Call for Presentations - COH Research & Policy Stream

It's that time of year again! The Canadian Observatory on Homeless (COH) is teaming up with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness to organize the research and policy stream of presentations at the 2019 National Conference on Ending Homelessness.

Presentation ideas must be submitted by March 31st, 2019.

COH’s research and policy stream provides an opportunity for academics, researchers, policy makers and practitioners to present their most promising, innovative and relevant research findings. As this is a conference that focuses on practice, we ask that applicants to this stream highlight how their research is relevant and accessible to a predominantly non-academic audience. Due to an increased number of submissions, we are prioritizing content and presenters that are able to explicitly identify the implications or the “so what” of their research. 

Topic

Over the past few years, the COH has focused its research efforts on the theoretical and practical aspects of homelessness prevention. At this year’s conference, we are focusing all of our sessions on the topic of Homelessness Prevention. Within this framework, we invite a wide variety of topics including:

  1. Indigenous homelessness prevention
  2. Youth homelessness prevention
  3. Priority populations: women, families, veterans, etc. homelessness prevention
  4. Rural and small-town homelessness prevention
  5. Data and measuring progress towards preventing homelessness
  6. Knowledge mobilization practices regarding homelessness prevention research, policy and practice
  7. Other - You are also invited to submit an abstract on a theme not listed, so long as it is relevant to the overall prevention theme.

Presentation Format

Over the past few years, we have asked the presenters in our stream to join our efforts in making research more accessible. We have done this by using various presentation formats that steer away from traditional academic presentation formats. 

Below are a few ideas. In your submission, please indicate which formats you would be interested in. We will provide support to the selected presenters to ensure presentations meet the required format.

PechaKucha – A concise presentation style where presenters show 20 slides for 20 seconds each. The presentations are fast-paced and focus on key messages. This presentation style allows ample time for questions and engagement with attendees. Watch this YouTube video for more information.

Speed Geeking – A take on speed dating, where presenters are arranged along the outside of the room, in this format each presenter will have their own “station.” Participants will attend four stations, meaning that each presenter will discuss their work four times with smaller groups. The small group format encourages deeper discussion and a range of opinions.

Talk Show – In this format, we will select 3 – 4 presenters who submitted research on a related topic (eg. “Housing First”). Each presenter will have 5-7 minutes to provide an overview of their research, using up to 3 PowerPoint slides. When the presentations are through, the facilitator or the “talk show host” will facilitate a discussion about the topic. Presenters will receive a list of questions prior to the conference and will have the opportunity to provide input. Session attendees will be encouraged to ask questions too.

Debate - The debate format is a great way to create energy in a room for a research topic. This presentation would work best in a partnership, where both presenters are able to outline each side to an issue or new initiative. The format would allow for each side of the topic to start by presenting their idea in 15 minutes or less before launching into a timed debate with a moderator. Questions can be prepared beforehand and collected from the audience.

It is a creative way to inject improvisation and critical analysis into your presentation while keeping the audience engaged. Presenters who are interested in a debate must submit with others who are prepared to participate in this format.

Other Ideas – If you and your colleagues have an innovative format you’d like to try, please let us know in your submission. Your content and format should fill a 90-minute session. We will give preference to submissions that encourage the participation and engagement of attendees.

Submission Guidelines

Researchers (academic, government, non-profit, consultant) and students are invited to submit abstracts for presentations. Submissions that do not contain the following information will not be considered.

  • Presentation title
  • Preferred presentation formats (check all that apply)
    • Single presentation
    • Full panel (3 - 4 presenters)
    • PechaKucha
    • Speed Geeking
    • Talk Show
    • Debate
    • Other – please explain
  • Primary topic (select one)
    • Indigenous homelessness prevention
    • Youth homelessness prevention
    • Priority populations: women, families, veterans, etc. homelessness prevention
    • Rural and small-town homelessness prevention
    • Data and measuring progress towards preventing homelessness
    • Knowledge mobilization practices regarding homelessness prevention research, policy and practice
    • Other - You are also invited to submit an abstract on a theme not listed, so long as it is relevant to the overall prevention theme.
  • The name(s) and affiliation of presenters – that is, who will be presenting at the conference itself. If you are submitting a full panel, please indicate the name and affiliations of each presenter.
  • Email address and contact details of key contact (select one)
  • Abstracts cannot exceed 300 words and should include:
    • Statement of project’s purpose
    • Brief description of methods
    • Summary of findings (if applicable)
    • Implications for policy or practice (the “so what-ness”)
    • Keywords (up to 5)
  • Answers to the following questions:
    • What types of stakeholders will be most interested in this research?
    • How does this research contribute to better solutions to prevent and end homelessness?
Publication Date: 
2019