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April 8, 2025

Your Guide to Crafting a Winning AU Proposal

 

Call for Proposals for AU 2025 is now open, and it's time to transform your expertise into an impactful presentation for the Design and Make community. With the submission deadline approaching, we're here to help you create a proposal that stands out and captures the attention of the AU selection committee. 

 

Familiarize Yourself with the CFP Guide  

Before you begin crafting your proposal, take the time to review the Call for Proposals (CFP) Guide carefully. Pay special attention to: 

  • Different class formats available 
  • Specific requirements for each presentation type 
  • Duration of your presentation 
  • Current trends in technology and industry topics 
     

Select Your Topic 

Choosing the right topic is crucial. Here are key strategies to help you find it: 
 

Follow Your Passion. Select a subject that genuinely excites you. Technical presentations can be both informative and engaging when delivered with authentic enthusiasm. 

Know Your Audience. Consider who will be attending your session. What challenges are they facing? What solutions can you offer? Design your proposal to directly address the needs and interests of your target attendees. 
 

Mine Your Professional Experience. Look for topics that emerge from: 

  • Recurring client questions 
  • Innovative solutions you've developed 
  • Workflow challenges you've successfully navigated 
  • Emerging trends in your industry 
     

Be Specific and Focused. Technical presentations thrive on specificity. Narrow your topic to ensure you can provide depth and detail within the designated timeframe. A focused approach allows for more meaningful exploration of your subject. 
 

Bring Something Unique. Challenge yourself to propose a novel topic that: 

  • Offers a fresh perspective 
  • Addresses current industry challenges 
  • Provides forward-looking insights 
  • Stands out from previous years' presentations
     

Designing a Compelling Proposal 

First Impressions Start with Your Title 

Your title is the first thing reviewers and potential attendees will see, so embrace the opportunity. Make it: 

  • Short, clear, and descriptive 
  • Keyword-rich for easy searchability 
  • Clever, attention-grabbing (A dash of fun or humor goes a long way too!) 
  • Instantly communicative of your presentation's core value 
     

Tell Your Story with Your Description 

The session description is your opportunity to sell your presentation. Effective descriptions: 

  • Clearly articulate the session's content 
  • Highlight practical takeaways 
  • Explain the tangible value attendees will gain 
  • Demonstrate the real-world applicability of your topic 
     

Your Learning Objectives are the Roadmap 

Strong learning objectives set expectations, guide your audience, and ensure a focused delivery. Make sure the objectives: 

  • Provide a clear structure for your presentation 
  • Set clear expectations for attendees 
  • Demonstrate the concrete skills or knowledge participants will acquire 
  • Show the potential impact of your session 
     

Resources 

Use the Call for Proposals resources to get started. In addition to the CFP Guide, there is also a Proposal worksheet for brainstorming your ideas and Sample proposals from previous years to inspire you. 

 

 

 

More Tips for a Standout Proposal: 

Quality Over Quantity. Focus on submitting one or two meticulously crafted proposals rather than flooding the system with hastily prepared submissions. The maximum number of submissions per submitter this year has been reduced to three, so use this to your advantage and focus on your best ideas. 
 

Leverage Collaborative Insights. Diverse perspectives will help you uncover new ideas, refine strategies, and drive meaningful outcomes. Here are a few suggestions: 

  • Consult with colleagues 
  • Incorporate feedback from clients 
  • Gather insights from industry partners 
     

Proofread and Polish. Ensure clarity and credibility by reviewing grammar, logic, and technical accuracy with multiple rounds of feedback. 
Highlight Practical Value. Showcase real-world impact by demonstrating ROI, solving key challenges, and providing compelling evidence. 
 

Reminder, the submission deadline is April 17, 2025. You can edit your proposal up until the closing date, so take your time, refine your ideas, and submit a proposal that truly showcases your expertise. We can't wait to see the innovative ideas you'll bring to AU 2025! 

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