Hey community! There is one month left to submit your CFP to #BSidesMunich2025 NEINth Edition! Today we are going to cover CFP basics.
In the CFP, you will need to fill out two very important sections: the abstract and the outline.
Let’s talk ABSTRACT
Your abstract ideally should be made up 3 things:
1) your “why”, problem statement, motivation or backstory
2) what your talk will be about
3) what your learnings or takeaways will be
Your abstract is also what gets published. It should spark curiosity! So when you read it, ask yourself, is there enough information/detail for the audience to say, “Oh, that is an interesting situation and I want to know more”?
Let‘s talk DESCRIPTION
The description has more detail than your abstract and targets the Conference Review Board. The description is generally not made public. It is usually an OUTLINE, and it:
– Identifies the target audience
– Provides the main points of the presentation or the workshop lesson plan
– Provides high-level detail on the presentation research/ methodology
– If AI was used in the research or methodology, it describes how
– Describes any demos
– Gives a synopsis of findings or takeaways for the audience
The DESCRIPTION helps the Conference Review Board understand more about the core of the presentation/ workshop and how well the presenter organizes information for understandability. This is often decides between two similar proposals.
Wait…there are NOTES!
The notes section is not shared publicly, and it is not mandatory. It is reserved for information that does not fit into the abstract or the description. For example, it is useful if you need any special equipment (beyond a screen, podium, microphone and projector).
And, AI?
We welcome AI-assisted proposals and research. To be fair to our CFP participants and to be transparent for our conference attendees, we have these AI transparency guidelines.
1. AI should assist, not replace:
AI is a tool to help you, but your expertise and critical thinking should be the main focus.
2. Clearly disclose AI use in CFP proposal:
If AI tools helped write your proposal or create your presentation beyond simple editing or style support, please state this openly. When in doubt, disclose how AI tools helped in the NOTES.
3. Explain how AI tools assisted research:
If AI tools were used in your research, outline how and when they were used in the DESCRIPTION.
4. You are responsible:
AI tools cannot take responsibility and cannot be authors of your work. You are responsible for what you submit and present.
5. Review AI results:
AI can provide results that are biased and inaccurate. As the author, you must ensure that your proposal and presentation are correct, unbiased and ethical.
So, there you have it; a whole set of tips and tricks. We are excited to see what your CFP submissions!
https://2025.bsidesmunich.org/callforpapers/
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