The PRSM Education Committee invites you to submit educational topics for concurrent sessions that offer a rich diversity of learning experiences for PRSM2011! National Conference attendees. This is an unparalleled opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with a respected audience of industry professionals.

Our industry is influenced by a variety of factors: corporate strategies, social dynamics, established and emerging sustainable practices, financial responsibility, desire for efficiency, vendor relationships and legislative/regulatory compliance. As leaders in retail facilities maintenance, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of the retail industry. In preparing for the future, what metrics and best practices should be considered?

The goal with this year's theme, Instrumental to Your Success is to provide key educational opportunities to support the retail facility management professional in working faster, smarter and more efficiently.

THE BENEFITS OF PRESENTING:

You have an opportunity to set yourself apart and... 

• Enhance your credibility and stature among industry professionals.
• Present cutting edge best practices and education.
• Refresh and increase your personal knowledge as you prepare your thoughts, handouts and visuals for presentation.
• Challenge yourself and your colleagues through interactive workshops.

AUDIENCE:

The PRSM2011! National Conference attracts professionals within the retail facilities maintenance industry, including retailer and vendor suppliers and other industry associates from the United States and Canada.

THE PROCESS:

Successful proposals offer programs that provide professional, educational contributions to PRSM Association members and their colleagues. Content must contribute to the continuing educational needs of retail facilities maintenance professionals, be relevant to the changing profession and contribute to the body of facilities maintenance knowledge.

Presentations are evaluated by members of the PRSM Education Committee. Each committee member is a recognized industry leader with many years' experience. Consideration factors include:

• Degree to which proposal provides educational content.
• Extent to which the proposal relates to personal or company experience with concepts in facilities maintenance.
• Well-defined proposal focus.
• Quality and potential to contribute to a balanced conference program.
• Only 200 (intermediate) and 300 (advanced) level presentations will be selected.
• Proposals with incomplete presentation objectives and presentation overview will not be considered.

SUBMISSION TIMELINE:

Monday, July 12, 2010 - Call for Presentations opens
Thursday, August 19, 2010 - Deadline to submit proposals - The Call for Presentations is now closed.
Friday, October 1, 2010 - Applicants notified of selection results
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - Handouts and PowerPoint Presentations due

NON-COMMERCIAL NATURE OF WORKSHOPS:

To maintain the educational integrity of the program, presenters are advised not to use their workshop as a platform for promotion of their products and services, or for monetary gain. PRSM provides a unique forum for professionals to have an open dialogue and creative exchange of ideas free from commercial content.

THE TOPICS:

Suggested topics include but are not limited to those which fall within these categories:

• Current Issues
• Operational and technical best practices
• Management
• Professional development
• Executive
• Sustainability/Green Initiatives

Using data from recent attendee surveys, specific topics of interest include:

• Procurement / Sourcing
• Facilities Maintenance Credibility
• Outsourcing
• Regulatory Compliance
• International Expansion
• Disaster preparedness and recovery
• Asset Management
• Compliance
• Computer management systems
• Landlord / tenant responsibilities
• Cost effective waste management systems
• Technology and facilities cost savings tips and techniques
• HVAC technology
• In house maintenance pros and cons
• Roofing and energy savings
• Construction and remodel project management

WORKSHOP FORMAT:

All workshops are:

• 75 minutes in length.
• All rooms are set with an LCD projector, computer, screen and microphone. Requests for flip charts, sound patches to play audio from computer and any additional items are required no later than Tuesday, March 1.
• Standard presentation media can be supported. Presenters are expected to provide their own laptop for digital presentations.
• To accommodate as many people as possible, rooms are set at maximum capacity.
• PRSM does not provide internet connections for workshops.
• Panel presentations are limited to one (1) moderator and three (3) panelists. All presenters must be approved in advance by PRSM staff no later than Friday, October 1, 2010.

PRESENTATION FORMATS

Presentations should be interactive, keeping at least one-third of the presentation time open for audience discussion.

Consider the following formats and methods when designing your presentation:

• Case studies: Detailed examination of projects, allowing specialized analysis and commentary, including questions to generate discussion;
• Graphic presentations: Videotape, film, computer display, and physical samples that generate discussion;
• Panel presentations: A series of short talks, followed by a moderated question-and-answer segment.
• Lecture: A detailed speech delivered before an audience. Traditionally a sole presenter with PowerPoint presentation.
• Demo: An interactive session to gain a better understanding and offer opportunities for hands-on interactions to better explore the subject presented.

Speakers should be experts in the field who can effectively communicate messages to a variety of audience members and may be asked to consolidate their presentation into a panel of presenters with related interests. Presenters may submit more than one presentation proposal. All content must be free of copyright notations, services marks, trademarks, and/or watermarks (phrases, words, logos, symbols, or other devices that are used to identify the source of a product or service and that distinguish a company or organization's product or services).

HONORARIUM AND REIMBURSEMENT POLICY:

No honorarium or funding is available for speaker travel or lodging.

TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL:

Submit the following information no later than 5:00 pm, Thursday, August 19, 2010:

1. Proposed workshop title.
2. A brief outline or description of what will be covered.
3. Four to five primary "learning outcomes" (what the participant will learn as a result of attending).
4. A brief bio of your industry experience and credentials, and experience as a presenter.
5. A list of special needs-AV equipment or other props/aids required, as well as any special restrictions.
6. Contact information.
7. Submit proposal electronically. Note deadlines. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt of your proposal within 48 hours.

NOTIFICATION:

All applicants receive notice the week of October 1, 2010, of the selection results. The presenter, whose proposal is accepted, will be sent detailed information (including required forms and the presentation schedule) upon confirmation. Each presenter must fully complete and return their individual form within two weeks of receiving notification their presentation has been accepted.

HANDOUTS AND POWERPOINT - Due Tuesday, March 1, 2011:

PRSM2011! National Conference is "paperless" meaning no printed handouts are offered at workshops (as in previous years). Handouts for the sessions will be available online in advance of PRSM2011! National Conference. The deadline for the submission of handouts for posting on the PRSM2011! National Conference website is Tuesday, March 1, 2011. In addition, presenter(s) will be expected to submit a copy of their PowerPoint presentation for review prior to the conference no later than March 1, 2011.

QUESTIONS:

For questions or additional information on the submission and selection process, please contact Kip Eads, CAE, Director, Learning Experiences & Certification via e-mail at KEads@prsm.com or by phone at 972-231-9810.

Back to top