focused on the very timely theme - “An Organization IS its people: Surviving and, In Fact, Thriving in Challenging Times.”
The conference is scheduled from November 5-7, 2009 in Galway, Ireland. The original due date for submissions was June 1, 2009. However, in response to a number of requests from professionals interested in submitting proposals to present, we are extending the deadline for the 2009 Call For Proposals to July 1, 2009. We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity!Call for Proposals
Facing Challenging Times with Confidence
There is no doubt that we are facing challenging times that have had a dramatic effect on organizations of all sizes and types globally and will continue to do so for some time to come. Helping our client organizations (whether we are internal or external performance professionals or line managers) to not just survive, but to thrive, is an important objective. It means all investment in money and effort made by organizations, must count. No organization can afford solutions in search of a problem, programs that are only “nice to have” or approaches that are not linked to, or measured by, pay back in the form of customer satisfaction, loyalty, revenue or other valuable goals.
Most conferences provide value by assembling speakers who share their wisdom and insights against an interesting unifying theme. We at ISPI Europe/EMEA feel that we have a way to make our conference deliver significantly more value to both presenters and participants. Our conferences have always aimed to be smaller in size but much greater in level of participation and interactivity, than typical conferences. The 2009 conference will be our most innovative to date, beginning with this call for proposals. The 2009 Galway conference will be organized around a simulation that will run throughout the conference with all presentations selected based upon their ability to support participant success with the simulation, including the value of the content, design of the session and credibility of the presenters.
Therefore, we have attached the simulation description to this call for proposals to guide your ability to design and propose a session that will provide participants with ideas, models and approaches that they will be able to apply immediately to our simulation. Note that the simulation is not a fabricated case. It is based on a real client engagement. In this way, and through our design, which includes professionals acting as the client team, the simulation experience is able to come very, very close to what you would experience in the real world, but with the advantage of a safe and protected environment to experiment!
Join us in Galway, Ireland this November 5-7, 2009 to share your ideas, theories, observations, insights, case studies, testimonials, models and approaches to supporting performance improvement efforts that really work, are readily applicable and that truly address real world challenges and opportunities.
Invitation to come and join us
More information
The Application Process
Step One: Choose a Session Topic
We are looking especially for sessions that will present successful examples of and/or models, approaches and tools that can be applied by participants to our simulation client case. That is, we will give the greatest consideration to sessions that will give participants the opportunity to discuss, share tools and job aids and/or review case studies focused on performance areas such as the following:
Submitters will be asked to choose a category for their session topic from the following list of relevant performance areas:
Step Two: Prepare Your Session Proposal
C. Link Session Design to Human Performance Technology and the Simulation
D. Session Design Plan
Please note that there are a limited number of pre-conference slots available for extended workshops (3hrs or 6hrs length). If you feel that your topic and/or expertise warrant such an extensive exchange with the conference participants, please provide an extended workshop design plan for both a 3 hour and a 6 hour version. Based on all submissions, the team of reviewers will discuss with you the preferred option for this conference.
E. Job Aid / Performance Tool (not applicable to briefing sessions)
F. Facilitator Personal Information / Presenter Experience
Step Three: Send in your Proposal
Your proposal must be received no later than July 1, 2009.
If you have any questions regarding the submission of a proposal or the conference in general, please review the ISPI Europe’s blog at http://ispieu.blogspot.com/
Or contact ISPI Europe at:
Most conferences provide value by assembling speakers who share their wisdom and insights against an interesting unifying theme. We at ISPI Europe/EMEA feel that we have a way to make our conference deliver significantly more value to both presenters and participants. Our conferences have always aimed to be smaller in size but much greater in level of participation and interactivity, than typical conferences. The 2009 conference will be our most innovative to date, beginning with this call for proposals. The 2009 Galway conference will be organized around a simulation that will run throughout the conference with all presentations selected based upon their ability to support participant success with the simulation, including the value of the content, design of the session and credibility of the presenters.
Therefore, we have attached the simulation description to this call for proposals to guide your ability to design and propose a session that will provide participants with ideas, models and approaches that they will be able to apply immediately to our simulation. Note that the simulation is not a fabricated case. It is based on a real client engagement. In this way, and through our design, which includes professionals acting as the client team, the simulation experience is able to come very, very close to what you would experience in the real world, but with the advantage of a safe and protected environment to experiment!
Join us in Galway, Ireland this November 5-7, 2009 to share your ideas, theories, observations, insights, case studies, testimonials, models and approaches to supporting performance improvement efforts that really work, are readily applicable and that truly address real world challenges and opportunities.Invitation to come and join us
Those of you who joined us in Heidelberg, Germany, know that we successfully pilot tested our unique simulation-focused conference format. We started the conference with four (4) professionals playing the roles of key executives from the Executive Board of a real company that was seeking assistance in improving its results. The company and the situation presented were real with specifics and names changed to ensure the anonymity of the company and its executives.
The title of the simulation was, “How do you explain HPT to a client?” As we expected, the approaches, models, success stories and insights shared as part of last year’s many diverse presentations, as well as, during informal chat sessions, all served as resources for participant teams as they developed proposed project approaches to present to the Executive Board at the end of the conference. Encouraged by the very positive feedback from the Heidelberg conference, we plan to use our new simulation to both solicit presentation proposals and, then, in Galway as a way to support the active involvement of conference participants in discussing, sharing and applying performance development and improvement ideas, approaches and tools in a unique and practical way.
So, whether you are interested in sharing your experiences in a formal way by being a presenter or if you would rather come to learn, share, and contribute on a personal level, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. This forum will be a way to:
The title of the simulation was, “How do you explain HPT to a client?” As we expected, the approaches, models, success stories and insights shared as part of last year’s many diverse presentations, as well as, during informal chat sessions, all served as resources for participant teams as they developed proposed project approaches to present to the Executive Board at the end of the conference. Encouraged by the very positive feedback from the Heidelberg conference, we plan to use our new simulation to both solicit presentation proposals and, then, in Galway as a way to support the active involvement of conference participants in discussing, sharing and applying performance development and improvement ideas, approaches and tools in a unique and practical way.
So, whether you are interested in sharing your experiences in a formal way by being a presenter or if you would rather come to learn, share, and contribute on a personal level, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. This forum will be a way to:
- Reinforce the exchange within our European network about how to optimize performance and help our clients survive and thrive.
- Meet new business colleagues and professional partners in the fields of human performance improvement, human resources management and development, organizational development, training and learning, public policy, and business administration.
- Prepare for the challenges that lie ahead of all of us to create healthy, prosperous organizations and communities.
More information
For more information about the International Society for Performance Improvement, please refer to the description at the end of this document or check out the website http://www.ispi.org/. For more information about this upcoming ISPI Europe conference (such as conference venue and fees), please refer to the ISPI Europe website http://ispieu.blogspot.com/
The Application Process
If you are selected to present at the conference, you agree to the following:
- Register and pay the appropriate registration fee
- Prepare an article or “white paper.” White papers submitted will be considered as candidates for a special edition of ISPI’s PI Journal focused on Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) to be published in 2010.
- Deliver your session on any of the conference days scheduled
You also agree that your session materials will be made available on the ISPI website after the conference.
Step One: Choose a Session Topic
The focal point for the conference is to apply concepts, models and tools around the theme of “Organizations ARE Their People, surviving and, in fact, thriving, in challenging times” to our simulation client case. We, of course, must keep in mind the key principles of improving performance:
- Focusing on outcomes and results
- Taking a systemic approach
- Adding value, focusing on the business and an organization’s purpose
- Establishing partnerships and working collaboratively
We are looking especially for sessions that will present successful examples of and/or models, approaches and tools that can be applied by participants to our simulation client case. That is, we will give the greatest consideration to sessions that will give participants the opportunity to discuss, share tools and job aids and/or review case studies focused on performance areas such as the following:
- Gaining and maintaining/growing the confidence of client team decision makers
- Obtaining the commitment and support of interview subjects
- Supporting the formation of linkages and partnerships within and among parts of the client organization
- Working effectively within a project team
- Identifying improvement opportunities and communicating them such that they are clear, specific, understandable by the client and defensible
- Making recommendations that are logical, valuable to the client and actionable
- Ensuring the transfer of “ownership” of findings and recommendations to key members of the client organization
- Leaving behind more than a set of findings and recommendations
Submitters will be asked to choose a category for their session topic from the following list of relevant performance areas:
- Determine “What Is”
- Identify Opportunity
- “Test” Findings
- Suggest Actions
- Project and Client Management – Client Relationship Management, Teaming, Team Leadership, Partnering
Step Two: Prepare Your Session Proposal
Your proposal should describe what you intend to discuss, how it links to and prepares participants for success with the simulation case, considering the conference theme. Further, your proposal should clearly present how you intend to facilitate the session, and your experience with the topic. Proposals should include a draft sample of a job aid/performance tool that you will share with session attendees and that will be made available on the conference website.
Participants at ISPI Europe conferences are very bright and typically very anxious to get involved and play an active role in learning and sharing. They are also a richly diverse group in terms of national origin, education and skills background, as well as, the industry or subject matter that has been the focus of their experience. The multinational character of ISPI-Europe makes it critical that all presenters are prepared to interact with participants who are non-native English speakers. Therefore, please give special consideration to how you will accommodate participants who do not speak English as their native language. Examples of how this may be done include, by providing clear, complete handouts, visuals or other supporting material with meaningful graphics. All session proposals must include a description of how the presenter(s) intend to accommodate a diverse audience consisting of many participants who do not speak English as their native language.
Your proposal will be evaluated by a team of reviewers against the criteria below.
IMPORTANT: Structure your proposal using the headings provided below. This will make it easier for reviewers to find required information and, hence, will increase the likelihood that your proposal will receive maximum consideration.
A. TitleParticipants at ISPI Europe conferences are very bright and typically very anxious to get involved and play an active role in learning and sharing. They are also a richly diverse group in terms of national origin, education and skills background, as well as, the industry or subject matter that has been the focus of their experience. The multinational character of ISPI-Europe makes it critical that all presenters are prepared to interact with participants who are non-native English speakers. Therefore, please give special consideration to how you will accommodate participants who do not speak English as their native language. Examples of how this may be done include, by providing clear, complete handouts, visuals or other supporting material with meaningful graphics. All session proposals must include a description of how the presenter(s) intend to accommodate a diverse audience consisting of many participants who do not speak English as their native language.
Your proposal will be evaluated by a team of reviewers against the criteria below.
IMPORTANT: Structure your proposal using the headings provided below. This will make it easier for reviewers to find required information and, hence, will increase the likelihood that your proposal will receive maximum consideration.
The title for your session should be brief but descriptive and attract the participants’ interest. In addition to the title, please indicate the category that is the best fit for your session, i.e., WI - Determine “What Is”, IO - Identify Opportunity, TF - “Test” Findings, SA - Suggest Actions or PCM - Project and Client Management.
B. Session Description + Objectives / Benefits
Describe your session in 120 words or less. Use clear, conversational language. Include clear objectives and how/why participants will benefit from your session (including the ability of participants to immediately apply what they learn to our simulation client case).
In addition to your session description, indicate the level of experience participants should have with the subject matter of your session by selecting one of the following categories:
In addition to your session description, indicate the level of experience participants should have with the subject matter of your session by selecting one of the following categories:
Session Prerequisite Knowledge
Beginner Participant is able to understand and make use of the core concepts
of the subject matter.
Intermediate Participant is able to apply core concepts and practices of the subject
matter to a problem or situation.
Expert Participant is able to fluently create and evaluate solutions to problems
in the area of the subject matter.
Indicate session type as described below and the level of interactivity and engagement participants can expect from your session by selecting one of the following categories:
of the subject matter.
Intermediate Participant is able to apply core concepts and practices of the subject
matter to a problem or situation.
Expert Participant is able to fluently create and evaluate solutions to problems
in the area of the subject matter.
Indicate session type as described below and the level of interactivity and engagement participants can expect from your session by selecting one of the following categories:
Session Type
Briefing 60-minute intense briefing covering theoretical, research style aspects
of the subject matter. Activities are not required.
Workshop 90-minute laboratory-style workshop allowing the participants to apply
briefly introduced concepts to a given problem or situation in a team environment. Highly interactive with at least 30 minutes activity time.
Pre-Conference 3 hour or 6 hour extended workshop allowing the participants to apply Workshop comprehensively introduced concepts to given problems or solutions in a small team environment. Highly interactive with at least 60 minutes or 120 minutes of activity time respectively. Pre-conference workshops will take place on November 5, 2009.
The session description, the objectives/benefits, as well the information regarding the session prerequisite knowledge and session type will be published in the conference program to market your presentation.
Evaluation criteria are:
of the subject matter. Activities are not required.
Workshop 90-minute laboratory-style workshop allowing the participants to apply
briefly introduced concepts to a given problem or situation in a team environment. Highly interactive with at least 30 minutes activity time.
Pre-Conference 3 hour or 6 hour extended workshop allowing the participants to apply Workshop comprehensively introduced concepts to given problems or solutions in a small team environment. Highly interactive with at least 60 minutes or 120 minutes of activity time respectively. Pre-conference workshops will take place on November 5, 2009.
The session description, the objectives/benefits, as well the information regarding the session prerequisite knowledge and session type will be published in the conference program to market your presentation.
Evaluation criteria are:
- Describes the content clearly
- Relates to the conference theme and is directly applicable to the simulation client case
- Includes performance-based objectives
- Describes the value of the workshop to the attendee
- Indicates the prerequisite knowledge for the session
- Indicates the session type and level of interactivity
- Is limited to 120 words
C. Link Session Design to Human Performance Technology and the Simulation
Describe in a paragraph or two how your session relates to, supports, or enhances the field of Human Performance Technology in and how it helps HPT practitioners to successfully support the simulation client and their ability to achieve valuable goals. Evaluation criteria include:
- Describes how the workshop will support ISPI’s mission, goals and values and/or explains the link to performance improvement; more specifically, it shows how the session content will help participants to create value for the simulation client case. (Refer to http://www.ispi.org/ to learn more about ISPI.)
- Addresses a specific performance need or issue
- Uses case studies and examples of successful, EMEA region-focused performance improvement projects
- Supports participants working on the client simulation to:
- Gain and maintain/grow the confidence of client team decision makers
- Obtain the commitment and support of interview subjects
- Support the formation of linkages and partnerships within and among parts of the client organization
- Work effectively within a project team
- Identify improvement opportunities and communicate them such that they are clear, specific, understandable by the client and defensible
- Make recommendations that are logical, valuable to the client and actionable
- Ensure the transfer of “ownership” of findings and recommendations to key members of the client organization
- Leave behind more than a set of findings and recommendations
D. Session Design Plan
Provide a high-level design plan of your session. This section is important; it will receive the most attention by the team of reviewers. Evaluation criteria are:
- Session design appropriately reflects the session type (briefing, workshop, or pre-conference workshop)
- Demonstrates sound instructional design principles
- Matches the objectives/benefits and session description
- Matches the expected level of prerequisite knowledge of session attendees
- Includes a topic outline + time frames for each topic
- Includes instruction/presentation method for each topic (e.g., lecture, discussion, activity)
- Is achievable in the time requested
- Requires participants to engage with the content at the level stated in the objectives
- Provides enough detail for the reviewer to visualize the session delivery
- Describes how participants who are non-native English speakers will be accommodated
Please note that there are a limited number of pre-conference slots available for extended workshops (3hrs or 6hrs length). If you feel that your topic and/or expertise warrant such an extensive exchange with the conference participants, please provide an extended workshop design plan for both a 3 hour and a 6 hour version. Based on all submissions, the team of reviewers will discuss with you the preferred option for this conference.
E. Job Aid / Performance Tool (not applicable to briefing sessions)
Job-relevant information, references and/or tools are very important to ISPI audiences. Provide a draft sample of the performance tool which you will introduce during your presentation or refine with the attendees during your workshop (i.e., job aid, process model, idea synopsis, and reference guide). Evaluation criteria are:
- Is a well-designed performance tool
- Provides a reference for future use
F. Facilitator Personal Information / Presenter Experience
Please provide your personal data (Name, Position Title, Organization, Address, Telephone, and Email).
Describe your expertise regarding your session topic in 75 words or less per facilitator. Please do not attach resumes or list-style biographies!
Evaluation criteria are:
Describe your expertise regarding your session topic in 75 words or less per facilitator. Please do not attach resumes or list-style biographies!
Evaluation criteria are:
- Demonstrates sound expertise in session content by citing own relevant experience, research, or writing
- Demonstrates experience presenting to ISPI or a similar audience
- Is limited to 75 words
Save your proposal as a MS Word document. Additional material such as job aids etc. can be in other document formats, such as PPT or PDF. Send your combined proposal materials to arnoud@webperformance.info with “Session proposal for ISPI Europe Conference 2009” in the subject line.
Your proposal must be received no later than July 1, 2009.
The ISPI Europe conference program committee will confirm the receipt of your proposal via email. You will be notified via email by the end of July, whether your proposal is accepted, conditionally accepted, or rejected.
If your proposal is accepted, ISPI Europe will:
If your proposal is accepted, ISPI Europe will:
- Ask you to register for the conference and to reserve your hotel
- Request your audio-visual requirements
- Collect your session materials for publication on the conference website or via CD
- Ask you to commit to previewing your session, either following the opening ceremony for the conference or after the first keynote address.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the submission of a proposal or the conference in general, please review the ISPI Europe’s blog at http://ispieu.blogspot.com/
Or contact ISPI Europe at:
- Email: arnoud@webperformance.info
- Phone:
+31355431928
No comments:
Post a Comment