As you prepare your proposal, please select the session format that best reflects how you are structuring your session and how you plan for attendees to engage with your session.
Panel Discussion
A moderated, conversation-based session with two or three panelists who share diverse perspectives on a topic. The focus is on dialogue rather than prepared presentations. May include a discussant to deepen or contextualize the conversation. A chair must be identified in the proposal to facilitate the session and moderate the discussion.
Multi-Paper Presentation
A moderated session including up to three paper presentations organized around a common theme. Each paper presenter will have approximately 15 minutes to present and discuss the key points of his or her work. A discussant is optional, but a chair must be identified in the proposal to moderate the session.
Expert Lecture
These are formal presentations by an expert in the field who will share conceptual or methodological innovations or pose questions around such ideas through a lecture. Proposals must allow adequate time for response to audience questions.
Demonstration
Demonstrations are live or simulated walkthroughs intended to show participants how to use or apply an evaluation concept, tool, method, or analytic approach. This is distinct from skill-building workshops because the focus is on “show me how it works” rather than having participants learn and practice a skill by engaging in hands-on application through instruction.
Skill-Building Workshop
This is a hands-on session in which participants learn and practice a specific skill, tool, or method. Workshops should include one or more structured activities that give attendees a chance to use what they are learning during the session.
Think Tank
These are sessions focusing on a single issue or question. Initially, a chairperson orients attendees to the issue, question, and context. Attendees then break into small groups to explore the issue or question and finally reconvene to share their enhanced understanding through a discussion facilitated by the chairperson. The proposal should succinctly identify the question or issue to be addressed, the relevant contextual factors, and the roles of the individual breakout groups.
Poster/Individual Papers
These sessions provide a forum for participants to showcase work such as projects, methodological approaches, or other topics of interest to evaluators and interact with or obtain feedback from others in the field. For 2026, individual paper proposals must be submitted as posters. There will be several poster presentation sessions scheduled throughout the conference. Accepted posters will be given a reserved space and time to hang their poster in the designated room.
Roundtable Conversations
Roundtable conversations are what used to be called Birds of a Feather. They are relatively small and informal gatherings designed to build networks and explore ideas in a conversational format. Rather than give a formal presentation, facilitators will prepare questions or ideas around a particular topic for a small group to discuss. Attendees will be grouped at large, round tables to facilitate conversation. Several roundtables will be share the same room for each scheduled session.
Professional Development Workshops
Professional Development (PD) Workshops are great learning opportunities that provide attendees with in-depth lessons, group activities, and real-world case studies. These are held at the beginning of the week prior to the opening of the actual conference. There is a fee to register for professional development workshops.