First-time presenters

Have you not submitted an abstract before?
Not sure of the process?

Firstly, read all the information on the Call for Abstracts website page. It’s important to note that abstracts close 30 March 2025.
Next, you need to write your abstract, following the format required. It’s often easier to download the example and type over this. A clear and concise title is important so attendees are clear of what the session is about.
When writing your abstract, it’s important to remember, that whoever reads it, may know nothing about you, or the topic you are writing on. Use accessible language to convey what you will present on.
Previous applicants have shared that after writing their abstract, they have shared with colleagues, mentors, family members etc to read it and provide feedback.
Once you are happy with the written abstract, it’s time to go online and submit the abstract. This is a simple online process, in which you will be required to upload the abstract. At the conclusion of this process, you should receive a confirmation email.
You will be required to provide a short biography during the online submission process. This helps the organising team forming the programme, helps attendees know more about you, but is also how you are introduced to your session if you were to be selected.
The Organising Committee will review all abstracts and you will be notified by email if your abstract has been accepted or not.
Please do not be disheartened if you are not accepted, less than 50% of abstracts are accepted.

Please do not hesitate to email the conference organisers, Composition on involve@composition.co.nz

For this, practice does make perfect. You will receive tips on presenting, as part of the acceptance letter. Take the time to read these tips and learn how to strengthen your presenting style and delivery (including the preparation of slides).
Register for the conference, as part of the submission, you agree to register and pay for at least one day of the conference.
Once you arrive at the conference, go to the Speaker Preparation room with your slides on a USB stick. In the Speaker Preparation room, there will be an audio-visual technician who will load your presentation onto their computer, and run the slides, to ensure there are no hiccups. Once confirmed, they will ensure your presentation is loaded onto the computer loaded in the room you are presenting. If there are any audio-visual issues on the day, the technician will be available to sort them out (the facilitator will be able to locate them).

On the day you are presenting, go and find the room that you are presenting in, and have a look at the space. Be in the room 15 minutes prior to presenting (this will usually be during a catering break) to meet the facilitator, confirm where you will be seated, how they will introduce you, have a go with the remote mouse etc.
Most importantly – enjoy yourself. People will be interested in what you have to say so take a deep breath, smile, keep calm, talk clearly and slowly and enjoy your presenting time.