{"id":1061,"date":"2026-09-17T14:45:26","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T14:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/?page_id=1061"},"modified":"2026-09-17T18:26:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T18:26:54","slug":"symposium-proposal-call","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/","title":{"rendered":"Call for Symposium Session Proposals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sections on this page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aae39050535b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aae39050535b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"514\" height=\"772\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience2-vert.jpg\" alt=\"An audience member raises her hand.\" class=\"wp-image-1065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience2-vert.jpg 514w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience2-vert-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-base-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\">Meeting Dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2027 Annual Meeting<\/strong><br><strong>July 25-30, 2027<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Toronto, <\/strong>Ontario<br>Canada<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-red-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">Submission Deadline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thursday, <\/strong><br>October 15th, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5:00 PM Eastern <\/strong><br><strong>(2:00 PM Pacific)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-submit\"><\/span>How To Submit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#how-to-submit\" >How To Submit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#important-note\" >Important Note<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#abstract-fee\" >Abstract Fee<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#demographic-questions-about-the-session-organizer\" >Demographic Questions about the Session Organizer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#advice-to-help-your-submission-go-smoothly\" >Advice To Help Your Submission Go Smoothly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#other-details-to-consider\" >Other details to consider<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#one-presentation-rule\" >One presentation rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#communication-with-speakers\" >Communication with speakers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#replacement-of-speakers\" >Replacement of speakers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#cancellations\" >Cancellations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/calls-for-proposal\/symposium-proposal-call\/#important-dates\" >Important Dates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Please Note:<\/em><\/strong> The submission website supports the latest version of Chrome, the current and previous release of Firefox, Safari and Microsoft browsers. Cookies and JavaScript must be enabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-35f06ea7 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/esa.planion.com\/Z?96X9X2266\">Submit A Proposal Here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-base-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-867ecf73 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-width:1px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">Submissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">You must submit your proposal using the online submission form. Proposals sent by email will not be considered. Proposals that are incomplete will not be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All ESA Annual Meeting proposal and abstract deadlines are 5:00 PM Eastern so that technical support and ESA staff assistance will be immediately available when submitters need it. If you begin your submission very close to the deadline, you are choosing to take a risk, and we will not make an exception if you are unable to complete your submission in time. The form automatically closes at 5:00 Eastern Time (2:00 Pacific Time) whether you have completed your submission or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">You will receive an automatic email when you complete your submission. Every speaker listed in the proposal will receive a similar email. You will be able to return to the proposal to edit it until the submission deadline has passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">To submit a proposal, you will need to log in using an ESA member account. If you have not been an ESA member or registered for an ESA meeting in recent years, you will need to create an ESA member account before you can submit. You do not need to pay membership dues to create an ESA member account or submit for the meeting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"important-note\"><\/span>Important Note<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">ESA meetings, open to ESA members and those interested in ecology, are among the most respected meetings of ecologists in the science community. ESA is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment. All participants including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, ESA staff, service providers and others are expected to abide by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.org\/events\/code-of-conduct-for-esa-events\/\">Code of Conduct for ESA Events<\/a>. This Code of Conduct applies to all ESA meeting-related events including those sponsored by organizations other than ESA but held in conjunction with ESA events, in public or private facilities. ESA members and authors of ESA publications must also adhere to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.org\/about\/code-of-ethics\/\">ESA Code of Ethics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About Symposia<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Symposia are the scientific centerpiece of the meeting. These sessions are organized around a specific topic and include 4 speakers, all of whom are invited by the organizer at the proposal stage. Symposia are distinguished from other organized sessions in that they are more explicitly integrated, provide an overall synthesis on their topic, and have broad enough appeal to generate strong interest at the meeting. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/events.rdmobile.com\/Sessions\/Index\/20474?Search=&amp;mode=All&amp;pagenumber=0&amp;hidePastSessions=False&amp;scheduleType=&amp;SelectedTags=115339\">browse symposia from the 2026 meeting<\/a> to see recent examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aae390506127&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aae390506127\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience-views.jpg\" alt=\"Audience members look on eagerly. \" class=\"wp-image-1206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience-views.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience-views-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/audience-views-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Proposals are encouraged to address the meeting <a href=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/about\/theme\/\">theme<\/a>, \u201cNatural Resources, Natural Systems: Ecology in Action,\u201d if appropriate, but doing so is not necessary. Any timely and coherent subject of broad ecological interest will be considered. We also welcome proposals that explore interdisciplinary connections with areas of social and natural science outside of ecology or that relate to ecological education at any level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Each symposium consists of 4 talks, each scheduled for a 20 minute timeslot (15 minute talk + 5 minutes for Q&amp;A). Proposals listing more or fewer than 4 confirmed speakers will not be considered. The session will end with a 10 minute discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All speakers for accepted invited paper sessions should plan to present in person. We are unable to accommodate remote presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All paper sessions will have a student volunteer who will help each presenter load their slides, introduce them, and signal how much time is remaining for each talk. They will also manage Q&amp;A for each speaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"abstract-fee\"><\/span>Abstract Fee<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">There is no fee to submit a session proposal. All speakers who submit an abstract for an accepted invited session will be asked to pay an abstract fee at the time of abstract submission. This fee is $35 for students and $60 for non-students and is non-refundable. Speakers unable to pay this fee due to a lack of funding may opt out during the payment step of abstract submission. The abstract fee covers technical costs associated with abstract submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Proposal Format<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Submitter agreements.<\/strong> The submitter must agree to abide by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.org\/events\/code-of-conduct-for-esa-events\/\">Code of Conduct for ESA Events<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.org\/about\/code-of-ethics\/\">ESA Code of Ethics<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Session title (up to 50 words).<\/strong> A short and descriptive title works best.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organizer (Name, institution, email, country).<\/strong> This person is the point of contact for the session and responsible for communicating with speakers. This can only be one person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Co-organizers (Name, institution, email, country for each).<\/strong> There can be any number of co-organizers, including zero.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>4 Confirmed speakers (Name, institution, email, country, and tentative talk title for each).<\/strong> Only speakers who have been contacted and have committed to the session should be listed. If a proposal contains any vague placeholder titles such as \u201cTBD\u201d or repeats the same title for any speakers, it will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Session description (up to 200 words):<\/strong> Describe the theme and purpose of this session. The session description should avoid overly specialized language. Any ecologist attending the meeting should be able to understand it. It may include background information, goals, objectives, importance, and interest to the membership of ESA. This description will appear in the online program and be read by attendees deciding whether or not to attend the session. Please do not duplicate information that appears elsewhere in the proposal here in the session description. Reviewers and the committee will be able to see the rest of the proposal along with this description.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Session justification (up to 200 words):<\/strong> The justification should focus on how the review criteria are met by the proposal. It should not simply repeat the session description. The session justification will only be seen by peer reviewers and the committee. It will not appear in the meeting program.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Topical track (select up to 2, optional)<\/strong>: Would you like this session to be considered for inclusion in any of the following tracks? Please only select a track if you think it\u2019s a good fit for this proposal.<ul><li>Career Exploration<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Education<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Data Skills Training<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Traditional Ecological Knowledge<\/li><\/ul><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scheduling conflicts (up to 200 words, optional):<\/strong> Are there other sessions we should be aware of when scheduling this one? Please provide the title, submitter, and session type for each session mentioned. Due to the complex nature of scheduling, we cannot consider organizer or speaker availability when scheduling sessions. This will only be seen by the committee. It will not appear in the meeting program. Is the session intended to be linked to another session or social event? Are there any other sessions you are aware of that should not be scheduled at the same time as this one?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"demographic-questions-about-the-session-organizer\"><\/span>Demographic Questions about the Session Organizer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The submission form asks a few questions about the session organizer to help ESA improve our services. You will be asked to answer the following questions about the lead session organizer for this proposal.&nbsp; All information will be shared only in the aggregate to help us assess the diversity of our submissions. Proposal reviewers and the committee will not see this information for individual proposals. It is required that you answer each question, but you can select \u201cPrefer not to answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What best describes your race and\/or ethnicity? You can select multiple answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Asian\/Asian American<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black\/African American<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native American \/ Alaskan Native<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Native Hawaiian \/ Pacific Islander<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Middle Eastern or North African<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hispanic\/Latinx<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>White<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bi\/Multiracial<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer to self describe (free response option)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer not to answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where are you currently in your career? You can only select one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Undergraduate Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graduate Student (includes PhD students)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post Doc<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early Career (1-8 years since final degree, excluding post docs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mid-Career (within 25 years since final degree)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Senior Professional (more than 25 years since final degree)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retired<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other (please describe)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer not to answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What best describes your gender? You can only select one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Female<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Male<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-binary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer to self describe (free response option)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prefer not to answer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"advice-to-help-your-submission-go-smoothly\"><\/span>Advice To Help Your Submission Go Smoothly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Read the proposal requirements and review criteria before you start developing your proposal. You may find the idea you have in mind is a better fit for one of the other session formats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start recruiting speakers as soon as possible. This generally takes longer than most people think it will.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We require a complete list of confirmed speakers and a talk title (not final, but specific) for each person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We recommend submitting from a computer. The submission form is not optimized for mobile devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The submission form only accepts plain text. Your proposal should not include links, formatting (such as italics or bold). Unfortunately we cannot support subscripts, superscripts, special characters, or Greek and mathematical symbols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will be able to search our member database list to find people to enter for your session in different roles. Even though affiliations will appear for some people in the list, you will need to enter everyone\u2019s affiliations after you add them to the proposal. We advise you to make sure you have everyone\u2019s affiliations as they would like it to appear in the meeting program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review Criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aae39050671b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aae39050671b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A speaker stands before a group of attendees.  All are smiling. \" class=\"wp-image-1207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience-767x511.jpg 767w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-with-audience.jpg 1274w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">All proposals will be peer reviewed by reviewers selected by the Program Subcommittee. The Program Subcommittee may accept, decline, or offer an opportunity to present the proposed session in a more appropriate session type. Proposals will be assessed using the following criteria. The weight of particular criteria may vary depending on the nature of proposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criteria for a Strong Organized Oral Session proposal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Relevance and impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>features significant contributions to or advances in the field of ecology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>presents innovative and original work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>benefits broader society (for example through education, public policy, communication\/public engagement, application to commercial technology, national security or international cooperation).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Structure and organization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>forms a coherent whole through contributions from individual talks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>offers a range of perspectives through the collection of speakers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>avoids the appearance of biases toward their organizers\u2019 own perspectives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>lists 6 confirmed speakers (speakers who have been contacted and have committed to the session).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>includes a specific title for every speaker\u2019s talk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>involves diverse perspectives and voices as elaborated in the ESA Diversity Statement, beyond or in addition to career stage and disciplinary diversity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"other-details-to-consider\"><\/span>Other details to consider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-walks-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A speaker presents before an audience. \" class=\"wp-image-1208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-walks-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-walks-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-walks-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-walks.jpg 1222w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">In the interest of broadening participation, an individual can be the lead organizer for only one invited paper session (symposium, organized oral session, Inspire session). If you are working with a group to submit related proposals as a series, each proposal should be led by a different person. There is no limit on how many proposals you can help organized as a co-organizer, only on taking the lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"one-presentation-rule\"><\/span>One presentation rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Speakers who commit to speaking in an invited paper session should be aware that the one presentation rule will be enforced. Anyone who is speaking in an invited paper session cannot also present a talk or a poster in another paper or poster session. Organizers are responsible for notifying any speakers they recruit about this rule. The rule does not apply to Inspire talks, non-paper sessions (special sessions, short courses, workshops, Career Central), or if at least one abstract is primarily focused on education or outreach. Inspire presenters should commit to only one Inspire presentation. They may present something else (a poster, or a different type of talk) as their second presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">If a speaker is unsure whether an exemption would apply in their case, they are welcome to ask the Program Co-Chairs in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If Your Proposal is Accepted<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">After acceptance decisions have been made and the scheduling for the meeting is underway, cancellations and schedule changes are very disruptive to meeting planning. It is therefore very important that session organizers obtain firm commitments from their invited speakers before submitting their proposal. If a proposal is accepted, the organizer will be required to submit an up-to-date version of the session details and confirmed speaker list within a few weeks of acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"communication-with-speakers\"><\/span>Communication with speakers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">If a proposal is accepted as a session, it is very important that the organizer communicates with speakers starting with the acceptance of the session and continuing throughout all stages of program development. This includes communicating with speakers about session acceptance, abstract requirements and deadlines, session scheduling, and expectations for participation in the conference. Ongoing and clear communication is important to the success of a session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A woman presents her findings at a podium. \" class=\"wp-image-1210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-1-767x511.jpg 767w, https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/speaker-1.jpg 1211w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"replacement-of-speakers\"><\/span>Replacement of speakers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">We ask that your proposal list only speakers who have confirmed they\u2019ll participate in the session. We understand that availability could change between now and the conference. It is not unusual to have speakers drop out of sessions throughout the process as unexpected conflicts arise. If this happens, we ask that you recruit a replacement speaker. Please let us know when the session has lost or gained any speakers so we can update the speaker list and send the new speaker a link so they can add their abstract to the session. It may not be possible for you to find a new speaker closer to the conference, but most organizers find it\u2019s possible through the spring and early summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other helpful information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few details that all speakers should know up front. Miscommunication about them can disrupt session planning later in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scheduling.<\/strong> We are unable to honor scheduling requests. When asking speakers to commit to the session, organizers should inform them that the session could be scheduled any day Monday through Thursday. We cannot schedule or move a session to accommodate the availability of speakers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Abstract Submission.<\/strong> Speakers who fail to submit an abstract on time will be removed from the session. It is the responsibility of the session organizer to make sure each speaker submits an abstract for their talk using the unique link that will be emailed to each speaker. It is important to make sure all speakers are aware of the abstract submission deadline early on.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Abstract Fee.<\/strong> All speakers who submit an abstract for an accepted invited session will be asked to pay an abstract fee at the time of abstract submission. This fee is $35 for students and $60 for non-students and is non-refundable. Speakers unable to pay this fee due to a lack of funding will be able to opt out during the payment step of abstract submission. The abstract fee covers technical costs associated with abstract submission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Meeting Registration.<\/strong> All session participants, including the organizer, any co-organizers, and all speakers, are required to register for the conference. Submitting an abstract does not register a speaker for the meeting, and we do not waive registration for invited speakers. There are registration grants available in the spring that all ESA members can apply for. Organizers are responsible for making the registration requirement clear to their speakers early in the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"cancellations\"><\/span>Cancellations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For session organizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Once a session has been accepted and listed online, cancellation imposes a serious burden. Do not submit a proposal if you are uncertain that you will be able to fulfill your obligation to organize and conduct the session. Once a session is accepted by the Program Subcommittee, cancellation by the session organizers may preclude the organizers from being allowed to submit any proposals for sessions for the 2028 ESA Annual Meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For presenters<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">When submitting an abstract, presenters should be reasonably confident that they will attend the meeting and give the presentation as scheduled.&nbsp; We understand that planning ahead is particularly challenging this year, but the presenting author should notify ESA\u2019s Meetings Team as soon as possible if a presentation needs to be cancelled.&nbsp; Please cancel by May 1 if possible, to help us minimize gaps in the final meeting program as well as receive an abstract fee refund if you paid the fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-base-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d76a2a95 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-width:1px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"important-dates\"><\/span>Important Dates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-small-font-size is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">October 15, 2026&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Deadline to submit a session proposal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">January 7, 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Session acceptance notification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">February 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Abstract submission opens for invited speakers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">March 12, 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Deadline for speakers to submit abstracts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3a88641f wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May 1, 2027<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Deadline for speakers to cancel presentations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact ESA\u2019s Meetings Team at <a href=\"mailto:meetings@esa.org\">meetings@esa.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Organized oral sessions are distinguished from symposia in that there is less emphasis on breadth of appeal and overall synthesis. Unlike symposia, a strong organized oral session proposal may be comprised largely of related case studies. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1209,"parent":882,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1061","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1061"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1406,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1061\/revisions\/1406"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/882"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/esa.org\/toronto2027\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}