Focus Areas

University 2018 has distinct tracks this year. All proposals must tie to one of the following focus/specialization areas:

Facilities Management & Operations

Topics will focus on all areas of facilities management, including corrective, preventive, planned maintenance, capital planning and asset replacement/renewal, energy management, safety/security, data driven decision-making, and how to use data and reporting to achieve success in your department.

Business Operations

Topics will focus on all areas of business operations management, community use of facilities and rental revenues, field trip management, energy management, automating facilities operations and processes, building automation technology, capital planning and asset replacement/renewal, data driven decision-making, how to use data to prioritize staff/resources or projects, and how to use data with stakeholders and constituents.

Technology Operations

Topics will focus on technology trends, challenges and innovation, including leadership and management strategies; how to best utilize the data you're compiling; implementation and integration strategies for processes and technology; and today's pressing challenges such as BYOD, shrinking budgets, bandwidth and more.

Audience

More than 600 professionals from public K-12 districts, independent schools, higher education institutions, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and membership-based organizations come together annually for continued excellence in their professions. Participants serve a wide range of job functions and may work in several different departments across their organization, including administrator, maintenance technicians, facilities coordinators, property managers and directors, business officers, assistant superintendents, superintendents, etc.

Evaluation Process

Each application is reviewed and evaluated using the following criteria:

How to Submit a Good Application

How do I become a presenter?

We appreciate your interest in participating in the Dude University program. Session proposals are accepted online through July 31, 2017. There is no limit to the amount of proposals you may submit for consideration.

Do I have to register for the conference if I am a presenter?

All attendees, including presenters, must register for Dude University. We provide speakers a 50% discount on their tuition.

How long are sessions?

Session blocks are scheduled for 50 minutes. When preparing your presentation, be mindful to leave time for questions and answers.

What AV can I expect when I arrive in my presentation room?

The standard room setup for Dude University includes:

• One laptop
  
• One projection unit with screen
  
• One podium
  
• Internet connection
  
• One speaker unit with lanyard microphone and handheld microphone
  

Can I bring my own laptop to do my presentation?

You must bring your presentation on a flash drive and present on the computers that are provided in the classrooms.

Will there be flipcharts and/or whiteboards in the presentation rooms?

These items are not provided in the standard room setup. If specific items are necessary to the success of your presentation, please include this information when registering for the conference.

How do I know if my session has been accepted and I am a confirmed presenter?

All submissions are subject to a review cycle. You will be notified on September 1, 2017 of the status of your session submission.

Will session presenters have their expenses paid for?

Dude Solutions does not provide assistance with travel or other conference-related expenses.

Do I need to submit my presentation before the conference?

Presenters are required to submit their presentations to Dude Solutions by February 1, 2018.

How do I label my session presentation for submissions?

Presentations should be labeled with the complete title of the session when submitted. The complete title will be communicated once the schedule is complete.

Is there an official Dude University PowerPoint template to use for my session?

A PowerPoint template for Dude University will be available for download. You will be notified when this is available.

Will there be someone to assist me in case of any problems?

Dude University event staff will be available onsite to help with any issues during your session.