Call for Presentations

Volunteering Victoria 2024 State Conference

Submission deadline: 8 December 2023

Volunteering Victoria is inviting submissions from qualified and passionate presenters for the concurrent breakout sessions at the 2024 State Conference.

The conference is a two-day hybrid event featuring local, national and international speakers, across plenary and concurrent breakout sessions.

Over 250 delegates are expected to attend the conference being held at Pullman Melbourne on the Park. A strong turnout from volunteer managers and coordinators across the state is expected, although attendance from those outside the sector will also be encouraged.

For the first time, we will also be offering both online and regional attendance options to increase accessibility for those outside metropolitan Melbourne.

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Ballroom 3 at Pullman Melbourne On The Park: A large function room set up with chairs around a number of round tables. A large screen is displayed on the back wall.

Conference Theme

The theme for the 2024 State Conference is ‘Shake it Up: Bold Change!‘

Submissions to present must address the conference theme.
We are seeking presentations on a range of topics applicable to the conference streams:

Explorers

For those newer to volunteering, from inside or outside the sector, wanting to explore the environment of volunteer leadership.

This stream contains content at a foundational level.

Builders

For intermediate leaders and thinkers, looking to build volunteer programs through innovation and systemic change.

This stream contains content at a more advanced level.

Shapers

For experienced leaders and thinkers, with a relational and cross-sectoral focus, wanting to shape the future of volunteering.

This stream contains content at a strategic level.

What should you consider before applying?

Limited Places Available

There are a limited number of opportunities to deliver short presentations during concurrent breakout sessions at the conference.

Duration of Presentation

The maximum duration of presentations is 25 minutes (including Q&A). Some presenters may be asked to shorten their presentation to 20 minutes (including Q&A) if presenting on Day 2.

Diversity & Inclusion

Volunteering Victoria encourages presenters of all backgrounds to apply and to be sensitive to matters of diversity and ability in their submissions and presentations.

Hints for best chance of selection

  • Submissions must address the conference theme ‘Shake it Up: Bold Change!’ and be suitable for one of the streams – Explorers, Builders, or Shapers.
  • Submissions should clearly describe actions or takeaways that delegates will gain from attending the presentation. Include 2 – 3 key takeaways in the submission.
  • Deadline adherence is critical. Submissions received by the deadline will be considered the final version for review. Any received past the deadline will remain on a wait list.
  • Please adhere to the word limit for the presentation abstract on the application form (ie, 200 words).
  • Innovative presentation formats that go beyond standard lecture style and actively engage the audience are encouraged.
  • Multiple proposals from individuals and organisations are welcome. However, due to scheduling limitations and fairness to others, they will be considered options for the Organising Committee to choose from.

Other Important Notes

  • Not all submissions received will be accepted into the program. Presentations will be selected based on their proposed topic, content and approach, and relevance to the conference theme.
  • Your presentation should be exclusive to Volunteering Victoria’s 2024 State Conference, and not one that has been presented at a previous Conference or similar event.
  • All submissions will be reviewed by the Conference Presentation Selection Panel with relevance, presentation style and adaptability taken into consideration as part of the selection process. The Selection Panel reserves the right to reject any presentation it does not feel meets the criteria.
  • In submitting a proposal, you consent to your presentation being distributed to conference attendees after the event, should your proposal be selected.
  • Acceptance of a proposal to present does not include unlimited attendance at the conference. If your proposal is accepted and you wish to attend the conference beyond the time of your presentation, you will be required to register and pay the associated registration fee.
  • The presentation may be live streamed.
  • Selected presentations will be scheduled during concurrent breakout sessions. Delegates will select their preferred session on the day of the conference.
  • If selected for the conference program, presenters will be asked to provide the following due by 16 February 2024:
    • An extended abstract (up to 300 words)
    • A photo and profile for use in the conference program.

Apply to present

All presentation proposals should be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 8 December 2023 (AEDT).

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All enquiries about submissions should be directed to:

Helen Kierce – Event Manager
[email protected]
(03) 9052 4524

Note: Work days are Monday – Wednesday inclusive.