The call for proposals for DevLearn 2025 is officially open. If you’ve ever considered sharing your expertise at a conference, now is the time to act.
Every year, DevLearn brings together a community of learning professionals eager to explore innovative strategies, emerging technologies, and practical solutions that advance workplace learning. The sessions on the agenda are carefully selected to ensure attendees walk away with actionable insights they can apply immediately.
So, what makes a proposal stand out? More importantly, how can you craft one that increases your chances of being selected—not just for DevLearn but for any conference you may be interested in speaking at?
Based on my experience reviewing session proposals, here are some key elements we look for when evaluating submissions, along with key tips to help yours stand out.
What Makes a Strong Conference Proposal?
A Problem-Solution Approach
One of the first things we look for in a proposal is a clear answer to these two questions:
- What challenge or pain point does your session address?
- How will your session assist attendees in resolving that issue?
A strong proposal doesn’t just describe a topic—it articulates why it matters and what attendees will be able to do differently because of it.
A proposal that simply states, “This session will discuss the benefits of gamification in learning” is too vague. Instead, a stronger submission would say:
"Many organizations struggle to keep learners engaged in compliance training. In this session, we’ll explore how gamification techniques like point systems, storytelling, and social competition can increase motivation and retention. Attendees will walk away with a step-by-step framework for incorporating gamification into their existing programs.”
A clear problem-solution approach ensures attendees know what they will gain from your session.
Clarity Over Cleverness in Your Title
Your session title is the first thing reviewers and attendees will see. While it’s tempting to get creative, a title that is clear and descriptive will serve you better than one that’s overly clever or vague.
Instead of: “Unlocking the Secrets of AI in Learning”, try: “How AI is Transforming Learning Design: Practical Strategies for L&D”
The goal is to help potential attendees instantly understand what they’ll gain from your session.
Specific, Actionable Takeaways
The best proposals don’t just promise insights—they clearly define what attendees will take away.
A great way to frame this is to complete the sentence: "In this session, you will learn...", which we specifically ask speakers to do in our surveys.
Here’s an example of strong, specific takeaways:
- What makes a good explainer video script, including brevity, pacing, and audience-appropriate language
- How to use AI-powered tools to personalize learning experiences at scale
- To apply checklist for selecting the right learning platform based on your organization’s needs
You can see how those are more practical than something generic like “You’ll learn about video creation, AI in learning, and choosing the right tools”. Vague takeaways lead to vague expectations—and that can reduce your chances of selection.
Engage the Audience in the Learning Process
Conference sessions aren’t just about what you share; they’re about how you share it.
Think about ways to make your session interactive—whether that’s through group discussions, live demos, hands-on activities, or real-world case studies. A strong proposal makes it clear how the session will engage attendees, not just present information.
For example: "Attendees will participate in a live role-play exercise to experience how different coaching techniques impact employee performance.”
Even if your session is presentation-based, find ways to make it discussion-driven and practical, and make that interactivity visible in your proposal.
Show What’s Unique About Your Perspective
Certain topics, like instructional design principles, AI, and learning strategy, often generate multiple proposals. That’s why it’s crucial to highlight what makes your take on the subject different and/or special.
- Are you sharing real-world case studies from your own experience?
- Are you presenting research-backed strategies with data?
- Are you offering a fresh perspective on a well-established topic?
Your proposal should answer: Why should this session be on the agenda? What makes this take on the topic uniquely valuable?
Final Tips on Submitting a Stronger Proposal
While this advice is tailored to DevLearn, these tips apply to any industry conference. Whether you’re submitting for the first time or refining a past proposal, keep these key points in mind:
- Focus on a specific problem and solution
- Keep your title clear and compelling
- Outline clear, actionable takeaways
- Make the session interactive and engaging
- Highlight what makes your perspective unique
Most importantly, take your time. A rushed proposal is often an unsuccessful one. Draft your responses offline, refine them, and make sure they clearly communicate the value of your session.
If you’re unsure about your topic or want feedback before submitting, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Learning Guild team is happy to provide guidance, and I look forward to seeing the ideas and insights that this year’s proposals bring.
Good luck, and I hope to see you at DevLearn this fall!