Call for Proposals

Deadline: 30 June 2023

Ontario Ancestors (The Ontario Genealogical Society) is planning its first in-person Conference in 5 years and the Toronto Branch of the Society is excited to be hosting it! The Conference is scheduled for 14-16 June 2024, with the theme “An Interactive Experience: Explore, Engage & Enjoy!”.

We invite you to be part of a Conference with a focus on participation—our goal is to both feature topnotch speakers and encourage active engagement with our attendees. Although there will be a hybrid component, we are only looking for in-person presenters.

In keeping with our theme, we are especially seeking proposals that will provide opportunities for attendee interaction. We are considering a number of different formats, including:

•   2-hour hands-on workshops

•   60-minute presentations

•   90-minute sessions with extended interactive components

•   panel discussions

•   shorter “what’s new” presentations

•   multi-part sessions

And we’re open to other suggestions! Please include with your proposal the format and session length you have in mind, as well as an indication of whether you would be willing to explore changes to fit the overall design of the conference.

We invite submissions on topics of interest to family historians, such as:

  1. innovative theoretical or methodological approaches to genealogical or historical research, including case studies;
  2. cutting-edge technology, whether in genetic genealogy, information management, mobile computing, or other emerging fields such as AI for genealogy;
  3. the latest developments in archives, libraries, museums, and societies in the heritage sector;
  4. recently discovered or released genealogical records;
  5. newly developed genealogical databases, transcriptions, or indexes.

Speakers will receive an honorarium, plus appropriate expenses, and complimentary Conference registration. In early 2024, speakers will submit content for our multi-media digital “Bonus Materials” package – including, but not restricted to, traditional syllabus text files.

Sponsors

Sponsors are encouraged to submit proposals for sponsored talks (especially for lunch-time presentations). The sponsoring organization will cover the speaker’s lecture(s) honorarium. Sponsored speakers will receive complimentary Conference registration and electronic syllabus materials and will abide by all speaker deadlines.

Submissions

Please submit your proposals via the submission form below. Include your full name, mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address, website address (if applicable) and biographical information, including recent speaking credits.

For each proposal, please provide a unique title and a summary of no more than 250 words, identify the intended audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and A/V requirements, and include information about your preferred session format and length and interactive elements. Multiple proposals are encouraged and can be attached to the same submission form.

We look forward to receiving your submissions for Conference 2024—don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an interactive and engaging in-person family history experience!

Deadline for Proposals: 30 June 2023.

 

Additional Information

Invitations to speak will be issued by 15 August 2023. Syllabus format guidelines will be sent to speakers at that time. The deadline for acceptance and submission of signed speaker contracts is 31 August 2023. Letters of regret will not be sent out until all invited speakers have responded.  If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

About Ontario Ancestors

Ontario Ancestors (The Ontario Genealogical Society) was founded in 1961 and is the largest genealogical society in Canada. Its mission is to encourage, bring together, and assist those interested in the pursuit of family history to preserve our Ontario genealogical heritage. 

For more information about Ontario Ancestors and Toronto Branch respectively, please visit: www.ogs.on.ca and www.torontofamilyhistory.org

Speakers Call for Proposals has closed.