The document outlines ten essential guidelines for submitting a successful proposal for the 2015 National Wellness Conference. Key recommendations include understanding the proposal guidelines, detailing qualifications, including a comprehensive outline, utilizing current research, and ensuring completeness before submission. Adhering to these tips can enhance the chances of proposal acceptance, with a submission deadline of October 1, 2014.

1. From Proposal
to Presentation
10 ways to ensure your proposal
makes it to the top of the pile

2. 40th Annual
National Wellness
Conference
June 15-18, 2015
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (West Bank Campus)
Minneapolis, Minnesota

3. While there is no guarantee of
acceptance, following these
guidelines will assist you in submitting
your best possible proposal to the
2015 National Wellness Conference
Review Committee.

4. #1: Read The Proposal
Guidelines First
 Make a checklist of required materials.
 Understand the selection criteria and
benefits.
 Anticipate changes in the proposal
guidelines from year to year.
 NWC 2015 Call for Proposals Guidelines

5. #2: Assume No One
Knows You
 Even if you are an expert on the topic or have
presented before, the reviewers may not know who
you are or be familiar with all your experiences.*
 Be detailed in listing your qualifications.
 “Sell” yourself and your presentation like it’s the first
time you have ever introduced yourself or the topic to
someone.
*Note: This is a blind review process. NWI makes every effort to remove names
from proposal materials prior to review.

6. #3: Keep It Simple...
Yet Detailed
 Include enough information in your description
so the reviewers understand exactly what you’ll
be covering during the session.
 Use terms new wellness professionals will
understand; define any highly technical terms.
 If you’ve “coined” a phrase, don’t assume the
reviewers (or potential attendees) will know
what you mean without explaining it.

7. #4: Know Yourself . . .
And Your Audience
 Keep your résumé/C.V. easily accessible throughout the
year and update it when you complete a new task, obtain a
certification, give a presentation, or have a success.
 Include dates of work/education on all materials so your
dedication and experience are evident.
 Learn as much as you can about the conference (and
attend!), the attendees/target audience, and the hosting
organization before writing your proposal.

8. #5: Include a Detailed
Outline
 Demonstrate the thought you have put
into the presentation by being VERY
specific.
 Include details of every step. (e.g., instead
of simply “Intro” say “Introduce a.____
b.____ c.____”)
 Note specific references, studies,
examples, etc. that legitimize the
presentation.

9. #6: Keep It Current
 Don’t repeat a session you’ve previously
presented; if the topic is similar, give it a
fresh, new title, update the references, and
give it a new “spin.”
 Describe how the topic is applicable today.
 Help the reviewers understand why this
needs to be presented now.

10. #7: Back Up Your Claims
 Include up-to-date, current references and
research and best- or promising-practices
examples.
 Include a variety of references from a
variety of sources.
 Reference peer-reviewed journals.

11. #8: Proof, Proof,
and Proof Again
 Type up your proposal and spellcheck (and
verify character limits) before copying and
pasting it into the submission form.
 Have an editor or colleague proof your proposal
materials. Would you submit a book manuscript
without having someone read through it?
 Did you miss any important details? Check one
more time.

12. #9: Check for
Completeness
 Incomplete proposals will be not be considered.
Have you checked everything off your submission
requirements list?
 Even if you have presented previously, have you
submitted your proposal as if you and the topic
are brand-new to the conference?
 If you see lots of white space, ask yourself if you
missed something or could have included more
details.

13. #10: Be Aware of Deadlines
 Start compiling your materials early so you
have time to review and ask questions, if
needed.
 Proposals for NWC 2015 must be submitted
online by Oct. 1, 2014.
 NWI will begin notifying Breakout Session
applicants via e-mail of proposal acceptance
status Dec. 15, 2014.

14. Good Luck!
NationalWellness.org/Conference