Conference Policies

Noncommercial Policy
ASTD conference education programs are learning experiences first and foremost, and as such must be noncommercial in content and delivery.

Speakers must:

• Avoid using brand names and endorsing specific products.
• Eliminate any form of direct promotion of the speaker's product, service, or monetary self-interest.
• Refrain from overt statements, harsh language, or pointed humor that disparages the rightful dignity and social equity of any individual or group.

ASTD continues to seek and provide a balanced slate of speakers with a diversity of backgrounds, viewpoints, and organizational affiliations.

Honoraria, Travel Expenses & Complimentary Registration
ASTD is a nonprofit educational association with a responsibility to its members to carefully manage its resources.

• Delivering a concurrent session at the ASTD TechKnowledge® Conference & Exposition is done on a voluntary, unpaid basis.
• All of the speaker's individual travel and living expenses are at his/her own expense.
• One complimentary registration per session is provided.
• Additional speakers may register for the full conference at their own expense or receive an Expo Pass which will provide admission to their session and to the Expo floor.

Preconference Workshop Speakers
Preconference workshop speakers have the option of receiving a $600 honorarium for a one-day workshop and $300 for a half-day workshop or a complimentary conference registration in lieu of the honorarium.

Number of Speakers Limit

• Preconference workshops are limited to two speakers.
• Concurrent sessions are limited to three speakers; maximum of two is preferred.
• Panel sessions are limited to four panelists plus one moderator for a total of five.

Exceptions to these limits must be pre-approved by ASTD.

Session Delivery Limits
Most speakers will be limited to one session, with the exception of repeated sessions. Speakers may also serve on a panel in addition to delivering one session. Exceptions are at ASTD's discretion.

Proposal Submission Limit

• Each individual or organization may submit up to two concurrent session proposals (includes Creation Stations and panels) plus one preconference workshop proposal.
• Any proposals submitted in excess of this limit will be deleted from the system based on the date of submission.
• Please submit your very best proposals and coordinate with your colleagues when submitting from large organizations.
• If a proposal is applicable in more than one track, please make a note in your description rather than submitting it multiple times.