Call for Proposals: 2023 OALA Conference

Change can be difficult, but also stimulating. As we begin to adjust to our 'new normal' post-pandemic, landscape architects must innovate and learn to adapt to many issues at the forefront of change impacting our work and our communities- such as the ongoing climate crisis, the development of Bill 23, and addressing racial and social inequities. We must be prepared to take on sudden change as an opportunity rather than a constraint.

On September 28-29, 2023, join the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) for Sudden Change: Transformative Solutions, a conference that will explore the integral role landscape architects play in creating innovative and adaptive solutions for the well-being of our communities.

The call for proposals is now open! Submit your proposal by June 5, 2023.

OALA members and individuals from allied and related professions are encouraged to submit a proposal to present at the 2023 OALA conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown.

Proposal Guidelines

To support our potential presenters in aligning their sessions with the conference theme, the OALA has developed a list of essential questions. You are encouraged to review the essential questions and consider them when submitting your proposal. Selected topics will address one or more of the questions found in the essential questions.   

Proposals will be reviewed by the following criteria:

• Relevance of the proposal to the conference theme
• Clarity of intended session objectives/learning outcomes
• Relevance across OALA membership types
• Appropriate engagement of conference participants (for presentations and panels)
• Overall clarity and timeliness of the proposal

Proposal Formats

Presentation (60 minutes – September 29): A live 60-minute session on a specific topic designed to share knowledge and develop skills and expertise among participants. This format should include at least 10 minutes of Q&A.

Panel Discussion/Roundtable Discussion (60 minutes – September 29): With a panel of colleagues, address different topics related to the conference theme and/or its essential questions. Panel and Roundtable discussions may be comprised of proposals made with the same or opposing points of view. We encourage you to submit a proposal that you feel strongly about, even if you feel you do not have enough material for a full hour. The selection committee will help you locate additional speakers to join your discussion.

Tour (up to 2 hours - September 28): Take conference attendees on a tour of a local landscape architecture site. Only one tour will be selected and must be available to welcome conference attendees on September 28 in Toronto. The selection of the chosen location will be determined based on proximity to the conference site and alignment with the theme.

All presenters will be responsible for any expenses relating to their participation. This includes travel, accommodations, and registration to attend the conference. Presenters will receive a discounted rate for their participation.

Presentations must remain politically neutral and non-partisan to any special interest groups, affiliations or associations.

Submit your proposal