REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A
DISCOVER CONFERENCE

Nature of DISCOVER Conferences: Common Features

Interactive:

No public citation or reference so that free and open exchange of new or controversial issues may be achieved. (Proposals may be made for conferences which are exceptions to the no-citation principle. Justification would be necessary, including explanation of why the topic could not then be covered at a regular meeting of the professional society.)

Format:

Some Conferences focus on recent important advances in a selected field. Other Conferences may be recurring, but each time a conference is held, a topic of high current interest within a broad field is selected.

Conference themes that are either too narrow and specialized or too broad and general, probably will not attract an adequate number of conferees and interactive discussion is likely to be limited.

Example TYPES of Conferences:

1. Research:
   Primarily for researchers at the frontier of the topic area.
2. Cross Sector Interactions:
   Foundation is research and science, but an emphasis on bringing together representatives of various groups such as: researchers (in universities, federal labs, industry), educators, companies, regulatory (state and federal), producers, input suppliers marketing, processors, distributors and retailers, consumers. Goals may be to enhance interchange of needs and opportunities, restraints etc., developing cooperation among sectors etc.
3. Technology Transfer:
   Foundation is research and science, but the emphasis is on getting new information out to users, allowing opportunity to discuss details and additional needs.
4. Education (On-Campus and/or Outreach):
   To bring together the research community with educators (including extension educators) to develop curricula and educational programs which are built on the best science available. Some research Conferences may also incorporate discussions of science education into some aspect of their meetings.

“CATEGORIES” and “THEMES”

1. Production Topics:
   Specific THEME proposals invited for this broad category.
2. Dairy/Animal/Poultry Foods Topics:
   Specific THEME proposals invited for this broad category.
3. Environment and Waste Management:
   Current Key Issue. Specific THEME proposals invited.
4. Food Safety:
   Current Key Issue. Specific THEME proposals invited.

Preparing a DISCOVER Conference (DC) Proposal

Proposals should be sent to the DC Coordinator who in turn submits them to the DC Steering Committee, which will appraise the merits of proposals and select the most promising proposals for future Conferences.

Preliminary informal discussions with the DC Coordinator about concepts and ideas are welcomed.

When a Conference (theme) is approved, a Chair is appointed who will take the lead and work with the DC Coordinator to appoint a Program Committee for the specific conference. The Chair will take the lead (working with the Program Committee and Coordinator) for the selection of the subject matter, speakers, and other participants. They may also suggest dates and location for the conference. The Chair and Coordinator will work together closely throughout the development and conduct of the Conference.

Suggested Outline of a Proposal for a DISCOVER Conference:

1. Title of the THEME proposed:
2. Suggested time/date for the Conference:
3. From Guideline Descriptions of DC provided elsewhere, what "TYPE"; what “CATEGORY":
4. Brief Abstract or Description:
5. Brief Justification. (Indicate why a DISCOVER Conference on the proposed subject would be helpful at this time):
6. Name of Person Proposing Conference:
   Title of Position:
   Department/Division:
   Organization:
   Address:
   Telephone:   FAX:   E-mail:
7. List 2-6 individuals who are supportive of the request and who may be willing to help develop the program:
8. If this proposal initiates from a committee (e.g., of ADSA, ASAS, PSA, AMSA etc. Or a Regional Research Committee, ARS Program, etc.) please indicate what committee and who is Chair of that committee.
9. Most DC are scheduled for two and one-half days, providing 3 sessions with three speakers each and 2 sessions with two speakers each. To provide a clearer idea of your vision for the conference program it is helpful to indicate potential topics for the sessions and some possible speakers. (These do not have to be complete or firm.)

PROPOSALS OR INQUIRIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR:

Proposals and inquiries are welcome at any time.

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