2024 Call for Lightning Round Proposals

The Florida Library Association Conference Planning Committee is now accepting proposals to present Lightning Round sessions live at the 2024 Annual Conference at the Hilton Doubletree Universal in Orlando.

Date: The lightning rounds will be held during the conference on Friday, May 17, 2024, 9:30am - 10:30am.

Description: A Lightning Round is a time-limited and slide-limited presentation format. Each presenter gives a 5-minute PowerPoint presentation accompanied by 15 slides that advance automatically every 20 seconds.

The meeting room for the event will be equipped with a computer, projector, screen, and microphone. Presenters will be asked to send their presentation and any accompanying handouts prior to the conference. All presentations will be preloaded onto the meeting room computer before the start of the event to reduce transition time between presenters.

 

 General Submission Information

Lightning Round Proposal Form

The deadline for submitting proposals is 11:59 pm on Friday, March 1, 2024

  • All Lightning Round presenters must be registered for the conference (either the full conference or for the day of the event).
  • Proposals for presentations should be related to the 2023-2024 FLA President's theme of "Florida Libraries - Fundamental to Freedom” For more information on the conference theme, please review the president's message.
  • Lightning Round proposals submitted by vendors will not be considered. 

Selection

Selection will be made by members of the FLA Lightning Round Committee:

● Candice Shields, Chair
● Anthony Michelli, Vice Chair
● Jorge Perez
● Wendy Rutherford
● Tracy Blimes
● Catherine Keating

Acceptance emails will be sent out by the end of March 2024.

FAQs

1.       What is a Lightning Round?

 Each speaker is allocated five minutes of presentation time and is accompanied by 15 Powerpoint presentation slides. During presentations, each slide is displayed for 20 seconds and then automatically advanced.

 2.       What do presenters need to provide?

The meeting room for the event will be equipped with a computer, projector, screen, and microphone. Presenters must email their presentation and any accompanying handouts to the Chair by the Friday, May 3, 2024. All presentations will be preloaded onto the meeting room computer before the start of the event to reduce transition time between presenters.  A copy of the presentation and handouts will be made available within the conference app.

3.       Can I use multimedia in my presentation?

Yes. However, due to the size of the room, it may be difficult to hear audio slides.

4.       Can my presentation run longer than five minutes?

No. At the end of your allotted time, your session will be cut off.

5.       Where can I learn more about the Lightning Round format?

Lightning Rounds are similar to Pecha Kucha (http://www.pechakucha.org/) or Ignite (http://igniteshow.com/) sessions. Google “best pecha kucha” for tips on creating your presentation (http://blog.indezine.com/2012/05/10-tips-to-create-and-present-pecha.html)

6.  When will I know if my presentation has been accepted?

Acceptance emails will be sent out by the end of March 2024.

Presentation Tips

  • The key to a great presentation is to present something you are passionate about.
  • 20 seconds is not a long enough time for people to read large blocks of text.  Be selective in how much text you put on each slide.
  • Practice to ensure that the timing of your presentation matches the content of your slides. The slides will advance automatically so you can’t pause or veer off-topic.

For more information, contact the Lightning Rounds Subcommittee Chair

Candice Shields
[email protected]