Our conference offers a diversity of session types that can accommodate your presentation. We encourage you to choose the session format that best fits your idea, topic, and/or project.
Descriptions of the various session types are below, and we strongly recommend that you review them prior to submitting your proposal. Estimated lengths are provided but are only guidelines and do not represent the full range of options for a session timeframe. We will confirm actual session lengths and presentation time limits after all sessions are scheduled.
Please Note: There is limited space in the event schedule for some session types. We reserve the right to accept your proposal for an alternate format due to space or content considerations.
SHORT LECTURE
Short lectures are the traditional format in which students deliver their presentation solo to an audience as a lecture or as part of an assigned thematic panel with a designated moderator. If desired, presenters may utilize slides, handouts, or other visual aids. Presenters engage with attendee questions later in the session. (12-15 mins per presentation)
LIGHTNING TALK
Lightning talks are short, fast-paced presentations in which students share their insights into a specific peacebuilding topic. Multiple solo speakers representing a diversity of distinct ideas or a diversity of perspectives on a theme will be grouped together. Talks are typically delivered without notes, but a few slides are allowed. (6-8 minutes per individual)
POSTER SESSION
Poster sessions allow students to present their work visually as a large poster or (potentially) a digital display. They allow for concise, effective presentation of methods, data, and research findings. Conference attendees circulate within the room to view posters and then engage with presenters one-on-one or in small groups. (60-75 mins total)
PANEL DISCUSSION
Panel discussions feature a small group of students offering diverse perspectives on a topic and responding to questions from the moderator, each other, and the audience. Panels foster debate and deep learning on a peacebuilding topic and can help participants understand complicated or challenging ideas by providing both structure and fluidity. (60-75 mins total)
ROUNDTABLE
Roundtables are facilitated group conversations that allow for robust exchange of ideas around a current question or topic in peace studies and peacebuilding. Roundtables allow the participants to learn from each other and generate new ideas for future research and practice. The facilitator focuses on promoting discussion rather than presenting. (40-60 mins total)
WORKSHOP
Workshops are hands-on, interactive sessions that provide participants with the chance to apply learning or build new skills. They involve several different facilitation techniques: case studies, simulations, collaborative exercises, discussion, and more. Attendees are able to practice tangible skills and/or ideate solutions. (90-120 mins total)
VISUAL ARTWORK
Visual artwork is a display of a single work or collection of works that offers attendees a creative representation of the conference theme and allows them to engage with a peace studies topic by using their senses and emotions. Examples include painting, photography, drawing or sketching, sculpture, design, or mixed-media projects. (1 or 2 day exhibition)
PERFORMANCE
Performances are sessions that feature film screenings, drama, dance, spoken word, music, and other forms of theatrical or staged presentation. They portray peacebuilding topics or engage the conference theme using expressive modes of communication that both entertain and evoke emotional responses. (15-30 mins per performance)