Request for Session Proposals Redirect

Thank you for considering submitting a COSA session proposal in 2024! Without presenters like you, the annual COSA conference would not be possible. Please see the information below to learn more about the conference, this year’s theme, and the selection criteria.

The deadline for submitting 2024 proposals was Wednesday, May 22.

General Requirements

• Sessions are scheduled for Monday (September 29), Tuesday morning (October 1), and Wednesday morning (October 2).
• Session duration is 75 minutes.
• Preference will be given to interactive presentations that invite dialogue, discussion, and constructive debate.

Preferred Topics

The theme for the 2023 conference is Grounded in Community.

Community is at the heart of both ecological and recreational success. Personally and professionally, we all rely on an interconnected web of networks, just like the flora and fauna of our open spaces. How are our communities thriving, and where do they need support? What are we doing to strengthen ties through partnership and stewardship?

We are looking for sessions that cover the following topics:

Session Selection Criteria

The COSA Steering Committee will review and select session proposals using the following set of criteria:

• Topics that address the conference theme.
• Relevance of the topic to local open space programs and other conservation organizations.
• Overall balance of program topics.
• Ability for audience interaction.

Session Coordinator Requirements

• Each submitted proposal must designate a Session Coordinator, including sessions involving panel discussions.
• COSA will only send information to the Session Coordinator.
• Session presenters are not automatically registered for the conference. All presenters must register for the 2024 conference separately when registration opens.
• Session Coordinators must ensure all session presenters are registered and adhere to all registration deadlines.
• Session Coordinators, presenters, and panel members are expected to coordinate and pay for their own travel and lodging.

The deadline for submitting 2024 proposals was Wednesday, May 22, at 11:59 pm MST.

This application process has closed.

Want to plan ahead? You can use the PDF version of the application form linked below. Note that all final applications must be submitted through the Google form linked above. 2024 COSA Session Proposal Application