Call for presentations

The period for submitting presentation and workshop proposals is now closed. We received a large number of quality proposals that exceeded our expectations. We wish to thank everyone who submitted a proposal.

On the occasion of Québec City's 400th anniversary, the Canadian Evaluation Society is issuing a Call for Presentations for our Conference entitled Sharing Heritages. Presentations may be in the form of papers, posters, panels, or symposiums. This Call for Presentations also includes proposals for pre-conference workshops to take place on May 11. The presentation and workshop proposals undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure a top quality conference program.

Conference themes

Presentation proposals may address: 1) recent evaluation experiences, or 2) one of the Conference themes.

Recent evaluation experiences. Presentations on recent evaluation experiences are unique opportunities for evaluators to discuss methodological and practical considerations that call upon their knowledge and skills.

Thematic presentations. The Conference, under the theme Sharing Heritages, is an opportunity for evaluators to help structure "the world's evaluation heritage," not by forced consensus, but by presenting diversified viewpoints on various themes.

First Theme: Taking Stock of Your Evaluation Practices
In your particular context, what is the state of human resources, funding, and training in the field of evaluation? What place does evaluation hold in your organization? How independent or interdependent is it with regard to other management functions? Do the evaluators in your region have the necessary regulatory framework to ensure sound practice? Which authorities should standardize and support evaluation practices – professional bodies, or political, administrative, or academic institutions?

Second Theme: Reviewing Trends in Evaluative Thinking, the Factors That Influence It and Modes of Action
Has evaluation theory progressed? Does it really exist? Can we talk in terms of theoretical imperialism on the part of one region of the world with respect to the others? Will epistemological conflicts between constructionists and positivists take up too much energy? Are there innovative practices in your communities? Are they a passing fad or solid foundation for real progress? Is evaluative methodology specific to each case? Should it develop alone or in sync with the expectations expressed for it?

Third Theme: Characterizing, Comparing, and Defining Evaluation Support Structures
Does evaluation serve managers, elected officials, citizens, or stakeholders? Who should it serve? What are the structural factors that help or hinder the development of evaluation (e.g., culture of secrecy, power relationships)? Should evaluation have a local structure or are there universal principles underpinning the development of the practice?

Fourth Theme: Determining the Need for a World Evaluation Heritage Agenda
What have we learned so far? What are the major theoretical and practical advances in evaluation around the world? What are the main shortfalls in the world's evaluation heritage? How can we move forward and in what direction? Do we need an agenda to ensure sustained progress in our evaluation heritage? If so, should it be a global shared agenda or one developed locally for each country, region, or sector of intervention?>/p>

Presentation formats

1. Papers
Formal oral presentation lasting a maximum of 20 minutes and followed by a 10 minute question period. Papers will be grouped according to theme and topic.

2. Posters
Posters are to be used for visual presentations of evaluation methodologies, experiences, and findings. Posters will be grouped according to theme and topic and scheduled for a specific time period.

3. Symposiums
Formal presentation with comments. A symposium includes a number of formal presentations by various presenters (3 or more) on a common issue or topic, followed by comments by a discussant. The organizer acts as moderator and submits the proposal. The time limit is 1 hour and 30 minutes maximum.

4. Panels
Formal presentation and discussion session. Panel sessions are less formal than a symposium and are intended to stimulate discussion and debate among the various panel members and the audience. Panelists (3 or more) make presentations on a common issue or topic, followed by a discussion among the panelists and audience. The organizer acts as moderator and submits the proposal. The time limit is 1 hour and 30 minutes maximum.

Guidelines for Submitting Presentation Proposals

Presentation proposals must include the following:

1. Title of the presentation.
2. Names and affiliations of all presenters (or discussants for symposiums and panels). Underline the name of the presenting author (or of the organizer in the case of a symposium or panel).
3. Presenter's or organizer's complete mailing address, phone and fax numbers, and email address.
4. Abstract (up to 150 words for an oral presentation, poster, or panel and up to 300 words for a symposium).
5. Type of presentation. Please indicate whether you would be willing to accept an alternate presentation format.
6. Conference theme addressed by your presentation.
7. Language of presentation.

Please note that a data projector and screen will be provided. All other equipment must be ordered in advance and paid for by presenters. Presentation and poster guidelines will be provided with notification of acceptance.

Workshops

The workshops are intended to provide Conference attendees with professional training and development opportunities. They will take place on May 11 prior to the other Conference activities. They are half-day (3 hour) or full-day (6 hour) workshops. They include activities to engage attendees in learning and discussion with a focus on skills development. For workshop proposals, please refer to the guidelines.

All presenters are required to register for the Conference.

Please submit your proposal by email, fax, or regular mail to:

Sue Ryan
CES Conference Secretariat
1485 Laperrière Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Z 7S8
Tel: 613.725.2526 • Fax: 613.729.6206
Email: susan.ryan@thewillowgroup.com

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS IS JANUARY 25, 2008.

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