Call for Sessions

#HISPZ12 Proposal Submission Information

Please click here to download the form you will need to submit your session/speaker proposal.

FAQs

What is the entry period for proposal and panel ideas for Hispanicize 2012?
 Wednesday, September 21 through Friday, January  13th, 2012 (11:59 PM CST)

When will I learn if my proposal is accepted for the 2012 event? Monday, January 16, 2012.

Will panel ideas be accepted after the deadline? 
For 2012 we will be adhering strictly to the January 13th deadline for entries. For more deadline information, email us,  speaking@hispanicizeevent.com.

How many proposals can I submit? 
Each user can enter one (1) proposal for each track of the conference.

How can I determine which track my idea would be best for?  
Several factors could play into which event you choose for your idea…

AUDIENCE · There is a great deal of overlap and separation between the conference tracks: Interactive, Marketing, Innovators and Entertainment.  Interactive attracts attendees from every corner with an active interest in New Media, creativity and entrepreneurism. Marketing is devoted to advertising and public relations-related topics and case studies.  Entertainment is film and music focused.  The Innovators track of the conference is strictly chosen by the national advisory board.

What if I have an idea that might work for more than one of the tracks?
  Yes, you can enter the same idea for more than one tracks. However, each proposal is distinct to the event you choose when you start your application, so you will need to manually reenter your idea for each Hispanicize 2012 event you would like it to be considered for.

Why does Hispanicize ask for programming ideas seven months before the event? How can Hispanicize 2012 cover the latest trends and ideas?
  The sooner we can put together an exciting array of sessions for the 2012 event, the easier it is for our community to plan for their time at Hispanicize. Don’t worry, we always leave slots open until February to allow room for late-breaking developments.

I have entered an idea for Hispanicize before and have received feedback. Can I expect that again for 2012?
  Due to the expected increase in volume of entries, we can no longer send a personalized receipt email to all entries. However, there are many common issues that we see with proposals that we can provide answers for in this format. The questions and answers below cover many of the common issues we.

What makes for a good proposal?
  The more specific a proposal is, the better. Specificity demands a lot more thought and planning — and pre-event thought and planning are the two biggest keys to a successful session. For example, a topic like “Using Facebook Groups to Increase Hispanic Voter Registrations” would work better than the more general “Helping Latinos Register to Vote Online.”

What makes for a good title?
  Cute titles are fun. But, remember that your title is going to be fighting for attention with tons of other titles. The more direct and explanatory your title, the better.

The form asks me to choose a FORMAT for my proposal. What are the differences in the various formats offered at Hispanicize?

The form asks for a LEVEL of difficulty for my proposal. What are the distinctions between Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced?

What is the expertise level of most Hispanicize attendees?
Most Hispanicize attendees have an intermediate or advanced level of expertise in their field.

How important is correct spelling and grammar and punctuation important in my proposal?
  Extremely. Please take time to proof your entry.

Things to remember / Things to avoid:

1. Proofread your description out loud, to another person, preferably someone who is not familiar with your idea. They will be able to tell if you are communicating what you intend.
2. Take the road less traveled.  Hispanicize 2012 is looking for proposals that are unique and compelling.
3. Avoid language that is too general.  Specific descriptions will help your proposal stand out.

Will I be able to make changes (big or small) to my proposal after the voting interface goes live?  
You will NOT be able to make any changes or edits to your proposal.

Who will see and select the proposals?  The advisory board will review all the proposals.  Your proposal will not appear in any other forum.

I have a product or service I think Hispanicize audiences need to hear about? Can I propose a panel to promote my idea?  
Blatantly advertorial content does NOT tend to do well. Hispanicize audiences, as well as our staff and Advisory Board, prefer compelling and balanced content that highlights many solutions to a particular issue.  We have no interest in sales pitches disguised as information.  If your intention is to introduce your innovative product or service to the smart and engaged audience, contact our sales representatives for information on the many opportunities we have to offer for companies looking to make an impact on Hispanicize 2012 audiences.  Sponsorship information is available at sponsorship@hispanicizeevent.com.

Do I need to have other speakers confirmed when I submit my panel idea?
 Yes.

What if I want to propose a speaker for my panel that I don’t currently have contact with?  
While we strongly recommend that you confirm your speakers before you make your entry, there is also a place to enter the names of prospective speakers you have not yet contacted.

How many speakers should I add to my panel idea?
  Panels at Hispanicize typically include 3 to 4 speakers and 1 moderator. You will only be able to enter information for a total of five speakers. Audiences always prefer smaller panels, so consider limiting your session to 2 or 3 speakers. Solo and Dual presentations are recommended for the Interactive sessions.

If I have spoken at Hispanicize before, is my panel proposal more likely to be accepted?  
Good question. We like to have a balance of experienced speakers (people who are experienced in terms of talking about their craft to a live audience) as well as new blood (folks who have not made the so-called conference circuit). If you have spoken at Hispanicize before and have received favorable reviews from attendees, then you definitely have an advantage over someone who has spoken at the event before and did not receive positive feedback from registrants.

If My Idea is Selected…

If my idea is selected, do I get free admission to Hispanicize 2012?
 All speakers receive a free All-Access pass.

If my panel idea is selected, do my other speakers get a free admission to Hispanicize 2012?
  Yes.

If my idea is selected, does Hispanicize pay for my travel or lodging?
  Unfortunately, Hispanicize is not able to provide travel, lodging or other financial compensation for speakers at any of the three events. What we can provide, however, is great exposure.

If my idea is selected, how can I best prepare for my session?  
Preparation is key. Hispanicize attendees are savvy and will only enjoy programming that is smart and well researched.  Don’t wing it!  Bring your A-game!

If my idea is selected, how much will Hispanicize 2012 staff work with me to refine my idea?
  Getting your idea accepted is the first step of a long process. Hispanicize staff will work with you significantly to refine / hone / polish your idea such that your presentation (or panel) is a great success for Miami in April.

Still Have Questions?

Questions about Hispanicize 2012 can be directed to katherine@hispanicizeevent.com.   For questions about speaking at the conference email speaking@hispanicizeevent.com