Bookkeepers Conference Speaker Resources

                                                     Due Date 
Final Session Details                   12/8
Speaker Headshot                       2/2
Presentations                               3/1

Questions? Contact Oonagh Barrow at (815) 901-7130.

Please have all final session details prepared to submit to Oonagh Barrow on Friday, December 8, 2023.

This includes: 
- Session Title (10 words max) 
- Descriptive Blurb (80 words max)
- Speaker(s)/Moderator
- Session Track (Payroll, Non-Payroll)
- Session Level (Intermediate, Advanced)

Below is a detailed list of the audio visual equipment that will be provided in the breakout rooms:

- Classroom/Theater Set Up

- AV Table with Power

- Projection Screen

- LCD Projector

- Panel Table with wireless handheld microphone
- Wireless Internet

*Presenters must bring their own computer with their presentation already loaded on it.

**Breakout sessions will not have the capability for video or computer audio.

Please note, we cannot guarantee special requests.

- To provide attendees access to session information prior to the event, we ask that send your presentation and we will post it on the conference website with all of the sessions for the Bookkeepers Conference. Please submit your presentation/handout(s) to Oonagh Barrow by Friday, March 1, 2024.

- We ask that you use the 2024 Bookkeepers PowerPoint Template. Do not use any other templates as the introductory slide must be included in all presentations. How to merge the PowerPoint Template with Google Docs

- All presentations must be of an educational nature, and may not be used to promote products and/or services.

- Any graphics included in the presentation (i.e. charts, graphs, etc.) should be embedded in the PowerPoint file to minimize file size.

- You are responsible for printing any handouts you would like to have available onsite. Please have ample copies, as some attendees are not members and will not have access to peer2peer.

- You must use the 2024 Bookkeepers PowerPoint Template. Do not use any other templates as the introductory slide must be included in all presentations. How to merge the PowerPoint Template with Google Docs

- The number of slides in your presentation is not limited but we recommend no more than 20-25 slides for a 60-minute presentation (i.e. one slide per three minutes).

- Additional Formatting Suggestions

- Limit the amount of information on a single slide.

- Create slides to highlight your presentation not to duplicate exactly what you will say.

- Use a large font. Remember, those sitting in the back of the room should still be able to read the slide.

- Avoid red letters, which are difficult for some people to read. The best readability comes from high contrast of intensity rather than by clashing colors.

- Be sure to include your contact information on the last slide of your presentation to allow attendees to contact you with follow-up questions.

- Remember, it's always a good idea to bring a backup copy of your presentation!

- Greet attendees.

- Identify yourself and then introduce the presenter(s).

- Illinois ASBO Moderator Slide

- Remind attendees that the evaluations will be done via an electronic survey. The survey should only take a few minutes, so encourage attendees to complete it. We value their feedback!
- Please remind attendees that breakout session materials will be available for downloading on the Bookkeepers website. 

- Please remember that attendance should be for professional development and not for competing with other attendees or presenters.

- You may assist with presenter AV needs, but Illinois ASBO staff will be floating around the session rooms, designated for this purpose. All presenters have been instructed to bring their own laptops.

Please keep these items as reference while moderating:

- Please note that if a Service Associate is a presenter and uses the presentation as an arena to “sell” their product or services, the Moderator has the authority to stop the presentation if the presenter refuses to modify the content of their presentation. The Moderator will report such actions to the Deputy Executive Director of Illinois ASBO, Sue Bertrand, for follow-up.

- Due to a potential conflict of interest, no Moderator shall moderate a seminar given by an employee from their own company.

- Moderators are given the authority to ask any attendee to leave if they become combative with presenters.

- Any Service Associate presenter who violates these regulations may be excluded from presenting at future presentations, in addition, to loss of membership in the Association.

- Get ideas, tips and recommendations below to help you prepare for a successful presentation here!
- Read this article on Interactive Session Formats.

- Determine the location of your session room in advance. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the AV equipment.

 - Display the presentation title and your name on the first PowerPoint slide so attendees can verify they are in their preferred session.

- Allow time for questions and answers at the end of your presentation.

- Inform attendees of this at the beginning of the presentation and ask they hold all questions until then, unless you have already planned to integrate questions throughout your session.

- Repeat each question from the audience before answering so all attendees can hear the question and benefit from the Q-and-A section.

- Please keep track of the time; you have 60-minutes from the scheduled start time of your presentation to complete your session and answer audience questions.

All speakers and moderators must check-in at Registration and pick up their name badge and registration packet.

Speakers may enter their session rooms during scheduled breaks to set up and locate an Illinois ASBO staff member or an AV technician for any onsite questions.

All speakers are responsible for their lodging accommodations and travel expenses unless otherwise notified by Illinois ASBO.