Call for Participation
The Project Management Excellence Symposium welcomes practitioners, educators, nonprofit leaders, and rising professionals to join in through poster presentations and panel discussions at our first-ever event, happening in September 2026 in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Grounded in the principles of Vision, Velocity, and Value, the symposium aims to turn strategy into action, speed up delivery, and create a meaningful impact across organizations and communities.
As an inaugural symposium, participation opportunities emphasize applied rigor, relevance, and dialogue rather than formal publication or proceedings.
Who Should Participate
The symposium is a community-focused event that brings together students, educators, and project leaders from nonprofit, public, and local organizations. It’s a space for sharing knowledge through practical tips and real-life experiences in leadership and project work. Anyone interested in contributing is welcome to join—no specific titles, roles, or credentials required.
Participation Opportunities
Poster Presentations
Poster presentations provide an interactive forum to share applied research, case studies, frameworks, tools, or project outcomes. Posters are designed to encourage dialogue and peer-to-peer learning rather than formal research presentations.
Poster Topics May Include (but Are Not Limited to):
- How ideas or goals were turned into action through a project
- What helped a project stay on track—and what didn’t
- How a project made a difference for people or the community
- Leading people through change or working together as a team
- Lessons learned from working across different groups or sectors
- Using tools or technology to make project work easier or more effective
Poster Session Format
- Visual Poster Display
- One or Two Presenters Per Poster
- Interactive Discussions with Attendees
- Focus on Insights, Lessons Learned, and Practical Applications
- Networking opportunities
Panel Discussion Participation
We are also inviting individuals with real-world experience to take part in a moderated panel discussion focused on leadership and project work in everyday settings.
Panel participants are selected to reflect a mix of perspectives, including community leadership, education, and hands-on practice, ensuring a balanced and meaningful conversation.
Panel discussions will explore challenges such as:
- Aligning strategy and execution
- Sustaining momentum in complex initiatives
- Decision-making under constraint and uncertainty
- Balancing speed, quality, and value
- Leading teams across functions and sectors
Panel Format
- 3–4 panelists and a moderator
- Facilitated discussion with limited audience Q&A
- Focus on experience-based perspectives rather than formal presentations
Submission Guidelines
Individuals interested in participating as a poster presenter or panelist are asked to submit the following:
- Name(s) and organizational affiliation
- Role or area of expertise
- Participation interest (Poster, Panel, or Both)
- Working title of poster or discussion topic
- Brief abstract or description (250–400 words) outlining:
- The problem or question addressed
- The approach, experience, or framework shared
- Key insights or lessons learned
- Intended takeaway for participants
Submissions should be non-promotional and focused on learning, reflection, and application.
Submissions do not need to represent completed research; practice-based insights and applied work are welcome.
Important Dates
- Call for Participation Opens: February 2, 2026
- Submission Deadline: April 17, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: May 22, 2026
- Symposium Date: September 9, 2026
- (Dates subject to refinement)
CFP Review & Selection
Submissions will be reviewed by the symposium organizing team with consideration given to:
- Relevance to symposium themes
- Practical applicability and clarity
- Diversity of perspectives and sectors
- Alignment with the symposium’s mission and audience
Complete the participation form before the deadline due to limited space!
The review process is designed to balance rigor with accessibility, ensuring high-quality contributions that encourage meaningful discussion among a mixed professional and academic audience.
Why Participate
Selected participants will have the opportunity to:
- Share insights with a diverse, professional audience
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with peers across sectors
- Contribute to a growing regional convening focused on execution excellence
- Be recognized as a founding contributor to an inaugural annual symposium