Invitation to submit a proposal: The planning committee for The Labyrinth Society Annual Gathering is accepting proposals for presentations for the 2014 Gathering. This international conference will provide participants with an inspirational and educational environment where an exchange of ideas, learning, and networking can occur.

Theme: The 2015 Gathering theme is “Branching Out”. Thelabyrinth empowers us to branch out in new ways. Join us as we creatively examine how the labyrinth is a catalyst for a life of realized potential.

Format: The format for Gathering presentations may include lectures, experiential workshops, posters, and a relatively new presentation category called ‘Mini Sessions.’ All proposalsneed to be relevant to the chosen presentation category, and presenters are encouraged to explore and describe how their presentation relates to the theme of the Gathering.

Abstracts: As a part of the application process, all presenters will submit a 250 word description (a.k.a. abstract) summarizing their lecture, workshop or poster. Abstracts of selected presentations are published on the TLS members-only website after the event. This provides presenters a way of gaining recognition for their work and offering other TLS members an opportunity to review presentations.Leaders of selected presentations also have the option of submitting a PDF synopsis of PowerPoint slides for publication along with their abstract.

Submission and Blind Review Process:In ‘going green,’ TLS requires proposals to be made electronically. Also, as part of the selection process, proposals will go through a blind review: all submissions will be reviewed by the selection committeewithout the names of thepresentersattached to them. This ensures that selections are made based on the quality of the proposal. A presenter may submit more than one proposal, however, after the initial blind selection process, the number of accepted proposals per person may be limited. In addition, conference planners reserve theright to recommend a change in presentation format.

Benefits of presenting at the Gathering: In addition to recognition for presenting at an international conference and the opportunity to publish seminar synopses, presenters also receive anhonorarium: $100 (US) for workshops, lectures and poster presentations, and $50 (US) for ‘Mini Sessions.’In the event of multiple presenters for one session, the honorarium will be awarded to the individual designated as the lead presenter. The lead presenter will be the individual who completes and submits the presentation proposal form. It will be up to the presenters to negotiate sharing the compensation.

Conference Registration: By August 15th, presenters must be TLS members in good standing and be registered for the Gathering. Though registration prices vary depending upon location, approximate cost is $600.

Materials and Handouts: Each presenter is responsible for providing all workshop materials and handouts as well as a laptop and LCD projector if they are needed for the presentation. Some AV equipment may be available for presenter's use. Contact the Workshop Chair to explore available options.

Sales: Sales of goods, including books, CDs, etc., is prohibited in the workshop sessions, and may be done only in the Vendor Area by purchasing avendor table or offering goods through the TLS Store.

Deadline: The Presentation Proposal Form must be received NO LATER THANMarch 1, 2015. In order to be considered, this form must be completed in full and submitted by email.

2015 TLS Gathering:October 16-18, 2015, WaycrossConferenceCenter, Morgantown, Indiana

Conference theme: “Branching Out”

General Instructions

  1. Submission Deadline: March 1, 2015
  2. What constitutes a complete proposal: When presenters have completed the proposal process, they should have two separate items to submit: Document #1 (the presentation proposal form) and Document #2 (the presenter information form):
  3. Where to locate these documents:
  4. Document #1 (the presentation proposal form) exists below as a part of this multi-page document.
  5. Document #2 (the presenter information form) is accessed through a separate link at the base of the Call for Proposals web page.
  6. Submitting your proposal:
  1. Please name Document #1 (the presentation proposal form) in this way:
  2. “thetitleofyourpresentation_2015proposal”. (example: Labyrinths101_2015proposal.doc)
  3. Please name Document #2 (the presenter information form) in this way:
  4. your first initial_last name_2015info (example: J_Doe_2015info.doc)
  5. Save each document as a separateWORD Document (.doc) or (.docx).
  6. Attach both documents to a single email and send to the TLS Documents Support Volunteer at: with “TLS Gathering Presentation Proposal” in the subject line.

2015 TLS Gathering: October 16-18, 2015, WaycrossConferenceCenter, Morgantown, Indiana

Conference theme: “Branching Out”

Document #1: Presentation Proposal Form

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2015

Presentation Information

  1. Title of Presentation:
  2. Format: Please check one. Experiential workshops are 90 minutes long. Lecture and poster presentations are 60-minutes long. Please be sure to include a period for questions and answers.

____ Lecture (60 minutes)

____ Experiential Workshop (90 minutes)

____ Poster (60 minutes) This session consists of a number of poster presenters located in the same area, at the same time. Conference attendees move from one presentation area to the next within the room, allowingfor one-to-one conversations with the presenters. Additional guidelines for posters (including size and display requirements) are available through a link located at the base of the Call for Proposals web page.

____ Mini Session (25 minutes) - If you don't require 60 minutes to present your topic,a 25 minute minisession may be perfect.This is abrief, fast paced presentation in which content is synopsized and presented in a classroom setting. Presentation mediums can include power point, lecture, or experiential exercises. Creativity is encouraged.

  1. Presentation Descriptions:
  1. General Instructions: A small volunteer staff donates time to process your proposal. Please do everything you can to follow these instructions to make their job easier.
  2. In observation of the blind review, please refrain from including overt identifying information in the body of your descriptions.
  3. Word limits are strictly observed. No description beyond stated word limits will be included.
  4. Please refrain from using any formatting other than Times New Roman 12 point black font (no bullets, indentations, fancy or colored fonts).
  5. 250 Word Description (abstract): In 250 words (maximum) please describeyour presentation using the questions below as a guide.
  6. What is the primary focus of your presentation and how does that primary focus involve,include, and/or use the labyrinth?
  7. Within your presentation, what activities are offered? (labyrinth-centered activity - walk, finger walk? creation of a labyrinth? use of a labyrinth design? viewing a DVD orPowerPoint presentation, listening to lecture? involvement in a small group activity? meditation? other activity?)
  8. In what sequence will the activities be organized? For instance: Lecture, hands-on, small group activity, followed by reflection time and Q/A? Some other combination?
  9. 40-60 word description (max):This is a description of the proposed presentation that will be printed in promotional materials. Imagine your prospective audience reading this synopsis on the Workshop Descriptions page of the TLS website and also in The Gathering program.
  1. Presentation content:
  1. Participant Learning Outcomes/Session Objectives. At the end of this session, participants will be able to: (list 3 outcomes/objectives).
  1. Describe how this lecture, workshop, poster, or mini session relates to the theme and goals of the Gathering.
  1. Experience level of intended audience: Novice___ Intermediate___ Advanced___ All___
  2. Preferred maximum number of participants: ______
  3. Have you proposed or presented this session to another group or conference? ____ Yes ____ No

If yes, please indicate the seminar or group and when the presentation was made.

  1. Equipment/materials/space/room set-up needed. (Note: Presenters will be required to provide their own computer/LCD projector if needed for their presentation).

If bringing own equipment, please list below so the A.V team can prepare for your electrical needs.

  1. Are you bringing a labyrinth? Yes_____ No ____

If yes, dimension: ______

If yes, would you be willing to allow another presenter to use your labyrinth? ______

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