EDEN Annual Conference 2027 Call for Presentation and Poster Proposals

Dates: March 8-12, 2027
Location: Lexington, KY (Hosted by University of Kentucky)

The 2027 Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Annual Conference Committee invites EDEN Delegates, Extension Professionals, and Researchers to submit an abstract to be considered for presentation at the EDEN Conference, March 8-12, 2027, in Lexington, Kentucky. Please share the call for proposals with eligible colleagues and professional groups that may be interested.

Deadline for submission: September 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm EDST

Presenters to be notified by October 15, 2026

All submissions should be compelling in both the importance of the subject matter and show experience and knowledge of the subject in the following areas:

• Current issues in disaster education and management with a special interest in different approaches used by Cooperative Extension Systems (CES) and associated programs and partners (Sea Grant)
• Current research and practice in disaster education and disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery
• Successful internal and external partnerships and collaborations
• Innovative curriculum, programs, or projects, including USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and EDEN Initiative funded projects
• Emerging issues in disaster education and disaster management that may have implications for CES and affiliated partners
• Research projects of an applied nature and that contribute to Extension and outreach on disaster education
• Research that addresses systematic response and recovery systems of disaster and lessons learned

All presentations are thirty-five (35) minutes in length, with 25 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for Q&A. Poster dimensions are not to exceed 36X48 and poster easels, boards, and clips will be provided for each presenter. A poster presentation will be held during the conference, and poster authors will be expected to stand with their posters during that time.

The primary presenter and/or a co-author is expected to register for the conference and attend and deliver the presentation and/or poster in person.

Evaluation Criteria for Oral Presentations & Posters

The following criteria will be used to evaluate program presentation proposals:

• Scope of coverage — Does the program, project, and/or research methodology and program development have applications or implications across geographic regions and program areas?
• Application—Does the program, project, and/or research results have applications and/or implications for existing and future efforts and/or provide a research context for building future educational programs and materials?
• Originality –Demonstrates a novel methodology or approach in addressing a new or long-standing issue and/or crisis. Showcases partnerships and /or collaborations that are unconventional yet productive.
• Collaboration – Highlights interdisciplinary teamwork leading to unique insights and outcomes.
• Overall quality.

Proposals must be submitted electronically using the online submission form.

Each submission should include:

• Primary Presenter Information: first and last name, institution, primary contact phone number and email address
• Co-Presenter(s): name and institution
• Title of presentation
• Presentation type – program, poster, or both
• Program area(s): 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communications, Community and Economic Development, Family Consumer Sciences, Sea Grant, Research, or Other (interdisciplinary).
• Should address the following items 750 words or less:
  • Topic
  • Background and/or theoretical framework
  • Research question, purpose, thesis, or organizing concept and the scope of presentation
  • Methodology and/or program development
  • Funder, if appropriate
  • Sources of data used, if appropriate
  • Results and/or evaluation
  • Conclusions, recommendations, and implications

Abstract:
Individuals selected to present a program or poster presentation are expected to submit their final presentation and materials (i.e. handouts or worksheets) to EDEN for posting within the annual conference proceedings on the EDEN website.

If you have questions, please contact:

Tommy Bass at ude.anatnomobfsctd-8b6d9f@ssabmt or 406-994-5733; or

Andrea Higdon, Annual Conference Chair, ude.ykuobfsctd-6d7604@nodgih.aerdna or (859) 257-7868

Please share the call for proposals with colleagues and professional groups that may be interested.

Conference registration will open soon!