Propose a Conference Topic or Session

If you have a topic idea or a specific session proposal, our IBMA Education Committee want your ideas! Please click on the link on the bottom of this page to submit a General Topic Suggestion or a Specific Session Proposal.  

IBMA Business Conference proposals address current music industry concerns pertaining to one or more of the IBMA’s membership constituencies and they often speak to or incorporate some aspect of modern industry trends. Conference sessions are typically between 50 and 120 minutes long and are scheduled Tuesday – Thursday, September 24-26, 2024 at the 2024 IBMA World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC. We also occasionally seek sessions to be put on during IBMA Bluegrass Live! Friday – Saturday, September 27-28, 2024.

Proposals should include the following information:

• Primary Contact 
• Session Information – either a General Topic or Specific Session Proposal
• For Specific Session Proposals:
  • Format: Conference sessions typically follow one of the following formats:
    • Panel Discussion: 3-4 presenters from various backgrounds discuss their perspectives on a topic with one another and the audience.
    • Presentation: A presenter delivers an educational speech or lecture on a specific topic.
    • Round Table: A series of 4-6 topically related discussions occurring simultaneously, often led by table leaders and coordinated by an overall moderator. Involvement of attendees in content presentation is encouraged.
    • Workshop/Demonstration: In-depth training or learning.
    • Pitch Event: Attendees pitch material or ideas to a panel of experts for constructive critique and feedback for improvement, refinement, or next steps.
    • Networking Event: Intended to introduce and familiarize two or more industry groups (i.e. broadcasters and labels) to develop, improve, or further construct business relationships.
    • Other innovative format ideas are welcome and can be submitted by selecting “Other” and filling in the accompanying text field.
  • Title: Communicates the main topic presented in the session.
  • Description (word limit: 100): Conveys the content of the session. Finalized titles and descriptions will be published in the printed conference program, online schedule, and conference app.
  • Target Audience: Please identify the target audience(s) from the IBMA membership constituencies. Select as many as apply, “Other,” or “All.”
  • Audience Experience Level: Is your session content suitable for entry-level attendees, intermediate, or advanced? You may alternately select “All” if your session is applicable to all experience levels.

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by our Education Committee and evaluated according to the following criteria:

• How well the proposal addresses key issues (current and future) facing the bluegrass community
• Potential to offer new knowledge and insights on key issues that may benefit attendees
• Feasibility – Are the educational goals of the proposal realistic and attainable?
• Coherence of the proposal – Are the main concept and goals of the session clear and understandable?

We will be in touch!

All submissions will be considered and you will be contacted regarding the possibility of a session or topic being selected and required next steps. If accepted, your session or topic may be scheduled at any time during the morning or afternoon on any of the conference days – September 24-26, 2024.