Submitting a Proposal: NBIA Preconference Institute

Deadline: Friday, Sept. 19, 2008

Each year, NBIA holds a Preconference Institute in conjunction with its International Conference on Business Incubation in order to provide in-depth information and skill development for incubation and economic development professionals. This event involves full- or half-day workshops on incubation-related topics that are relevant to our diverse audience. The people who present these workshops must be dynamic speakers who have expertise in their topic area and are willing to prepare a full day’s worth of material. NBIA strives to offer a balanced program, so workshops are selected based on the following criteria.

Audience Need

Workshop attendees represent a broad spectrum of the business incubation industry, including incubator developers, economic development professionals, educators, incubator managers and incubator board members. These individuals reflect a variety of incubator types and have diverse demographic backgrounds. Attendees also have varying levels of experience, so some workshops must address beginners while others should be developed for professionals with more advanced knowledge. Regardless of background, all attendees are looking for practical tools and techniques they can apply to their programs immediately.

Quality of Presenter and Presentation Content

NBIA seeks experienced and dynamic speakers who are able to communicate effectively through lively, organized and well-prepared presentations that include helpful handout materials. Experience in the incubation industry is preferred, but not mandatory. However, firsthand knowledge of the topics presented is a must.

Representation of Model Programs

While some workshops focus on skill development, many are presented by industry professionals who have successful programs that can be used as models of innovation and best practices. These examples provide great learning opportunities for attendees, so NBIA looks for workshops that will include presentations of exemplary case studies. We strongly encourage presenters to ensure the information they share is broadly applicable and not unique to their specific programs.

Cost Effectiveness of Workshop

In considering a workshop proposal, NBIA evaluates the projected number of attendees it might attract in relationship to the costs associated with content development, speaker travel and other related expenses.
All preconference workshop proposals are due by Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. If you have any questions about the proposal process, e-mail education@nbia.org or call (740) 593-4331.