Presenting at TypeCon

Update! The deadline for programming proposals has been extended to Friday, March 9th, 2012

The Society of Typographic Aficionados (SOTA) is now accepting programming proposals for its fourteenth annual conference. TypeCon2012 will be held at the InterContinental Hotel, July 31st – August 5th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and will once again offer an affordable program designed for type makers and type users from all walks of life.

We are currently reviewing proposals for contemporary and historical presentations and panel discussions, focused hands-on workshops in both the digital and non-digital realms, and a variety of programming for the Type & Design Education Forum and other special events.

Topics for presentations at TypeCon cover a broad range of interests, including: typography; type design; font production; graphic design; new media; printing history; calligraphy and hand lettering; the book arts; advertising; type in motion; literacy; type sales and marketing; legal issues; type and design education; and other related areas.

Deadline for proposals: Friday, March 9th, 2012

Standard programming formats are as follows:

Main Conference Program

Friday, August 3rd – Sunday, August 5th

Full-length Presentations

  • 40 minutes, including time for audience Q & A

Type in 20 Presentations

  • 20 minutes, including time for audience Q & A (if any)

Panel Discussions

  • Requires a minimum of 3 panelists representing a range of experience and expertise in a given topic. An experienced moderator is necessary for all panels — programming committee will choose a moderator at its discretion if an appropriate candidate does not emerge. A moderator may also serve as a panelist where appropriate. Panel discussions range from 45-75 minutes, depending on the topic.

Pre-Conference Workshops

Wednesday, August 1st – Thursday, August 2nd

Workshops should give attendees and opportunity to “get their hands dirty” and expand their creative and/or technological horizons.

Full-day Workshops

  • 7 hours (with break for lunch at midday)

Half-day Workshops

  • 3.5 hours (no break)

Type & Design Education Forum

Thursday, August 2nd

Please refer to the separate education forum call for speakers.

Tours & Special Events

Tuesday, July 31st – Sunday, August 5th

Any ideas that showcase typography and design in Milwaukee and the surrounding region are welcome.

Proposal Guidelines & Requirements

You may submit multiple proposals.

In order to consider your proposal, we will need the following:

  • The type of programming spot you are seeking
  • The title of the presentation, panel, workshop, tour, or other event
  • A concise one-paragraph description of your topic (up to 100 words)
  • Complete supporting materials for review (visuals, theses, articles, abstracts, etc.)
    • the more details you provide, the better
    • workshop proposals must include a list of supplies that will be required
  • Your biography, edited for publicity (100 words maximum)
  • Your CV, resume, or long form biography (including areas of interest and specialization)
  • Speaking references (if you have not previously presented at TypeCon)
  • A short statement on why you wish to participate in TypeCon
  • A print quality headshot
  • Any other material that supports your proposal

Please use PDF, RTF, or ASCII files for text. Headshot images should be TIFF or JPEG format, 2″ x 2″ @ 300DPI minimum size. Compress all files in a single ZIP archive labeled with your name and the type of program spot you are seeking (eg: TC12_Main_LastNameFirstName). If your ZIP archive is larger than 20MB, please send a link to a downloadable file rather than an email attachment.

Email proposals to email hidden by Wednesday, February 29th, 2012.

The programming committee will review all proposals for possible inclusion in the conference schedule.

See also: TypeCon2012: Education Forum Call for Speakers

Photo Copyright © Henrique Nardi. All rights reserved.