Abstract Submissions

Submission deadline: Friday 29 November before 11:59 pm EST

Abstract submissions will be accepted for oral, poster, and program showcase presentations that are focused on one of our conference keyword categories. Presentations will be in-person only, there will be no virtual component to the conference.

Proposals may be submitted in either English or French and will be peer-reviewed according to the language of submission. Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided and French submitters must be comfortable presenting in English.

Program Showcase Presentation

This presentation type is designed to provide community-based organizations the opportunity to increase awareness of the innovative or promising programs they are implementing. 

Presenters will illustrate the context and importance of the program to a community, reflect on the impact of the program and lessons learned to date. The format is designed to give participants proven and effective actionable solutions that they can take away and apply in their local context. 

Each 90-minute session will be comprised of three 25-minute presentations grouped together by similar topic or type of program, with time provided for a question period at the end of the session.

Review criteria:

The following criteria will be used by reviewers to evaluate each program showcase submission:

• Does the community program explore a new idea, project, or issue? 
• Is the target population well defined?
• Was the target population engaged throughout the program development?
• Are the program outcomes clearly described and address how the program will impact the target population?
• Are there actionable solutions that participants can apply in their local context? 

Oral Presentation

Each session will have five presenters grouped together by similar presentation topic. An oral presentation is 12 minutes followed by a 3-minute discussion period. Presenting authors may use slides to accompany the presentation.

Poster Presentations

Presenters will engage with participants during two dedicated poster presentation sessions on Tuesday 29 April from 11:00-12:15 and Wednesday 30 April from 13:30-14:30. Our aim is to promote the importance of posters as an opportunity to transfer knowledge in an interactive format.

Review Criteria

The following criteria will be used by reviewers to evaluate each research submission:

• Research addresses a gap in existing literature and evidence known to date.
• The methodology supports the purpose of the study.
• Validity of the conclusions based on the results.
• Research is appropriate to the advancement of policy, practice or additional research.

The following criteria will be used by reviewers to evaluate each policy submission:

• Definition of the problem demonstrates the need for a change in policy.
• Research methodology is clear and  transparent and appropriate stakeholders were engaged.
• Results and analysis supports the policy recommendation.
• Policy recommendations are innovative and appropriate to the advancement of policy, practice or additional research.

The following criteria will be used by reviewers to evaluate each practice submission:

• Program need and objectives address an important issue.
• Program methods and activities address the issue and includes evaluation.
• Results and outcomes used indicators that are valid and reliable.
• Program demonstrates innovation and is appropriate to the advancement of practice or additional research.

SUBMISSION TEMPLATES

Abstracts MUST be completed using the templates provided. Download the most appropriate template for your submission.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must meet the following criteria to be eligible for peer review: 

• Submissions must be uploaded using the online portal. E-mail submissions are not accepted.   
• Presenting Authors may submit a maximum of two abstracts.
• Data, other research, and sessions presented at other conferences may be submitted. 
• The submitting author certifies that all co-authors and/or co-presenters agree to the submission.

Submissions that do not adhere to these criteria will not be accepted for peer review.

Submit your proposal

Abstract Acceptance

• Each submission is reviewed and scored by at least two independent peer reviewers and final decisions regarding acceptance will be made by the Organizing Committee.
• Submitters will be notified of the outcome by Thursday 23 January.
• An LCD data projector, microphone, computer (PC), screen and an audio-video connection are included as part of the standard audio visual package in each session room. 

REGISTRATION

• All speakers who present must be registered for at least one day of the conference by Friday 4 April in order to be included in the program. 
• No financial assistance is available for registration, travel, or accommodation fees. 
• Exhibitor and sponsor passes CANNOT be used by presenters.