We’ve got about eight weeks before the programming proposal deadline of May 9, and…

Sirens is designed specifically as a space where you can discuss fantasy literature and its remarkable women. We hear you asking questions and having discussions, so we know you have something to say. It’s particularly great when you have something to share that’s related to women authors, characters, or professionals, or when it’s related to the Sirens theme for the year (this year, lovers!). We hope you also know that you can discuss fantasy more generally, as well as all topics that always—and should, and must—come up when we take a look at what we’re reading and writing, like gender, sexuality, diversity and intersectionality, politics, economics, business, art… We could go on, but that’s where you come in.

Most programming for Sirens is conceived and presented by attendees. You create it, you submit it, and—when approved by our vetting board—you present it. We’re able to support presentations in a number of styles; you can see more about what those are on the proposals page of the Sirens website.

While you’re pondering topics and presentation styles, please feel free to check out the entire programming section of the Sirens website, our 2016 suggested reading list, and the conference archives for inspiration. Keep an eye out for more helpful preparation information in the coming months.

And while you’re pondering, you might also like to know…

1. We ask you to submit proposals so that we can get an idea of what we need to plan for at the conference—and to help us get a sense of what people want to discuss. We hope the proposal process also helps you organize your thoughts!
    
2. The Sirens website has lots of information about how to prepare a proposal. If you have a question about any part of what you need to make a proposal, please don’t hesitate to email us; we love helping you put together something wonderful.
    
3. We have a vetting board choose presentations from among the proposals you make. The more proposals, the merrier! That said, we’d prefer that you focus on the proposal or two that’s closest to your heart; not only does the vetting board like to receive a thoughtful proposal, we like to see lots of people presenting once or twice, instead of one person presenting a dozen times.
    
4. If you’re saying oh, I couldn’t, we encourage you to say yes, I can! If you have more questions than answers, maybe you’d make a great moderator for a panel or roundtable discussion. If you feel more comfortable reading from prepared notes, consider a paper. If you have resources or a skill to share, consider a workshop or an afternoon class.
    
5. There are no “requirements” to be a presenter; anyone and everyone is welcome to make a proposal.
    
6. We’re here to help! Reach us at (programming at sirensconference.org).