2023 Request for Proposals

Complete the RFP Submission Form

AHTA 2023: 50 Years of Cultivating Horticultural Therapy
Virtual | October 20-21, 2023

Requests for Proposals at the 50th American Horticultural Therapy Association Annual Conference (We are going virtual for this year!)

Submission Guidelines | Speaker Information | Poster Presentations

The 2023 AHTA Conference Work Team is requesting those interested to submit a proposal for a virtual oral or poster presentation for 2023 Conference. The virtual format will certainly be different, but it creates the opportunity to reach a more expansive group of horticultural therapists from around the world. The conference format will use technology that has worked well for other recent online conferences to emphasize virtual discussion during the conference event, including small-group engagement and poster presentations. “Going Virtual” will also allow our association’s conference to reach a wider audience to match the diverse needs of professionals at all stages in their careers, supporting continuing education and development, and facilitating networking opportunities. Presentations will be accessible to conference attendees with closed captioning in other languages if that language is available on zoom.

In recognition of the 50 years of AHTA, we invite individuals from the horticultural therapy community and allied health professionals to propose sessions (lecture, panel discussion, etc), workshops, and poster presentations on the growth of HT/TH in the context of its evolution:

  • Where we were/Programs of the past.
  • Where we are/Current Programs.
  • Where we envision being/Programs of the future.  

Presenters will be selected from proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposals by a peer review panel. Submissions must include all information requested. Please note: biographical information requested MUST be in the format described within “Speaker Information.” 

  • Please submit your proposal online by April 21st, 2023. 
  • Notification of decisions will be sent by May 19, 2023.

Audio Visual Needs:

  • AHTA will be utilizing a virtual event platform to run the 2023 AHTA Annual Conference. 
  • Presenters are required to pre-record their presentations and submit them to the AHTA Office by September 25, 2023, Updated presentations will not be accepted after this date.
  • Presenters are strongly encouraged to be present for synchronous sessions. Attendance ensures that you are present to answer questions and participate in the discussion period at the end of the session. If accessibility and logistical issues arise, presenters should inform the AHTA Office as soon as possible. 

Additional Information:

  • Presenters are required to register for the conference and will receive a discounted rate (*Honorariums/speaker fees are not available to session presenters).
  • Presenters will be selected from proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposals by a peer review panel. Please submit your proposal online by April 21st, 2023.  Notification of decisions will be sent by May 19, 2023.
  • Submissions must include all information requested. Please note: biographical information requested MUST be in the format described within Speaker Information below

Online Proposal Submission Guidelines

Please read thoroughly prior to beginning your online submission. This information is intended to be used as a helpful guideline in preparing your proposal.

Session Content (all required unless otherwise noted):

  • Title of proposed session
  • A brief description of the session: Limit 30 words. If your proposal is accepted, this description will be included in the online conference program.
  • Briefly explain why this session should be at the AHTA Annual Conference.
  • Indicate where and when this presentation was previously given (if applicable). 
  • Session content and methodology: Please be brief - yet thorough and descriptive.
  • Learning outcomes: Three learning outcomes should be provided that are measurable and indicate what the audience will learn by participating in this session. State, for example: “At the end of this session, participants will be able to . . . “

Session Formats:

  • Lecture/PowerPoint presentation: 30 or 60 min. Presenter(s) will facilitate a focused presentation on a particular topic, program, or organization.
  • Workshop: 60 min. Facilitator(s) lead the participants in an interactive discussion, goal development, internship development, and skill-building workshop.
  • Panel Discussion: (3 or more speakers):  60 min. Each speaker presents different aspects, perspectives, or thoughts on a particular topic.
  • Poster Presentations: Display a digital poster of an academic research project or of a horticultural therapy program. Posters will be displayed continuously during the 2023 AHTA virtual conference. At a dedicated session, poster authors must be available to answer questions and discuss their work. More information on recommended poster format can be found below.

Please note that the 30/60 minute formats may also include a Q&A portion approximately 10-15min.

Speaker Information:

  • This conference is scheduled to be offered virtually. Presentations will be delivered via the submitted audio/visual recording. Speakers will be present after the video in order to participate in live discussion and answers questions from attendees.
  • For online program: A biographical summary (100 words maximum) with professional credentials for each participant, highlighting competency in the subject matter. Note that you must have a biography for at least one speaker when submitting your proposal. All others may be submitted at a later date if necessary.
  • Accepted presentations shall be posted, with the authors’ permission, on the online event platform for attendees to access following the conference.
  • Accepted presentation recordings may be used for future educational purposes on the AHTA YouTube channel. Therefore, all speaker(s) will be asked to complete a release form included in your speaker agreement.

Poster Presentations

Display a digital poster of an academic research project or of a horticultural therapy program. Posters will be displayed continuously throughout the conference on our virtual event platform. At a dedicated session, poster authors will be available to answer questions and discuss their work

  • Posters will be displayed continuously during the 2023 AHTA virtual conference.
  • Poster submission: You must submit your Digital Poster as a PDF to the AHTA Office by September 25, 2023
  • Content: Do not prepare a poster as if it were a manuscript. Primarily use tables and figures and limit the volume of text. Details of the work can be provided in scheduled discussions with interested parties.
  • Poster Display: Posters will be uploaded in our virtual event platform, for display throughout the entire conference

Poster file requirements:

  • Your poster presentation should be one page only, in a Widescreen 16:9 ratio.
  • The file must not exceed 10MB and you must save your file as a PDF.
  • Recommend using font size 12-16
  • Abstract numbers, titles, names, and organizations should appear on the top of the poster.
  • A simple sans serif-face font (e.g., Arial) should be used. Lettering for the abstract number and title should be at least 1 inch. The authors' names and organizations may be slightly smaller.
  • Below are some resources that offer free digital widescreen templates to assist you in creating your poster PDF:

Poster Tips:

  • Determine the one essential concept you would like to get across to the audience.
  • A poster is essentially a visual presentation, try to find ways to show what was done - use schematic diagrams, arrows, and other strategies to direct the visual attention of the viewer, rather than explaining it all using text alone.
  • Design the poster to address one central question. State the question clearly in the poster, and then use your discussion time with individuals to explain that central theme.
  • Provide an explicit take-home message.
  • Summarize implications and conclusions briefly, and in user-friendly language.
  • Give credit where it is due. Have an acknowledgments section, where you acknowledge contributors and funding organizations.

RFPs will only be accepted via the online submission form. The form cannot save data; be prepared to fully answer all questions above at the time of submission.  RFPs will not be accepted by email.

If you have any questions, please contact the AHTA office at [email protected] or 206-209-5296.