Monday, February 25, 2013

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