SGS Call For Presentations

For general information about the conference and links to registration, lodging, sponsors, and more, please visit our Conference Home page.

Abstract Instructions & Information

A wide variety of topics will be considered, including presentations reporting innovative research, research/practice collaborations, model programs for the future, and public policy discussions. Students are highly encouraged to submit abstracts for consideration as SGS conferences are a great place for students to share their work.

This conference welcomes everyone and you do not need to be a member of SGS to present or attend.

Required Registration

• Submitting a presentation implies that the presenting authors, as listed within the presentation submission, will register for the conference. Please visit the SGS Conference Registration page for rates and information.
• When submitting this presentation for consideration, please be sure to distinguish who will be presenting authors versus general contributing authors. Presenting authors will be required to register. CVs/Resumes and bios will be required for all presenting authors. Contributing authors will not be listed in the conference program but will be listed in the Book of Abstracts. You will distinguish an author as contributing by unchecking the presenting author box.
• This conference is structured to include numerous conference registration options including single day passes. Conference rates are generously discounted for members of the Southern Gerontological Society.
• At least one presenting author must plan to be in-person and registered. If additional authors are planning to present virtually, they are not required to register as long as the in-person presenter is registered. We will not be offering live virtual presentations without at least one in-person presenter. Presenters may work with SGS in the case of an unforeseen need to present virtually (i.e., family emergency, COVID diagnosis, etc.). The in-person presenter will be responsible for setting up a virtual platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, etc.) to stream the virtual presenter. Internet access will be available in all rooms.
• If you would prefer to present virtually, you can take advantage of our virtual presentation option. Virtual presentations will not be live. Presenters will submit pre-recorded sessions (we recommend 30 minutes or less) that will be made available to conference attendees. Virtual abstracts will be included in the Conference Program and the Book of Abstracts. There will be a$50 fee in place of conference registration.
• You will be asked to agree to a statement that you understand the registration requirements.

Presentation Logistics

Generally, conference sessions are scheduled to last 60 or 90 minutes.

• Panel symposium are sessions lasting 90 minutes, are organized by the author, and may include a panel of up to five presenters. It is important to note that abstracts for symposium must detail who will be the presenting panel members at the time of the abstract submission.
• Paper sessions combine complementary presentations and may be 60 or 90 minutes with each paper receiving 15 - 25 minutes to present depending on the number of papers in that session.
• Technique or Tool Demonstration Workshops, Self-Care Wellness Workshops, and Best Practices Presentations are sessions lasting 60 minutes.

Posters

If you submit as a Student or Professional Poster, you will present during a poster session that will likely last 1.5 - 2 hours. You will be expected to share information about your poster with attendees as they move between posters. The poster board display area will be no less than a four-foot tall by six-foot wide surface area. Poster board displays are double-sided and they will be equipped with the appropriate means of adhering the poster to its surface (tacks or clips).

Simple On-Line Submission

Please be sure to read through the Call for Abstracts Instructions before beginning. This document includes important instructions and guidelines to ensure you have all the information you need to submit your proposal. Begin your submission at https://sgs2024.exordo.com/.

Conference Domains

Domain 1: Age-related Health and Wellness - America’s persistent attention on disease-focused treatments often misses key aspects of quality of life and wellness that includes physical, mental and spiritual health, meaningful activity, prevention, social engagement, happiness and enjoyment/pleasure. This track welcomes submissions that address research, best practices, policy agendas/commentaries and local examples of community programming are welcomed on topics such as, but not exclusively limited to, chronic illness, oral health, social isolation and loneliness, sleep, mental health, and drug misuse/dependence.

Domain 2: Environment & Location: The Power of Place - As regional and state-based organizations focused on aging and older adults, we need to consider the influence of place, specifically region and the legacy of history and social institutions on older adults in our communities. Submissions that discuss the social history, shared community, diverse culture(s) or identity of the region with particular attention to the meaning of place (including housing and transportation) are encouraged.

Domain 3: Diversity Topics in Aging Communities - Inequality across many social groups (e.g., race, ethnicity, class, sex, sexuality, immigrant status) and the intersection of these differences have implications for older adults in almost all aspects of their lives. As the United States, as well as other countries attempt to cope with the challenges of a rapidly growing aging population, individuals and their communities are faced with inadequate resources. Submissions that address research, best practices, policy agendas/commentaries and local examples of community resilience are encouraged.

Domain 4: Caregiving, Care Support, and Care Partnerships - Over a lifetime, everyone will need care, and most will provide it to others. his domain welcomes all submissions related or pertaining to topics which may include, but are not limited to, caregiving (formal or informal), caregiver self-care, awareness and prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, veteran’s care, respite services, intergenerational partnerships, therapeutic arts, tele-everything (medical, legal, smart-homes), and other creative programming.

Domain 5: Gerontological Education and Professional Development - As the population ages globally, there is a pressing need to maintain persistent education to all aging professionals beginning with a focus on students to help them to adequately prepare for a multiplicity of careers that would either benefit from gerontological expertise or directly address the needs and preferences of older adults. Sessions in this track will offer insight into pedagogical strategies that bring gerontology to the classroom, serve to bridge gerontology students from education to practice, and cater to all professionals wanting to accelerate or enhance their professional skill sets. Sessions that actively demonstrate teaching and learning strategies, marketing, and branding, interviewing skills, enhancing social media presence and general best practices in gerontological education are encouraged.

Domain 6: Advocacy For Or By Older Adults - Organizations play an important role in uncovering evidence, developing policy agendas and advocating for and with older adults. Local, state, national and international entities/units also impact advocacy. Submissions that discuss policy and advocacy agendas, financial planning, elder law and/or end-of-life planning, state aging plans, or grassroots efforts are encouraged.

Need Additional Assistance?

You can email Amanda James at admin@southerngerontologicalsociety.org or call 866-920-4660 with any questions.

We have provided Presentation Examples for Paper/Poster and Mini-Workshop presentations. You can view, print, or download this PDF document - click or tap on the "Download" button.

There is also a YouTube webinar featuring specific information on how to write an abstract. You will need to scroll down to the webinar titled: "SGS 2018 Webinar - Poster Presentations for Conference".