Notes from reading How to write the perfect CFP (with or without AI)
How to choose a topic?
Pick something that:
- Serves your audience - Know who they are and what they need
- Excites you - Choose topics that spark your passion
- Provides value - Focus on actionable insights
Topic ideas:
- Problem-solving stories
- Technology comparisons
- Real-world case studies
- Cross-domain innovations
- Best practices and lessons learned
How to write a good CFP?
A Call for Papers/Proposal (CFP) typically includes:
-
Title
- Critical - This is your first impression
- Be accurate and descriptive
- (optional) Use title case i.e. "How to Write..." > "How to write..."
-
Abstract (120-200 words)
- Hook - Start with a compelling statement or story
- Why it matters - Explain the problem or opportunity
- What's in it for them - Clear takeaways and outcomes
-
Bio (120-200 words)
- Professional credibility - Your relevant experience and expertise
- Relevance - Why you're qualified for this specific topic
- Personal touch - Something memorable and human
Tips
- Write in Google Docs first - Don't lose your work in conference forms
- Use AI - Grammar checkers and writing assistants are helpful
- Submit first, create later - Get accepted before investing time in slides
- Recycle content - Submit the same talk to multiple conferences
- Adapt your bio - Customize the relevance section for each conference