{"id":25951954,"date":"2025-10-15T01:31:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T01:31:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/csteconfdev.wpengine.com\/?page_id=25951954"},"modified":"2026-03-05T13:58:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T13:58:06","slug":"submission-guidelines-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.csteconference.org\/index.php\/submission-guidelines-2\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Submission Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"

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2026<\/span> CSTE Annual Conference<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Boston, MA<\/span> | May 31<\/span>– June 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″ locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/cste.secure-platform.com\/site\/home\/home” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Online Abstract System” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”General Information ” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#4F688E” button_border_color=”#1C5061″ button_border_radius=”10px” button_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_button button_url=”#pre” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Choosing a Presentation Format” button_alignment=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Submit an Abstract” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#4F688E” button_border_color=”#1C5061″ button_border_radius=”10px” button_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/cste.secure-platform.com\/site\/organizations\/main\/home” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Submit a Late-Breaker Abstract” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Online Abstract System” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#4F688E” button_border_color=”#1C5061″ button_border_radius=”10px” button_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”General Information ” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ custom_padding=”27px||4px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.3.2″ custom_padding=”8px||3px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_text module_id=”general-info” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#15345a” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto”]<\/p>\n

Guidelines for Abstract Submission<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

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Information in these guidelines relates to an in-person event. Additional speaker and moderator instructions will be provided at a later date. Proposals for presentations at the 2026 CSTE Annual Conference should be made using the formal online abstract process. The Program Planning Committee will evaluate abstracts based on a number of criteria, including timeliness, relevance, design, clarity, outcomes, and potential impact. All abstracts must be submitted via the online abstract system no later than Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET. Proposals that are incomplete, late, or submitted in an inappropriate format will not be considered.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Online Abstract System” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ background_color=”#f1f1f1″ custom_padding=”2px||3px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.3.2″ custom_padding=”16px||2px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_text module_id=”general-info” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#15345a” header_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||8px|||”]<\/p>\n

Important Dates<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”17px”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
October 29, 2025<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nOpen<\/span>:<\/span> Call for Abstracts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
January 6, 2026<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDeadline<\/span>:<\/span> Extended To Jan 12th<\/strong> <\/span>Abstracts Submissions<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
February 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nOpen<\/span>:<\/span> Registration and Housing Accommodations<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
February<\/span>\u00a027<\/span>, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nInvitations Sent: Extended To Mar 6th <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Presenting Authors & Moderators<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
March 4, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nOpen: Call for Late-Breaker Abstracts<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
March 18, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDeadline: Late-Breaker Abstracts<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
April 1, 2026<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/td>\nInvitations Sent: Late-Breaker Presenting Authors<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
April 1, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDeadline: Presenter & Moderator Invitation Response<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
April 8, 2026<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDeadline: Early Bird Registration\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
April 29, 2026<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDeadline: Hotel Reservations<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
May 7, 2026<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/td>\nDeadline: Advance Presentation Upload<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”General Information ” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ custom_padding=”4px||4px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”General” module_id=”general” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#15345a” header_font_size=”24px”]<\/p>\n

General Information<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

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Abstracts must\u00a0represent\u00a0the work of the authors listed and\u00a0appropriately\u00a0referenced.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abstracts are limited to 400 words, not including the title and speaker bio.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The use of \u201call caps\u201d should be limited to acronyms\u00a0generally accepted\u00a0in the field and names of organization; the full organization name on first reference.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Submit each individual abstract to the\u00a0appropriate topic. Review the\u00a0list of topics<\/a>\u00a0carefully to\u00a0determine\u00a0which one might be most\u00a0appropriate for\u00a0your subject area.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Duplicate abstracts will not be considered.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Concluding\u00a0statements such as \u201cto be completed\u201d should be avoided.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All information should be reviewed prior to submission to ensure completeness; abstract revisions are\u00a0permitted\u00a0at any time before the abstract submission deadline.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abstracts may not be\u00a0modified\u00a0after the submission deadline during the review period. Presenting authors may make minor changes after an abstract is accepted until the\u00a0invitation\u00a0response deadline.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By\u00a0submitting\u00a0an abstract, please make sure you or an\u00a0alternate\u00a0presenting\u00a0author are committed to attending the in-person conference and giving the presentation if the abstract is accepted.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>All presenting authors\u00a0are required to\u00a0register for the conference and pay related fees. CSTE does not provide a travel allowance, honorarium, or reimbursement for attending the conference.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are no restrictions on the number of abstracts you may\u00a0submit,\u00a0or the number of submissions you may be selected to present. Abstracts\u00a0submitted\u00a0to another conference may be\u00a0submitted\u00a0to the CSTE Annual Conference for consideration.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CSTE membership is not\u00a0required\u00a0but encouraged to\u00a0submit\u00a0an abstract.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Work created in the course and scope of employment by an author is the copyright of the agency\u00a0should\u00a0the author leave employment prior to presentation and therefore at the agency\u2019s discretion of\u00a0presentation\u00a0at the conference.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CSTE does not accept abstracts for promotion of\u00a0services\u00a0and\/or goods. All abstracts should be scientifically based.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”General Information ” module_id=”pre” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ background_color=”#f1f1f1″ custom_padding=”3px||4px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Choose” module_id=”choose” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#15345a” header_font_size=”24px”]<\/p>\n

Choosing a Presentation Format<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

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Choosing a Presentation Format<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the Program Planning Committee will\u00a0attempt\u00a0to honor the\u00a0submitted\u00a0format for presentations, this will not always be possible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

BREAKOUT PRESENTATION<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Findings are presented on a specific topic within a breakout session with the opportunity for audience Q&A. Presentations are all 10 minutes with only one (1) presenting author slot available for the\u00a0submitted\u00a0abstract.\u00a0<\/span>Some\u00a0committees\u00a0may\u00a0select\u00a0abstracts for\u00a0presentations\u00a0that\u00a0are less than 10 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

POSTER PRESENTATION<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A visual\u00a0illustration on a poster board that summarizes findings by way of limited text, graphics, and photographs. Presentations are limited to only one (1) presenting author per\u00a0submitted\u00a0abstract. Poster presentations will\u00a0<\/span>not have audiovisual equipment available.\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DISCUSSSION PRESENTATION<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Informative presentation focusing on recent findings or innovative topics, with substantial opportunity for discussion among attendees. Presentations are limited to up to two (2) presenting author slots available for the\u00a0submitted\u00a0abstract. Abstracts\u00a0submitted\u00a0for\u00a0discussion\u00a0presentation will not be considered for other presentation types.\u00a0<\/span>Discussion sessions will not have projectors, screens, notetaking materials (e.g.\u00a0notepads, etc.), or notetaking by CSTE staff but will have adequate audio equipment for the meeting room.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

EPIVISION PRESENTATION<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interactive showcase in the Networking Hall including presentations designed to display the functionality and impact of dashboards or software demonstrations through direct interaction with attendees in real time.\u00a0All presentations will be held within the Networking Hall and may be within a sponsored session.\u00a0The presentation\u00a0length is 10 minutes with up to two (2) presenting authors per\u00a0submitted\u00a0abstract.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information on sponsoring an\u00a0EpiVision\u00a0session, please contact\u00a0<\/span><\/i>sponsors@cste.org.<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Presentation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0
<\/span>Format<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Breakout<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Poster<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Discussion<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

EpiVision<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Key Attributes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Oral\u00a0presentation\u00a0requiring review and discussion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Visual\u00a0Dispay\u00a0of graphics, diagrams, and limited text<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Discussion-based topic where audience feedback and participation maximized<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Interactive showcase of dashboards and demonstrations<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Abstract<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Requirements<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Background, Method, Results, Conclusion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Background, Method, Results, Conclusion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Key\u00a0objectives,\u00a0brief summary<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Purpose,\u00a0Visualizations\u00a0and\/or interactive features, relevance<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Presentation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Length<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10 minutes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

30 minutes of information sharing and discussion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

5-10 minutes of information sharing<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10 minutes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Q&A<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10-20 minutes at end of session<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

During discussion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

During discussion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

10-20 minutes at end of session<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

# of Presentations in Session<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

5-6 presentations<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Multiple<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1-2 presentations<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

4-5 presentations<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Session Length<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

75 minutes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Informal presentation during\u00a030 minute\u00a0breaks<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

45 minutes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

75 minutes<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Audio\/Visual\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Equipment<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

LCD projector and laptop<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

None<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Audio only<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

LCD projector and laptop<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

# of presenters allowed<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1 presenting author<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1 presenting author<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to 2 presenting authors<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Up to 2 presenting authors<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Online Abstract System” _builder_version=”4.3.2″ custom_padding=”2px||5px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.3.2″ custom_margin=”|auto|22px|auto||” custom_padding=”16px|||1px||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.3.2″][et_pb_text module_id=”general-info” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#15345a” header_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||-2px|||”]<\/p>\n

Online Abstract System<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

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Please follow all\u00a0directions\u00a0provided in the online abstract system to ensure your abstract is entered correctly. The system divides the submission process into steps so that\u00a0information\u00a0can be entered, previewed, and saved at each step. The steps in the submission process are shown as links in the left navigation panel.\u00a0At any time in the process, you may navigate between steps to make revisions or corrections. By following the directions on each page in the submission process, you will automatically\u00a0proceed\u00a0through every step needed to\u00a0submit\u00a0an abstract.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STEP\u00a01 \u2013 TOPIC<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abstracts will be divided into topics for review and programming purposes based on topic areas. The Program Planning Committee reserves the right to reassign your abstract within topics and\/or corresponding committees.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All abstracts will be\u00a0submitted\u00a0directly into abstract topics, which will be reviewed by committees.\u00a0A complete list of abstract topics and corresponding committees can be found here<\/a>.\u00a0All sessions will still be planned and\u00a0facilitated\u00a0by conference committees. The 2026 committee aligns with CSTE\u2019s revised Steering Committee structure. Learn more at\u00a0<\/span>www.cste.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

STEP\u00a02\u00a0\u2013\u00a0TITLE<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n