Purpose

The purpose of this document is to assist speakers in preparing a presentation and to establish guidelines and expectations. These guidelines are intended to promote professionalism, ensure high-quality academic standards, foster practical contributions, and maintain the integrity of conference proceedings.  

Scope

This policy applies to all speakers, presenters, experts forum or panel contributors at a CPE conferences event. All presentations are in English.  

Qualifications 

Generally, speakers must hold the appropriate tertiary academic qualifications relevant to the category they are speaking in. Students in undergraduate courses will not be considered.  

For legal topics, students undertaking masters programs will only be considered if they are already admitted to the profession in a relevant jurisdiction. 

Speakers from around the world are encouraged to apply.  

Topic Selection

The selection of a specific topic is required in order to be confirmed as a speaker. Speakers must select a topic that is directly informed by their professional expertise, first-hand experience, personal research, or a significant area of professional interest. This could include:  

• A summary of a recent case 

• A compare and contrast between two approaches 

• An academic paper (either one that has been publish, or as a way of “testing” a paper which is being drafted).  

• A summary of recent legislative changes, caselaw or evolution in diagnosis.  

• An interview between two practitioners etc. 

Whilst the topics should be relevant to current developments in either legal principles, medical research, practical experience or interdisciplinary issues at the intersection of law and medicine, it is encouraged that speaker select topics they are comfortable with.  

Unrelated or abstract presentations will not be accepted, neither will applications which include “To be decided or confirmed”, even if this was the case in the past. Whilst topics relating to professional business management will be considered, applications for motivational speaking or brand marketing are not routinely approved.  

Presentation formats

The format of a presentation is very flexible. The following formats are considered appropriate: 

• Case studies (individual, institutional, or systemic). 

• Research presentations (including qualitative, quantitative, or systematic reviews). 

• Descriptions or demonstrations of procedures, methods, or techniques. 

• Critical summaries and reflections on significant events, policy developments, legislative changes, or landmark decisions. 

• Comparative or interdisciplinary (/or cross jurisdictional) perspectives where appropriate. 

• Interviews or Q&A formats between professions or practitioners. 

Speakers may use slides, photographs, graphs, charts, videos or other audiovisual media to support their presentations. All aids must be of professional standard, accurate in content, and free of copyright violations.  

Speakers should have  a backup copy of their presentation on a USB thumb drive, including any videos or other supporting materials. PowerPoint does NOT embed videos. They must be placed in the same folder as the PowerPoint. Note: there will be no sound for PowerPoint presentations/videos. NB It is good practice to keep a second copy in your luggage.  

Audio visual equipment will be provided. If you are using other software than Microsoft PowerPoint on a PC running Windows (example : OpenOffice, GoogleSlides, PowerPoint for Mac, Keynote) please make sure your presentation is converted to Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows PCs before you travel (preferably by trying the converted presentation on a Windows PC). Presentations in Acrobat PDF format, Word format, Keynote or Prezi are NOT accepted. 

Presentations delivered without visual aids are totally acceptable but must ensure clarity and structure in delivery. 

Presentations should be delivered in a clear, professional, and respectful manner. Speakers are encouraged to engage audiences by posing questions, presenting scenarios, or offering practical insights.  

Rehearsal is strongly advised to ensure adherence to time limits and presentation flow. 

Presenters are welcome to share their materials with delegates. The same topic cannot be presented within 12 months at another conference.  

Presentation Structure and Duration

Each presentation must include a clear introduction, development of arguments or findings, and a conclusion with implications or recommendations. Speakers should speak for at least an hour.  

Speakers are required to adhere to the time allocation assigned to them. Time for questions and discussion should be respected as part of the allocated slot.  

Where possible CPE Conferences will attempt to confirm speaker times and accommodate requirements. However, on occasions flexibility is requested in circumstances where a local speaker has become available. 

 Experts’ Forum

Experts’ Forum is a shorter presentation of 20-30 minutes and less formal in style. The experts forum is be an effective way for a delegate to gauge a concept or to seek to lead a discussion with other delegates. The same guidance applies to the experts forum as it does for speakers. Experts’ Forum presentation does not attract a Speaker discount.  

Audience Relevance

Presentations must be prepared with consideration of a professional audience that may include legal practitioners, medical specialists, dental specialists and academics.  

Technical terminology should be accurately defined and the content should remain accessible to professionals outside the immediate specialty. Each speaker should highlight practical, professional, or policy implications of their work. 

Ethical and Professional Standards

Confidentiality must be preserved when presenting case studies; identifying details shall be removed or anonymised. Research presentations must comply with applicable regulatory and ethical approval requirements.  

Sources must be properly cited using the relevant standards adopted by the presenters profession. All collaborators or institutions appropriately acknowledged. Commercial promotion, advertising, or product endorsement within presentations is strictly prohibited, however practitioners are welcome to network with speakers.  

CPE Conferences are not sponsored.  

Confirmation and certification

Speakers are not confirmed until registration has been paid. If a speaker decides not to speak, the discounted rate will no longer apply. Speakers are provided with a certificate at the conclusion of a conference.  

Supporting Information

A written abstract or summary must be submitted for inclusion in official conference materials. Speakers should provide supplementary resources, references, or contact information for attendees.  

A minimum of two additional readings (either setting the seen or directly relating to the topic) must be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the conferences. 

Compliance

By accepting an invitation to present, speakers agree to comply with the provisions of this policy. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in exclusion from the program or future conferences.