The SAF D4 Wildland Fire Working Group would like to solicit papers and presentations as part of the 2021 Society of American Foresters National Convention, Topic: Forests For All. November 3-7th, 2021 in Sacramento, CA. Details are below and feel free to contact Bradley Shoemaker with any questions.

Abstract submissions for the 2021 SAF National Convention will open February 1 and close March 31. Working groups are encouraged to organize sessions and/or panel discussions that contribute to the science content of the concurrent program. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about this, but have outlined below the general process that you'll need to follow. If you are organizing a session or panel, it's helpful if you let me know so we can keep better track of what to expect.

Your abstract matters! It is the only thing reviewers will see. You know your topic inside and out, but the reviewer doesn’t. Take time and care when writing your abstract - and encourage any presenters in an organized session to do the same. All submissions must pass review to be included in the program. The abstract submission form and review process has changed from recent years, so it's important to answer all required questions on the form intentionally.

Use the following process to submit a PROPOSAL FOR AN ORGANIZED SESSION(S) with a group of invited speakers, where each speaker will be making a presentation. (These may also be science flashes.)

First, submit an abstract for the organized session proposal itself.
1) Select ‘organized session proposal’ as the abstract type.
2) Select the basis for the session content and answer additional questions, if any.
3) Select the track, theme, and technical focus area
4) Enter the title of the session.
5) Provide the following information in the "Full Abstract" text box:
      This is a session proposed by X Working Group or name of individual.
      Speakers will discuss XXXX. We are requesting X 90-minute sessions.
      The speakers are: A - title or topic of the talk, B - title or topic of the talk, C - title or topic of the talk, etc.
6) Select "Yes" for "Is your presentation part of an organized panel/session?"
7) Provide the name of the Working Group lead or the coordinator name in the coordinator box.
8) Re-enter the panel/session title in the Session Title box.

Each speaker must then submit his/her/their own abstract by the March 31st deadline to the same track, theme, and technical focus area, selecting ‘presentation’ or ‘science flash’ as appropriate for the abstract type, and filling in the title of the talk, description, and full abstract.
In addition, enter:
      The title of the session in the Session Title box. (Preferably the same one as you submitted.)
      The session leader’s name in the Working Group or Lead Coordinator box. (Preferably the same one you submitted.)

Use the following process to submit a PROPOSAL FOR A PANEL DISCUSSION, where speakers will not be making formal presentations – i.e., the group of speakers will have a discussion on the topic based on questions posed by the moderator or audience.

Submit an abstract for the panel.
1) Select ‘panel discussion’ as the abstract type.
2) Select the basis for the session content and answer additional questions, if any.
3) Answer the Funding Sources and Financial Disclosures questions as appropriate.
4) Select the track, theme, and technical focus area
5) Enter the title of the panel/session.
6) Provide the following information in the "Full Abstract" text box:
      Describe what the panel will discuss
      The speakers are: A - name, organization; B - name, organization; C - name, organization, etc.
      This session is sponsored by the X Working Group. (optional)
7) Select "Yes" for "Is your presentation part of an organized panel/session?"
8) Provide the name of the Working Group lead or the coordinator name in the coordinator box.

WGs are of course welcome to submit proposals for professional development seminars or workshops as well as for organized sessions or panel discussions.