The Quality of the AMWA Annual Conference Depends on You!

This year, AMWA brought the development of the annual conference to you, and you have just a few days remaining to make it yours. For the first time, this year AMWA solicited its members—and beyond—for all types of conference sessions. This means that the quality of the programming at the 2013 Annual Conference depends on you and the proposals you submit!

Whether it’s an open session, a how-to session, a roundtable discussion, a poster, or a new type of session, it’s offered only if you propose it. Whether it’s a session you’ve presented at AMWA before or it’s a new idea, you must propose it. Detecting a theme to this message?

The theme of the 2013 conference is Expanding Your Horizons, to reflect the professional growth you’ll gain from attending the conference. Presenting at the conference will enhance your professional growth, and there’s a program format for everyone.

✭ Are you a seasoned medical communicator with a wide network? Then contact some colleagues and propose a panel discussion on a topic within your specialty area.

✭ Do you have an efficient way of accomplishing a task or process? Why not share your practical advice in a how-to session?

✭ Are you just starting out as a presenter? Leading a roundtable discussion is a great first step.

✭ Do you and a colleague find yourself on different sides of an issue? Get together to present a pro/con debate.

✭ Are you skilled in computer software or applications? Share your skills in a hands-on demonstration.

✭ Have you done research in medical communication? Present it in a poster. (This option is good if you really don’t want to speak in front of a group of people.)

As you know, AMWA represents medical writers and editors in a wide range of work settings. To meet all those needs, we’re looking for a variety of topics. We’re particularly interested in a few topics, such as
• Technology (social media, e-learning, mobile apps)
• Communication theory (comprehension, usability)
• Writing for lay audiences
• Health care reform
• Work relationships (collaboration, team building)
• Business aspects of freelancing



Here’s an important point to remember. In today’s economy, some employers will support travel expenses to attend a professional conference only for employees who make a presentation at the event. So presenting may be the only way you get to the AMWA annual conference without dipping into your own pocket.

And you’re going to want to be at the 2013 AMWA Annual Conference. You’ll hear representatives from the FDA and exciting award speakers, have outstanding networking opportunities, and meet a variety of vendors in the exhibit hall. And don’t underestimate the conference location of Columbus, OH. Columbus is a vibrant city, with more than 45 restaurants within walking distance, a host of interesting neighborhoods, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (a short ride away). In short, Columbus offers a great deal for your extra-conference activities.

Proposing a session for the 2013 AMWA Annual Conference is easy. Just go to the AMWA website conference page, complete the proposal form, and submit. The Annual Conference Committee is reviewing proposals and will respond to all submitters by April.

As with any new process, AMWA’s new process for conference programming was slow to start. That’s why we filled the social media airwaves with reminders. We also know that you’re a deadline-oriented lot, so we expect a landslide of proposals on Thursday, February 28, the much-noted deadline. Don’t let us—or yourself—down.