Nurturing Growth for Sustainable Evaluation
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 6, 2024
We invite you to submit presentation proposals for our upcoming Annual Learning Event, dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the evaluation community. This event is designed to bring together evaluators of all experience levels – from students to seasoned professionals – in a shared space of learning, collaboration, and growth. Inspired by the interconnectedness of a forest, where diverse elements support one another in a thriving evaluation ecosystem, we aim to create a conference environment where our network can flourish together.
We need you!
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive space that reflects the richness of our field. We encourage submissions from individuals and organizations representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
We particularly welcome proposals from those working in innovative or non-traditional evaluation contexts. Your unique voice and insights are vital to the sustainability and growth of our community.
The ALE program will be focusing on the following three streams:
Evaluation Management and Planning: Planting the Seeds of Change
This stream focuses on the strategies and frameworks that underpin effective evaluations. We welcome sessions on project management, stakeholder engagement, scoping, and ethical considerations that shape the foundation of meaningful evaluation work. Presenters are encouraged to share insights and case studies on building strong evaluation plans, managing complex projects, and aligning evaluations with broader organizational or community goals.
Key topics include:
- Integrating reconciliation and Indigenous perspectives into evaluation planning.
- Environmental sustainability in evaluation design: balancing innovation and equity.
- Evaluating the use of AI and emerging technologies in program planning.
- Feminist and intersectional approaches to evaluation management.
- Designing evaluations in conflict or fragile contexts: planning for resilience.
Evaluation Implementation: Nurturing Growth through Innovation
At the heart of evaluation lies the practice itself. This stream invites proposals that explore the methodologies, tools, and practices of conducting evaluations. Whether it’s the use of innovative data collection techniques, participatory approaches, or adapting methods to diverse contexts, we seek sessions that showcase the art and science of bringing evaluations to life.
Key topics include:
- Innovative data collection methods and the use of technology (e.g., AI, digital tools) in evaluation.
- Implementing evaluations in challenging environments: conflict zones, post-disaster areas, or remote communities.
- Applying feminist and Indigenous approaches during evaluation implementation.
- Real-time monitoring and adaptive management in sustainability or environmental programs.
- Engaging marginalized communities in the evaluation process to ensure inclusive outcomes.
Evaluation Reporting and Close-out: Harvesting Insights for Future Growth
The culmination of any evaluation is the sharing of findings and the transition to actionable insights. This stream is dedicated to the effective communication of results, from reporting formats and storytelling to knowledge mobilization and lessons learned. We are looking for sessions that explore or exemplify creative ways to present data, facilitate evidence use, and close the loop with external partners.
Key topics include:
- Communicating evaluation findings to diverse stakeholders: effective knowledge translation; empowering end-users; making reports accessible and actionable.
- Using evaluation insights to drive long-term environmental and social change.
- Reporting on evaluations in post-conflict or crisis contexts: ethical considerations and challenges.
- Storytelling in evaluation reporting: integrating Indigenous and feminist approaches.
- Closing out evaluations with a focus on transparency, sustainability and long-term impact through knowledge translation and empowering users to implement and use the findings from evaluation.
Why Participate?
This conference is more than just a series of presentations—it’s a gathering of minds and hearts committed to the growth and vibrancy of our field. By participating, you will contribute to a collective space where we can learn from each other’s experiences, challenge conventional practices, and build lasting professional connections. Whether you’re presenting a case study, facilitating a workshop, or leading a discussion, your contribution will help weave a stronger network of evaluators, much like the roots and branches of a flourishing forest.
We believe that diversity and inclusion are at the core of a resilient and vibrant community. We are dedicated to creating an event that amplifies a multitude of voices and experiences, and we encourage everyone to submit proposals. Let’s come together to nurture the rich tapestry of our evaluation community.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome proposals for:
- Thematic Session Presentation: Groups of 5, 10, or 15-minute presentations, each followed by a brief question and answer period.
- Think Tank: 1-hour participatory session where a facilitator opens the discussion with a single issue or question, and provides some relevant context. Participants then break into small groups to discuss, and come back together to share their learnings.
- Panel presentation: 45-minute sessions on a related subject, with up to 4 panelists.
- Facilitated Workshop: 1-hour hands-on workshop with interactive activities and group work to develop a specific skill.
- Another session type: Let us know your idea and we can discuss how to make it work!
If accepted, the following deadlines will apply:
- Conference registration deadline: December 20, 2024
- Revised presentation description (if required): December 20, 2024
- Headshot submission deadline: December 20, 2024
- Draft PPT submission deadline: January 24, 2025
- Final PPT submission deadline: February 14, 2025
OR use the form below.