The Speaking Programme Committee invites those suitably qualified to propose presentations for the

parallel sessions programme under the Range of Topics, or another topic that may be appropriate for the theme of QS-APPLE. Sessions that are likely to attract a group of like-minded delegates through your own regional or international contacts will be given preference.

Please click here to submit your your proposal for a Panel Discussion or Seminar. Your proposal will be acknowledged and acceptance or otherwise will follow.

You will be asked for full information about all speakers, an outline of your proposed topic, a suggested title, and speaking credentials including referees.

Deadline for proposals is 31 October 2007.

This has been brought forward considerably over previous years. Proposals will be reviewed and recommendations made to the November meeting of the Committee.

Your proposal will be acknowledged and acceptance or otherwise will follow.

On acceptance, your status will be 'Speaker Delegate'.

Speaker Criteria

The policy of the Conference is to provide a wide selection of parallel sessions, which gives delegates the opportunity to attend those within their spheres of interest. These sessions require leaders and speakers who are suitably qualified to deliver them in a stimulating and informative fashion. Criteria are set out below.

The session formats are:

1) Panel discussion
Session leader plus up to three other speakers presenting information and opinions, followed by Q & A.

Duration - up to 90 minutes

2) Seminar
Speaker delivers an address on a topic of originality and importance, followed by Q & A.

Duration - up to 60 minutes

Panel Discussions
(up to 90 minutes including Q & A)

Panel discussions require a session leader whose main responsibilities will be to:

• a) propose a topic in which he or she is a specialist
• b) invite and appoint the other speakers
• c) introduce, chair and summarise the session
• d) speak as one of the panelists
• e) ensure that each speaker has a good visual presentation to support their verbal one
• f) make handouts available to the Conference administration in time for photocopying and distribution within the session.

Panel discussion leaders should therefore:

• a) demonstrate a history of well-received conference presentations in their specialist subject
• b) propose a specialist subject of interest to at least a sizeable minority of Conference delegates
• c) be well-connected internationally in that subject area so as to identify suitable fellow panelists from Asia and beyond
• d) have a lively and positive style that engages the audience
• e) select fellow panelists with similar presentation skills and good knowledge of their subject.

Seminars
(up to 60 minutes including Q & A)

Presenters of seminars should:

• 1) be specialists in an area that will also appeal to a sizeable minority of Conference delegates.
• 2) have a compelling presentation manner and talk authoritatively on a subject that will engage an audience for around 45 minutes
• 3) be sufficiently knowledgeable of their subject to respond convincingly to a wide range of questions from the floor.

They will be required to produce a good electronic presentation, preferably Powerpoint, and a handout

master copy for photocopying. As there are many sessions in the Conference, they should also be prepared to be 'self-chairing'.

Incentives for Speaker Delegates

As a Speaker Delegate, you will be entitled to a reduction of US$100.00 from the prevailing delegate

registration. If your session has not been accepted when you register as a delegate, the US$100/$50 (US$50 if before 31 January 2008) will be refunded to you at your request on its acceptance.

The fee will be waived entirely if the speaker is attending QS-APPLE only for a single session.

There is no provision for travel or accommodation expenses for speakers.