This speaker resource page is your go-to destination for all the deadlines, guidelines, and information you'll need to prepare for a successful and impactful presentation. As a valued speaker, your insights and expertise are critical to inspiring innovation leaders and driving meaningful conversations. We’re here to support you every step of the way—thank you for helping us make this year’s summit a powerful and engaging experience for all.

Important Dates/Deadlines  

  • Registration Deadline for Speakers: August 13, 2025 

  • Hotel Room Block Cut-Off Date: August 21, 2025 

  • Presentation and Handouts DUE: August 26, 2025 

Event Contact

Questions? Email Kelsey Olson at kelsey.olson@ewald.com

Before the Conference

Speaker Resource Center  

  • All speakers should have received an email to access the PDMA Ignite Innovation Summit Speaker Resource Center! This will serve as your 'speaker portal' for the conference, and will require a quick, 2-step login. (First name, Last name, Email, and Verification code) 

  • Speaker Resource Center

  • You will use this resource center to review your personal information, submit your Speaker Agreement, confirm session details and times, upload presentation materials, etc. If you need any assistance, please reach out to kelsey.olson@ewald.com.

Registration Information 

  • Final Speaker Registration date: August 13 – please be sure to register yourself for the conference by this date 

  • If you have not yet reached out to Kelsey Olson at kelsey.olson@ewald.com to indicate which day(s) you will be attending, please do so. She will respond with the appropriate registration code.  

  • Register here

Hotel Room Block

  • PDMA has secured a special room rate of $299++ per night and local taxes for single/double available until Sunday, August 21, 2025, or until the room block is exhausted, whichever comes first 

  • Find more information and make your reservation here.  

AV

PDMA will provide the following AV for breakout sessions: 

  • Laptop 

  • Projector 

  • Screen 

  • Microphone – if necessary 

Speaker will provide: 

  • Extra USB with presentation loaded on it 

  • Laptop adaptor to connect to Projector 

  • Slide Advancer (if desired) 

Presentation Information

PPT Template 

  • Please submit your presentation PowerPoint by August 26th.  

  • Display 16:9 

Tips and Tricks for a Good Presentation 

  • Limit the amount of information on each slide 

  • Do not use more than four colors in your presentation 

  • Avoid red letters, which are difficult for some people to read 

  • The best readability comes from high contrast of intensity 

  • Rehearse your presentation prior to the conference 

Presentation and Handout Submission 

  • Presentation and handouts are due August 26th.

  • Please submit your handouts/presentation in the proper format. 

  • You are responsible for providing your own printed handouts. PDMA will not print onsite. 

  • Handouts and presentations will be made available to attendees through a mobile app. Please provide your handouts and presentations by August 26th  in order to provide these materials to attendees prior to the conference. 

Upload your Presentation and Handouts 

Please upload your presentation materials via the Speaker Resource Center! if you have any trouble with uploading, please reach out to kelsey.olson@ewald.com.  

When uploading your PowerPoint and handouts, please name your documents in the following format: 

  • Presentations: Presentation Title_Speaker Names_PPT 

  • Handouts: Presentation Title_Speaker Names_Handout1 

Conference Information

What to Bring 

  • Flash drive with Presentation 

  • Laptop adaptor to connect to projector (if a non-HDMI connection is required) 

  • Slide Advancer (if desired) 

  • Handouts (if applicable) 

Suggested Attire 

  • Business casual

Platform 

  • PDMA will be using EventMobi as our conference app 

  • You will receive a platform access email closer to the conference 

Session Information  

  • Over 30% of PDMA’s attendees are a director or higher  

  • Attendees' top areas of interest are; new product process, market research, teams, people & organizational issues, strategy, lifecycle management, tools & metrics, and portfolio management  

  • Please arrive no later than 1 hour prior to your scheduled start time  

  • Session times noted in the conference schedule include Q&A as well as the introduction your moderator will give at the beginning of the session. 

Conference Arrival 

Check-in Information 

  • Check in at the Conference Registration Desk outside of the Great Lakes Ballroom on Level 2. You will receive a name badge, room designation, and conference information. 

Moderator's Role 

Moderator duties: 

  • Will assist with set-up, anything speaker needs prior to and during presentation 

  • Introduces Speaker and presentation  

  • Facilitate the Q&A portion of the session – if needed  

  • Moderator packets including moderator schedule, script, bios and materials will be provided 

Evaluation Results 

Evaluation results should be available to you by early December 2025.