Thank you for joining our speaker cohort!
This dashboard is designed to quickly give you the information you need to rock your presentation at the PLACES Conference. Use the following buttons to quickly navigate this page.
Note: Communications regarding your session will go to your session’s primary contact. They are solely responsible for sharing information with co-presenters and panelists.
For additional questions or concerns, please contact us at .
Key Dates
Past Deadlines
July: Confirmation of All Session Details
Each session’s primary contact has received an email with instructions for reviewing session and speaker information. This will be your main opportunity to review any edits for clarity we’ve made to session titles or descriptions and to ensure the speaker information you shared is correct. Please complete the form (received by email) by July 19.
July: Speaker Registration
Presenters receive complimentary conference registration, and all presenters are expected to register themselves. To redeem your complimentary conference registration, use promo code INSPIRE at checkout (in the “Subtotal” section). Note: This discount does not include any add-ons (mobile tours, Excellence on Main, etc). We ask that each session’s primary contact ensures their full speaker team is registered by July 30.
July through September: Prep Calls
All session presenters will have a prep call with a member of our conference team to go over logistics, refine learning objectives, discuss audience, and anything else you may find helpful! You’ll receive an email about this from us when the time comes.
September 29: Slides Due
Presenters are required to share their slides with us by September 29 (one week before the conference) using this form. Presentations must be shared as PDF files to ensure functionality with our venues’ systems.
We encourage you to use our presentation template, linked below. (If you run into any issues with the fonts, you can choose whatever alternative font feels suitable!) We also ask that you review these best practices on how to make your presentation accessible.
We will share the slides with attendees after the conference unless you request otherwise via the submission form. Please note that the form also allows you to submit a modified version of your presentation for sharing with attendees.
What to Expect Day-Of
The Venues
Sessions will take place in venues throughout downtown Ellensburg as we explore and enjoy the historic downtown. You can see assigned venues in our digital program, and learn more about venues in our Attendee Guide. Note that your venue assignment may change between now and the conference, so be sure to double-check the program when conference week arrives.
We recommend arriving approximately 15 minutes early to meet your room monitor, test your equipment, and settle into the space. Please note: If you arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to your session’s start time, your room monitor may not be ready for you yet.
The Set-Up
As we use unique venues around downtown, each room’s specifications vary. Rooms are generally set up in classroom/theater-style seating.* You’re welcome to rearrange the chairs, but please do ensure they’re back in their original layout when you wrap up your presentation. In many venues, there is a podium (or similar), and we’ll have chairs and (when possible) a table for panels or sessions with multiple speakers.
If you’re planning to bring supplies or print outs for your session, we’ve generally found that planning for a maximum of 75 attendees will cover most sessions. Just be sure to bring your extras and any left behind with you when you leave the venue!
*NOTE: The Elks Ballroom at Hotel Windrow will be set up with tables that fit 6-8 people each, rather than our standard classroom/theater-style seating.
The People
Room Monitors: Each session room will be staffed by a conference volunteer called a room monitor, who will ensure your presentation is ready on our conference computers and connected to the A/V. They will also keep an eye on the time (let them know if you’d like a time check during your presentation), and can answer some site-specific questions as needed.
The Equipment
If there are any materials not listed below that you prefer to have for your session, we invite you to bring those items with you. We cannot ensure the compatibility of electronic equipment that you bring for yourself.
Please note: We are still confirming venue tech capabilities; more information to come as available.
Microphones: Each room will have at least one microphone, and we endeavor to have multiple in each space, particularly when there are panels. Speakers are required to use the microphone during their presentation (yes, even if you have a loud voice!) During the Q&A portion, if we are able to provide a second microphone, we’ll ask room monitors to bring it around to those with questions. Please encourage attendees to wait for the mic to ask their questions or, if not possible, repeat the question for those who may not have heard it.
Projector and screen: Every room will have a large TV monitor or a projector and screen. A slide advancer may be available, but this is not guaranteed.
Laptop: Every room will have a laptop with WiFi access onto which your presentation will be loaded and ready to go.
Videos: The majority of venues are equipped for showing videos with audio; however, this may not be possible. If you would like to include a video, we recommend embedding it in your presentation and having a back-up plan in case it’s not available. If you would like to verify whether this is possible in your venue, please email to ask, specifying your assigned venue in the email.
Tips for Presenting at PLACES
Whether you’ve been presenting at our conference since 2013 or this is your first year speaking at PLACES, please read our tips and tricks for presenting below. This will ensure we are all on the same page day-of!
Tangible Takeaways
- Keep Learning Objectives in Mind: In your session proposal, you outlined several goals for your attendees—keep these front of mind while putting together your content to ensure the best learning experience for your attendees.
- Conclude with Key Takeaways: Summarize your presentation with tangible, actionable takeaways or suggestions for attendees seeking to produce a similar project, program, or partnership.
Clear Communication
- Avoid Jargon: Our audience’s professional backgrounds and expertise range widely, so remember to use language that is accessible to all attendees.
- Use the Mic: Speakers are required to use the microphone during their presentation. During the Q&A portion, ask question-askers to use the microphone as well or repeat their questions before answering.
Time Management
- Arrive Early: Ensure you have enough travel time to get to your venue, and aim to arrive approximately 15 minutes early so you have time to meet your room monitor and test the equipment in the room.
- Stick to the Schedule: Be mindful of the allotted time for your presentation and ensure you cover all key points within that timeframe.
- Leave Time for Q&A: Remember to allocate a portion of your time for questions from the audience.
Thank you for sharing your expertise and experiences with our PLACES community!
Photos by Casey Evans Media.