Prep like a pro

• Use the official slide template. All presentations must use the National Comp slide template to ensure a cohesive attendee experience. Please avoid repurposing corporate decks.
• Stick with Open Sans. Open Sans is the official conference font. If it’s not installed on your device, it’s available for free via Google Fonts.
• Keep slides clean and readable. Use 16pt font or larger and avoid long paragraphs. Slides should support your talk, not compete with it.
• Rehearse with your co-presenters. A quick run-through helps with timing, transitions, and clarity. Please plan to reserve at least 10 minutes for audience Q&A (required for CE credit).

Engage, don’t just inform

• Lead with takeaways. Your session was selected for educational value. Make sure attendees leave with ideas they can apply, whether or not they ever work with your organization.
• Keep it energetic and professional. Clear delivery, practical examples, and a strong through-line matter more than complicated slides.
• Build interaction into the room. A quick poll, show of hands, short scenario, or structured Q&A can elevate engagement and retention.
• Bring tools attendees can use. Checklists, templates, worksheets, and short guides are especially valuable and can be shared via the conference app.

Extend the value

• Submit your handouts. Handouts are available to registered attendees in the conference app. This is the best place for detailed stats, research, supporting material, and deeper resources.
• Share follow-up resources with us. If you publish a related article, toolkit, or post-session resource, let us know. We may be able to amplify it through National Comp channels.

Optional resources for slide design and delivery:

• Conference Presenting Tips – Fourwaves
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Conference Presenting – Ex Ordo
• Make PowerPoint Not Boring – TechSmith
• Design Tips for Visual Presentations – ReadWriteThink
• Next Level Slides - TED-Ed
• Less is More - eSlide