iConference: Frequently Asked Questions


Answers to all FAQs can be found on this page. If you have a question that is not answered here, please reach out to us at iConference.uoft@gmail.com 

On this page: 

  1. When are applications open? 
  2. Who is eligible to present at the iConference?  
  3. Can groups present?
  4. Can I submit more than one proposal? 
  5. Does the presentation have to be academic? 
  6. How long should the presentation be? 
  7. Can I use visuals in my presentation? 
  8. How closely do applications need to relate to the theme? 
  9. What is the acceptance process like? 
  10. How do applications for workshops work? 
  11. I am unable to attend the iConference on March 11. Can I still participate? 
  12. My presentation contains topics or visuals that may be distressing to particular groups or people. How should I proceed? 

1. When are applications open? 
Applications are open from February 1 2023 12:01am to February 25 2023 at 11:59pm. 

2. Who is eligible to apply to present at the conference? 
All students in any program at the Faculty of Information are eligible to apply for the iConference. This includes Bachelor of Information Students, Master of Information Students, Master of Museum Studies students and PhD students. 

3. Can groups present? 
Yes! We welcome groups of up to 4 students to apply. Please note that for anyone interested in applying for a workshop you must submit an application as a group to ensure that you have the support to effectively conduct a workshop. 

We ask any groups who are submitting an application to select one member to apply for the group and to identify the names and contact information for all other group members.

4. Can I submit more than one proposal? 
Yes, but only one presentation will be chosen per person. 

An individual may apply both as part of a group and as an individual presenter for two different topics. 

5. Does the presentation have to be academic? 
No! We are interested in presentations based off academic work and research, internships, co-ops, capstone projects, outside work, volunteering, or personal projects and experiences.

For individuals interested in submitting a more academic or research focussed presentation we are also accepting abstracts or research papers. Abstracts and/or research papers can be submitted in combination with a slide presentation for individuals who are looking to present at the conference or can be submitted alone to be shared in either print or digital form (TBA) at the conference. 

For any submission, please be sure to cite and credit any and all appropriate sources. 

6. How long should presentations be? 
Presentation length varies depending on the presentation format you apply for. If you are unsure as to what type of presentation would work best for you, please send us an email at iconference.uoft@gmail.com. 

  • Lightning Talks: 3-5 minutes  
  • Slide Presentations: approximately 10 minutes  
  • Workshop**: maximum 30-45 minutes 

7. Can I use visuals in my presentation? 
We encourage all applicants to use visuals (photos, powerpoint slides, videos etc.) to support their presentation. Any visuals used must be accounted for in the total presentation time. For example, for a slide presentation a presenter may plan to speak for 8 minutes and include a 2 minute video for a total time of 10 minutes. 

Following acceptance, all presenters must submit all visuals they intend to use in their presentation by March 4 11:59pm. Visuals will be reviewed to ensure technical capability for the day of and to flag for sensitive content. If your application addresses potentially sensitive topics, please see the section on addressing sensitive content below. 

8. How closely do applications need to relate to the theme? 
How closely your presentation relates to the theme is up to you but applicants should be able to explain how their presentation connects back to the theme of activism in information spaces or GLAM institutions. For an in-depth explanation of the theme, please click here. 

If you have any questions about how closely your presentation relates to the theme, send us an email at iSchool.uoft@gmail.com. 

9. What is the acceptance process like? 
We will be admitting applicants to the conference on a rolling basis throughout the application period. This means that the earlier you apply, the earlier we can confirm your acceptance. Please note we have a limited number of spots open for presenters on the day of the conference and we encourage you to get your applications in as early as possible. 

Applicants applying before the deadline should expect to hear back about their acceptance within one week of applying. Applicants who apply on the 25th should expect to hear back by the end of day 28th of February. 
Regardless of when you are accepted, applicants must submit any and all visuals (photos, powerpoint slides, video etc.) they intend to use for their presentation by March 4th 11:59pm. 
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10. How do applications for workshops work? 
The opportunity to present a workshop at the iConference allows for students to share their knowledge and skills with visitors in a more collaborative exchange. 
Applications for workshops must fulfill the following: 

  1. Applicants must apply as part of a group (min. 2 individuals) to ensure that they have the necessary resources to execute a workshop. 
  2. Applicants must identify the structure of the workshop in their application, what the audience will learn from their participation and the number of participants this workshop can support. 
  3. Applicants must identify any additional resources or supplies they will be providing to ensure the success of their workshops. 
At this time the iConference is not able to supply any additional funds or supplies for the iConference. However, we are happy to support applicants in their planning process and  can provide additional volunteers on the day of as necessary. 
Please note that we have very limited space available for workshops and anticipate a maximum of two workshops. 

11. I am unable to attend the iConference on March 11. Can I still participate? 
Yes! As an applicant you have the option to submit a research abstract or paper either by itself or in addition to a presentation. These submitted papers will then be accessible to all visitors to read digitally at the conference. Depending on the number of applications and student interest, the iJournal may also consider publishing the work shared in a conference-focused summer issue of the iJournal. 

12. My presentation contains topics or visuals that may be distressing or triggering to particular people or groups. How should I proceed? 
Given the topic of the conference, we understand that some individuals may be discussing content that could be distressing for particular individuals or groups. We strongly encourage all presenters to be sensitive to their potential audience and use tools within their presentations such as content warnings for triggering visuals or content. 

All visuals will be reviewed in advance to ensure technical capability and sensitive content. If, in the process of this review, an image is considered to be exceptionally graphic or offensive without relevant rationale provided or tools in place, the iConference executive will work with the presenter to develop a plan for the presentation. This could include flagging the presentation as graphic in the conference schedule to enable visitors to plan their visit, inputting a content warning or stronger rationale for why the visual was included in the presentation, or a removal of the visual completely from the presentation. 

Any presenter who refuses to make requested changes to their presentation following discussions with the iConference exec may be removed from the iConference presentation schedule.

If you have any further concerns or would like support creating a plan for your presentation, please send us an email at iConference.uoft@gmail.com.