Learn About Presenting at the Family Summit
📢 Calling all presenters! This year we are opening up a call for proposals for individuals and state-wide nonprofit organizations who want to help bring an amazing experience to the parents and caregivers attending the Family Summit.
Overview
The I’m Determined Youth and Family Summit is an annual event sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education and the Center for Family Involvement. This three-day summit brings together youth with disabilities and their families from across Virginia to network, learn, and discuss important issues related to self-determination. The theme for the 2025 summit is “Relatedness” and we are looking for presenters who can speak to the importance of this theme.
How to Submit a Proposal
Applicants can choose to participate in the following options. There is no cost to submit a proposal. We will accept proposals through March 7, 2025. No late proposals will be accepted.
- Option A: Present a 1.5-hour presentation on Wednesday, June 11th
- Option B: Attend a Sip ‘n’ Chat vendor session on Thursday, June 12th
- Option C: Both A and B (Presentation on Wednesday, followed by a Sip ‘n Chat table on Thursday)
Option A – Presenter session only
The Family Summit seeks dynamic and engaging presenters to lead sessions specifically directed to families and caregivers of youth with disabilities.
Amazing sessions will:
- Have opportunities for hands-on activities with family members
- Include personal stories from the family and self-advocate perspective
- Cover topics that inspire, inform, and educate families
- Connect to the event’s theme of “Relatedness“
- Build in opportunities for question and answer/discussion
- Offer ways for interested participants to connect beyond the event
Session Details
- Session length: 1.5 hours
- Session size: 20-30 family members
- Space: classroom-style rooms equipped with projectors
- Proposals should originate from organizations that are non-profit and have a statewide or broader reach. This ensures a diverse and inclusive range of perspectives and experiences
- Accessible resources and materials that families can take away after the session
- Presenters will be expected to submit their slides and presentation materials before the event so that this information can be incorporated into the program details
Option B – Sip ‘n Chat session only
The Sip ‘n Chat event is part of the Family Summit and provides the opportunity for parents and caregivers to engage in meaningful and intimate discussions with service providers. Unlike traditional exhibitor events, this format encourages dynamic interactions and personalized conversations.
Amazing Sip ‘n Chat tables will:
- Be ready for informal, flexible conversations that focus on the family members’ questions and needs
- Have two representatives available and eager to talk with family members
- Provide information that helps family members know what they can discuss with you (for example: signs that say, “Ask me about ______”)
- Have resources to share with families available in a variety of formats
Sip n’ Chat details:
- Session length: 1-1.5 hours
- Table size: Round tables with 6-8 chairs
- Space: Banquet-style room with tables and chairs. There will not likely be outlets near all tables, so plan on not setting up anything that would require power.
- Accessible resources and materials that families can take away after the session
- Proposals must come from non-profit organizations with a statewide or broader reach
- Organizations should have experience supporting youth and adults with disabilities
Option C – Full session and Sip ‘n Chat table
This combines the best of both options. You’ll get the opportunity to go deep and explain your resources and services during a full group session on Wednesday, and then provide an opportunity for individual and small group follow-up on Thursday!
How to Submit a Proposal
Everyone must fill out the proposal form regardless of which option you choose. Here’s a timeline so you know what to expect:
March 7 – Proposals Due (sorry we will not accept late proposals)
March 31 – Acceptance emails will be sent by this date. All who submit proposals will receive an email indicating whether or not they are accepted.
Detailed event information and schedules will be sent to those accepted closer to the event date. There is no event cost for presenters.
Contact
If you have questions about submitting a proposal, feel free to reach out to us at event@imdetermined.org.