Are you thinking about submitting a talk for ShinyConf 2025 but unsure where to start? 

Here are some insights from our ShinyConf Planning Committee on what makes a great proposal. Call for Speakers is almost coming to a close (Deadline is February 2nd), so here are tips to help you craft a submission that will stand out even if it’s your first time!

Want to stay in the loop about ShinyConf 2025? Bookmark our updates page for all the latest news and announcements.

Understand What the Program Committee is Looking For

The committee evaluates proposals based on three main criteria:

• Innovation and Impact: Showcase novel approaches, practical applications, or projects with clear benefits for the community.
• Technical Depth: Ensure your talk is suited to the audience, whether they are beginners or advanced users. It should have a clear technical foundation and well-defined scope.
• Clear Narrative: A compelling story with clear learning outcomes and actionable takeaways is more likely to engage attendees.

Let’s break things down a bit more: 

Identify the Right Topic

Your topic should align with your expertise and passion. 

Here are some suggestions you can consider:

• Share lessons learned from projects you’ve worked on recently.  For example, describe how you optimized a Shiny app for scalability or enhanced user experience.
• Discuss emerging trends and relevant developments in Shiny for R and Python or related fields, such as integrating Shiny with machine learning models or using it for data visualization in new domains.
• Explore architecture, design patterns, or app performance. Talks on security, deployment strategies, and testing are always relevant.
• Highlight enterprise or industry-specific applications like life sciences, pharma, biotech, finance, or education. For example, how Shiny is used for clinical trial monitoring.
• Provide constructive critiques and suggest improvements for Shiny based on your experiences. If you’ve explored alternative tools or have feedback for the Shiny ecosystem, share those insights constructively.
• Note that we welcome contributions to a variety of topics include: 
  
  • Real-World Case Studies: Successful implementations and lessons learned.
  • Emerging Trends in Shiny: Advancements and the future of Shiny development.
  • Advanced Shiny Programming: Techniques for reliable and scalable app development.
  • Enterprise Deployment: Strategies for deploying Shiny in enterprise environments.
  • Modern App Design: Showcases of aesthetically and functionally advanced Shiny apps.
  • Performance Optimization: Cutting-edge methods to improve app efficiency.
  • Shiny in Life Sciences: Innovations and applications in pharma, biotech, and healthcare.

Craft a Strong Abstract

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is submitting vague or overly brief abstracts. Don’t worry too much about your abstract being too long. Rest assured that the committee really does care about your talk and wants all the details.

Your abstract is your chance to convince the committee of the value of your talk. Here’s how to make it shine 😉:

• Be Specific: Clearly outline your topic, key takeaways, and why it matters. For example, instead of saying “Optimizing Shiny Apps,” specify “Techniques for Improving Performance in High-Traffic Shiny Dashboards.” 
• Show Community Benefits: Explain how your talk will help attendees solve problems or inspire them to create better applications. Answer the question, “Why should the audience care?”
• Avoid Jargon: Write for clarity to ensure your abstract resonates with a broad audience. Even advanced users appreciate a straightforward and engaging description!
• Avoid Sales Pitches: Avoid promotional content; focus on sharing knowledge and insights instead of advertising a product or service.

The best talks combine technical expertise with personal insights. Reflect on your recent experiences, projects, or challenges. For instance:

• What problems did you solve, and how?
• What lessons can others take from your journey?
• How did your perspective as a developer, designer, or industry expert shape your approach?

If you’re excited about your topic, chances are your audience will be too.

Curious what ShinyConf is all about? See the highlights from ShinyConf 2024 to get a taste of what's in store.

Tips for Submission Success

Here’s how to stand out:

• Brainstorm First: Use tools like Miro or a simple mind map to organize your ideas. Start with your core topic and build around it.
• Seek Feedback: Share your abstract draft with peers or mentors for input. Constructive feedback can help you refine your ideas and improve clarity.
• Edit for Clarity: Ensure your proposal is well-structured and free of errors. Use bullet points or subheadings if needed to enhance readability.
• Stick to Deadlines: Mark your calendar and submit your proposal early to avoid last-minute stress. Remember, the deadline for submissions is on February 2nd! 

Get Inspired by Successful Talks

Looking for inspiration? 

Here are successful ShinyConf talks from previous years:

Submit Your Talk Today!

If you have any questions or need help brainstorming ideas, feel free to reach out to us. We’re excited to hear from you! 

Ready to start your submission? Visit our website to turn in your abstract.