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2026 Call for Speakers
Beneath the Sea 2026: March 27 - 29
SUBMISSION DEADLINE - September 30, 2026
Welcome to Beneath the Sea 2026!
March 27 - 29
You are invited to participate as a Seminar Speaker in our
47th Anniversary
Undersea Exposition taking place March 27 - 29, 2026 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Please submit your application before September 30, 2026
Notification of acceptance will be before December 1, 2026
Seminar Programs
must have an informative story line, more than ‘just’ pictures, with a
narrative and a question/answer period.
Your program must not exceed 45 minutes in total, including set-up and
breakdown.
You may submit up to four Seminar Programs for consideration.
FAQ - How to Submit a Proposal That Will Be Accepted
Q Who is the audience for my talk
A
Your audience is a diverse group with interests ranging from environmental issues and education to photography, technical diving, wreck diving, and more. Focus on subjects they care about.
To effectively capture the attention your audience and engage them, consider the following:
- Discuss Experiences and Activities. Share insights on what attendees can see, do, or experience related to your topic. This could include unique dive sites, photography techniques, or educational opportunities.
- Highlight Dangers and Safety. Address potential dangers to divers or the environment. This could cover safety protocols, environmental threats, and how to mitigate risks.
- Problem Solving. Talk about problems that have been solved within your field. This shows progress and innovation, which can be very engaging for your audience.
- Identify Ongoing Challenges. Discuss problems that still need solutions. This can spark interest and perhaps even collaboration among attendees who are passionate about finding answers.
- Research and Results. Present recent research topics and their findings. Sharing new knowledge and discoveries can be a significant draw for attendees interested in the latest developments.
- Technical Challenges. Address technical challenges within your area of expertise. Explain how these challenges are being tackled and what future steps are needed.
What to Avoid:
- Marketing Content. Refrain from "selling" products, services, or trips during your talk. The focus should be on providing valuable information and insights rather than promoting commercial interests.
- Overt Promotion. Leave out marketing and promotional material to ensure your presentation remains informative and engaging, without the feel of a sales pitch.
By tailoring your talk to these points, you’ll ensure it resonates with the diverse interests of your audience and keeps them engaged and informed.
Q What should my title include
A
Your title is one of the most critical elements of your presentation as it helps attendees decide which sessions to attend.
It should be compelling and attract people to your talk.
Think beyond the topic itself and highlight what unique insights or perspectives you bring to the discussion.
To create a compelling and effective title, consider the following:
- Be Descriptive. Clearly describe the main topic of your presentation. Avoid vague or overly clever titles that might confuse potential attendees.
- Highlight Uniqueness. Emphasize what sets your talk apart. What unique perspective, expertise, or approach are you bringing to the topic? This can intrigue attendees who are looking for something different or particularly insightful.
- Engage with a Question. Including a question in your title can pique curiosity. For example, "How Can We Preserve Coral Reefs for Future Generations?" This invites attendees to seek the answer in your session.
- Focus on Benefits. Convey what the audience will gain by attending your session. Titles that hint at the benefits or key takeaways are more likely to attract interest. For example, "Mastering Underwater Photography: Tips and Techniques for Stunning Shots."
- Be Concise. While it's important to be descriptive, also keep your title concise and to the point. Long, cumbersome titles can be off-putting or hard to remember.
- Consider Your Audience. Tailor your title to the interests and needs of your target audience. Use language and terminology that will resonate with them and align with their expectations.
By crafting a title that is clear, engaging, and reflective of your unique contribution, you'll attract more attendees to your session and set the stage for a successful presentation.
Q What should my abstract include
A
Your abstract is a vital component of your presentation proposal, as it provides a snapshot of your talk and convinces organizers and attendees of its value.
Your abstract should clearly convey the value and relevance of your presentation while highlighting your expertise and unique qualifications to position you as the ideal speaker on the subject.
To create a compelling abstract, consider including the following elements:
- Clear Summary. Start with a concise summary of your topic. Explain the main focus of your presentation and what specific aspects you will cover. This helps readers quickly understand what your talk is about.
- Showcase Expertise. Demonstrate your authority and expertise on the subject. Mention any relevant experience, qualifications, or unique perspectives you bring to the topic. This establishes credibility and reassures readers that you are the right person to present on this subject.
- Highlight Importance. Explain why your topic is important and relevant to the audience. Discuss the significance of the issues you will address and the potential impact of your findings or insights.
- Detail Key Points. Outline the key points or arguments you will present. This gives readers a sense of the structure and content of your talk. Highlight any particularly novel or interesting aspects that will be covered.
- Specify Prerequisites. If your talk requires attendees to have certain background knowledge or skills, clearly state this in the abstract. Conversely, if it is an entry-level presentation (we need those too!), mention that it is accessible to beginners. This helps attendees understand whether your session is suitable for their level of expertise.
- Expected Outcomes. Describe the expected outcomes or takeaways for attendees. What will they learn or gain from your presentation? Be specific about the insights, skills, or knowledge they will acquire.
- Engage the Reader. Write in an engaging and compelling manner. Your abstract should capture the reader’s interest and make them eager to attend your session.
- Avoid Common Pitfalls. Ensure your abstract is clear and well-organized. Abstracts are often rejected because they are vague or fail to convey the value of the presentation. Make sure your abstract is specific and informative, providing a clear picture of what attendees can expect.
By incorporating these elements, your abstract will make it more likely that your presentation will be accepted and attract attendees.
Q What should I include in the learning objectives
A
Each learning objective should clearly outline a specific insight or skill you expect your audience to gain from your presentation. These objectives guide your audience on what to expect.
Learning objectives also can provide:
- Guidance for Attendees. Clearly stated learning objectives help attendees understand what they will take away from your session. This can be particularly important when they are choosing between multiple sessions.
- Showcase Expertise. Well-defined objectives demonstrate your thorough understanding of the subject matter and your ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner.
- Structure for Your Presentation. Objectives provide a framework for your talk, helping you stay focused on delivering key points and ensuring your presentation is well-organized.
- Assessment of Value. Clear objectives allow both organizers and attendees to assess the potential value of your session, increasing the likelihood of it being well-received and attended.
When crafting your learning objectives, be specific and action-oriented. For example, instead of saying "Understand the basics of marine biology," you could say "Identify and describe the primary ecosystems within marine biology and their unique characteristics." This specificity helps to set clear expectations and ensures your audience knows exactly what knowledge or skills they will gain by attending your session.
Q Can I have more time to submit my proposal
A
We start evaluating proposals as soon as they are submitted, and early submissions have a distinct advantage. Submitting your proposal early means it will face less competition for your chosen topic, making it more likely to stand out. As the deadline approaches, later submissions are compared to those that have already been reviewed, which can make it more challenging for your proposal to get noticed.
Taking the time to carefully craft and refine your proposal significantly increases its chances of being accepted. A well-thought-out proposal demonstrates your commitment and expertise, making it more appealing to the selection committee. On the other hand, rushing to put something together at the last minute often results in a lower-quality submission that fails to capture the full potential of your presentation.
We encourage you to start early and invest the necessary time to create a compelling and detailed proposal. This approach not only enhances your chances of success but also allows you to present your ideas in the best possible light. Remember, a polished and thoughtfully prepared proposal is always more likely to be accepted than one hastily assembled just before the deadline.
Accepted Presentations
Upon acceptance, you will receive additional information about the weekend, including scheduling your presentation and, if applicable, a workshop contract.
Beneath the Sea will supply a screen, projector, podium, and microphone for your presentation. Presenters must provide their own computers for all presentations. We will reach out to request details concerning any additional presentation requirements, such as specific audio-visual needs. An A/V technician will be available if necessary. A room chairperson will be assigned to your room to introduce you and your program.
A Speaker Package will be available at the registration booth, located inside the front entrance of the Meadowlands Exposition Center, during the show weekend.
You are invited to attend all seminars and exhibits.
Details regarding hotel accommodations and registering for evening events will be sent separately.
Submitting Your Application
Please have the following information prepared before starting the application process:
- Your contact information
- Biography of each presenter
- High-quality, passport-sized digital photograph of each presenter
- Title for each presentation
- Abstract for each presentation
- Two or three learning objectives for each presentation
Your biography, photograph, presentation title and abstract will be included in the 2026 Program Book and on our website. Biographies or abstracts exceeding 50 words may be edited for length.
You will be requested to provide contact information and presentation details for review as part of the application process.
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