Kunal Kushwaha

How to get conference talk proposals accepted

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Kunal Kushwaha

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Are you tired of having your CFPs rejected, but eager to share your expertise and insights in front of an audience at your favorite conference or event? Crafting a successful Call for Proposals (CFP) is your goal. In this blog post, let's dive into tips and strategies to help you stand out in the competitive world of conference speaking.

Why submit a CFP?

FP? Submitting a CFP is more than just an opportunity to showcase your expertise. It's a chance to contribute to the community and share your valuable insights. Presenting at conferences not only benefits the attendees but also helps you gain exposure, enhances your networking skills, and elevates your professional profile. Public speaking provides a platform to receive feedback and stay informed about current trends in the industry, making it an excellent step towards personal and professional growth.

Why do CFPs get rejected?

CFP rejections are common, and understanding why can help improve your submissions. Common reasons include:

  • Lack of relevance: The proposal should align with the conference theme or the interests of the audience.

  • Poor presentation: Proposals should be well-written and professionally formatted. Submissions with grammatical errors or formatting issues are often rejected.

  • Lack of originality: Proposals that lack uniqueness are less likely to be accepted, especially on topics that have been frequently covered.

  • Heavily promotional: Proposals that seem like sales pitches are generally unfavorable. Focus on providing informative and engaging content.

Tips to get your CFP accepted

Crafting a winning CFP requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a touch of creativity. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

  • Understand the audience: Researching the conference attendees, their challenges, and interests is crucial. Ensure your content resonates with their pain points.

  • Compelling title: Use a catchy title that clearly communicates the value of your session and attracts the audience's attention.

  • Showcase personality: Highlight your expertise and credentials while also sharing personal insights that make you stand out and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

  • Focus on content: Avoid overt promotion. Instead, provide valuable tips, actionable insights, and real-world examples.

  • Follow the guidelines: Adhere to the conference's submission guidelines, including word limits and formatting requirements.

  • Seek feedback: Before submitting, get honest feedback from colleagues, mentors, or peers to refine your ideas and presentation.

By diligently following these tips, you'll maximize your chances of having your CFP selected.

So, submit your first proposal today, unleash your creativity, and get ready to impress from the conference stage!

Resources

Learn more about CFP acceptance here:

CFP deadlines

  1. KCD Lima - May 15

  2. KubeDay Japan - May 19

  3. gRPC Conf - May 19

  4. KCD Washington DC - June 2

  5. KCD UK - June 3

  6. KubeCon + CloudNativeCon NA - June 9

  7. KCD Austria - June 22

What's new

Sure! Here's the revised text with the sponsored content section included and updated for clarity and correctness:

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