Session Structure
A standard 90-minute Educational Session at an AWWA conference is typically comprised of three 22–25-minute individual presentations on a like topic, with time for moderated Q&A. We are also open to evaluating other session formats.
Special Topic Sessions
Special Topic Sessions (STS) are in depth sessions (1 - 3 hours), in alignment with our Educational Program focus, submitted by a single facilitator and representing a single topic. These are often panels or Q&A driven.
STS facilitators are required to obtain and submit presentation agenda/length, presentation titles, and presenter names during the submission process. If a Special Topic Session is accepted, each presenter will receive an acceptance notification; Facilitators should make sure all presenters are aware of your submission in advance.
Preconference Workshops
Preconference Workshops (PCW) are an interactive meeting, hosted by a facilitator, in which a small group goes through a series of educational activities or modules. These occur prior to an event’s opening general session and typically have additional registration fees.
PCW facilitators are required to outline presentation agenda/lengths, presentation titles, and presenter names during the submission process. PCWs can be half-day or full-day. As the facilitator, please select which option works best for the workshop but note this may be amended in the submission process.
If your PCW is accepted, each presenter will receive an accepted notification; Facilitators should make sure all presenters are aware of your submission in advance.
PCW facilitators are required to provide materials for the electronic attendee notebook. These materials are due 3-4 weeks prior to the conference date. These can consist of all the presenter biographies, presentations, articles, worksheets, etc. Note: PCW attendee notebook materials are not included in the conference proceedings.
The conference planning committee evaluates abstracts based on specific rating criteria. These criteria include:
- Quality of the abstract: The quality of work, project design, and its relevance to the conference theme will be considered.
- Originality of the work: New information or concepts, or substantial improvements to existing theories.
- Usefulness of the work: Abstracts that report actual benefits and widespread applications are highly valued. The committee considers if the work is useful to the water industry and if it concludes anything new that would otherwise be ignored.
- Presentation: The presentation's relevance, speaker's dynamic skills, and local connection to the conference site will be taken into account. Obvious sales pitches will not be ranked well.
Abstract aspects will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with the best receiving a rating of 5, and averaged. The rating will determine the acceptance and presentation format of the abstract.