By: Carol Abel, Vice President of Education, Food Marketing Institute 

Now through November 9, 2015 the FMI Education Team is accepting proposals for education sessions at FMI Connect 2016.  Each year we get dozens of great proposals, but can only accept a limited number. So, how do you get your proposal noticed?

1. Let the track descriptions guide you –The track descriptions reflect the areas of greatest interest and need among FMI memberships and the food retail industry. The information in the descriptions came from the same committees that review submissions.
2. Think like a retailer—Sure, you have something you want to say, but don’t think in terms of your message. Instead, consider what the retailer needs to know about the topic or how to use the technique. How will what you say help the retailer solve a problem or be more effective?
3. Bring a retailer to the stage—Even better than thinking like a retailer is including them in your suggested presentation line-up.
4. Offer something besides a “sage on the stage”—While your expertise is what gives you something to share with the audience, if you want people to remember your message consider how you can serve as a facilitator, working alongside your participants and involving them directly in their own learning. Check out NAFSA’s Presenting and Training Approaches for great ideas for facilitated learning.
5. Focus on takeaways for tomorrow—Retailers are by nature very practical people. Show your participants how they can apply your ideas as soon as they return home.

We need your trends and innovations to help keep the FMI Connect education program a top reason that attendees return year after year. Keep these tips in mind as you complete the proposal submission process via our FMI Connect Education Proposal portal and don’t forget to get your idea in before the November 9 deadline.