ASJA wants your ideas for 2024 and 2025 conference sessions that inspire, motivate, and empower freelance writers.
The 2024 conference will be virtual and takes place Sept. 24-26. The 2024 conference will emphasize insights from experts, interactive presentations, advanced training, and pitch sessions with editors (and others) who assign freelancers work. The deadline for submitting session ideas is May 31.
The 2025 conference will be in person in New York City. The 2025 conference will emphasize advanced sessions for experienced writers and networking with fellow writers, editors, agents, and other potential clients – all infused with the energy and vibrancy of New York City. The deadline for submitting session ideas is August 31.
Both events feature sessions in three writing-related tracks:
- Journalism
- Books
- Content marketing writing
How to Create a Conference Session Proposal
ASJA welcomes proposals for conference sessions from members and non-members. Ideally, if you submit an idea for a session, you’ll participate as a presenter, moderator, or in another form.
Here’s what to know when filling out the form to propose a session:
Include as much detail as possible. Indicate the conference for which you are proposing your session and make a note if either works. Share:
- Session topic and description
- How the material will be presented: interactive workshop, small group discussion, etc.
- How writers would benefit
- Names and expertise of potential presenters, including yourself
Make it interactive, and fun! Especially for the virtual conference, we are looking for expert-led sessions that make full use of online platforms’ interactive capabilities v. presenting information in a standard panel format.
Offer real value. Whether a session covers pitching, writing, time management, running a freelance business, or timely freelance issues or trends, attendees should leave with information or ideas they can act on immediately.
Appeal to a diverse group. Sessions should cover:
- The breadth of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) of freelance writers: their own experience, subjects they cover, sources they talk to, or teams they work with
- Topics of interest to experienced freelancers or those just starting out
- Editors or others who assign freelance work
- Speakers who are not ASJA members
- ASJA members who haven’t presented at an ASJA conference recently
Don’t forget Snack Chats and networking lunches. We need proposals for Snack Chats during the virtual conference and for the networking lunches that take place during the in-person event. Proposers of these informal events would lead a conversation on a freelance topic but not need to prepare a presentation.
The conference planning committee will review and select proposals with the ultimate goal of developing programming that meets the needs of ASJA members and other professional freelance writers.
What to Expect if Your Proposal is Accepted
If your session proposal is accepted, the conference planning committee will send you instructions about next steps, including how to register for the conference, submit materials, and prepare for the event.
If a non-member’s session proposal is accepted, they can attend the conference on the day of their presentation for free. Non-member speakers also can apply for ASJA membership at a special discount. ASJA members whose session proposals are accepted receive a discount on conference registration. ASJA keeps registration fees low by tightly controlling conference expenses. As a result, the organization cannot offer speakers additional monetary compensation at this time.
Speakers may request to appear at a specific day or time. The conference planning committee takes requests into consideration but has the final say on the event schedule.
Ready to Submit an Idea?
Fill out the conference session proposal form here.
Want to get involved in planning our conference sessions? The 2024-2025 conference committee would love you to join us! We’re especially interested in hearing from members willing to work on the content marketing writing track. Volunteer by emailing asjaoffice@asja.org.
Stay up to speed with news about the 2024 and 2025 conferences and information on other ASJA educational programs, networking opportunities, and member benefits by subscribing to the ASJA Weekly newsletter and reading the ASJA Confidential blog.