So you’re ready to speak at AU and position yourself as a thought leader? Great—we can’t wait to read your class proposals. With our community of experts growing stronger each year, the Call for Proposals (CFP) competition can be fierce. Last year we received more than 2,200 proposals. Here are some guidelines to consider before you submit.
Choose your topic wisely
How? Take the time to review our handy CFP Guide and get familiar with our topic areas. In addition to our interest in specific topics like PLM and Data Management, Structural Engineering, and Design Visualization, this year we’re looking for classes that:
- Share new and innovative product workflows and industry insights
- Offer unique perspectives on emerging and future trends
- Drive professional practice beyond product expertise
- Present compelling case studies that will help others in your field succeed by learning from your experience
- Build on existing AU content
Selection criteria
We evaluate class proposals based on various criteria, including:
- Overall proposal strength and relevance to today’s industry trends and best practices.
- How well the proposal builds on existing knowledge and practice shared by AU experts or creates pathways for future learning.
- Communication skills and technical expertise, as well as the depth of your relevant background and experience.
If you’re a past AU speaker, we also consider:
- Survey results from your previous AU sessions.
- If you met all your speaker requirements, like turning in those terrific handouts and other class supplements. (You know who you are.)
Class formats
AU offers a number of class formats for sharing your industry experiences and the knowledge that sets you apart in your field. When choosing a format for your class, consider your strengths and how you’re best able to communicate and share your expertise. Are you comfortable lecturing to a room of friendly peers? Are you able to facilitate discussion among smaller groups? Think about your material as well, and align it to 1 these formats:
- Industry talk—Lecture much? Take advantage of this format to share your thought leadership, present industry insights, or other innovative experiences. Industry talks aren’t heavily focused on software training though some demonstration can be okay. (60 minutes)
- Instructional demo—Take advantage of this format to share a deep dive in the ways software is changing the game. Give a detailed presentation of in-product workflows, processes, and tips and tricks to help others get more out of Autodesk products. (60 or 90 minutes)
- Panel—Lead a conversation among experts to showcase different viewpoints and insights on an industry topic. (60 minutes)
- Roundtable—It’s all about discussion. Roundtables offer a unique chance to network, share perspectives, and shape learning in a constructive way that involves everyone in the room. Tap into your audience’s questions and answers to lead class-wide discovery. (60 minutes; limit 28 attendees)
- Hands-on lab—The answer is in the question. Give attendees hands-on software instruction and first-hand experience with the material. (90 minutes; limit 90 attendees with 45 computers)
Questions? Get answers on the CFP page, where you can download the CFP Guide as well as our handy CFP worksheet which provides an easy way to polish your proposal before you submit it.
Call for Proposals closes on May 27. But why wait? Submit your proposal by Wednesday, May 11 at 9 a.m., Pacific time, for a chance to win early bird prizes—$100 Amazon gift card, VIP tour of the Autodesk Gallery (if you’re in San Francisco), and AU swag. Good luck!
Have an idea for an AU class that will fill these seats? We want to hear from you.
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