Welcome back! This year we’re moving on from OpenConf so as to avoid the confusion of having multiple websites for a single conference. This post is to help you submit an abstract to this new system.

Step 1: Read the “Call for Abstracts” and note the abstract templates. Every year, we have some submissions which do not follow these templates. In this case the program committee must decide whether the abstract has enough merit to return to the author for resubmission or reject.

Step 2: Write the abstract. 🙂 Convert it to a PDF.

Step 3: Login. If you have a login from last year, it has been imported to this year’s website, and you may have received an email letting you know you have a new WordPress login. If you don’t remember your password, but are still using the same email, you can ask for a password reset.

Step 4: Click on “Manage Abstracts” or else “Submit Abstract” from the bottom of the “Call for Abstracts” page. You’ll see the following form, but with your name. Click “+New Abstract“.

Step 5: Start filling out the form. Note that in this new system, you will need to list all the authors as shown below while also putting your name as submitting author at the lower right. Click the blue “+” sign to add additional authors.

You will also need to attach the PDF below “Choose File” and indicate the presenter’s name, email, and whether you’d like to submit as a Podium, Poster, or Tutorial. Also select the topic to help us to choose reviewers.

Once filled out, click the blue submit button at the top of the form, and you’re good to go.

Step 6: But wait! You forgot something, misspelled a coauthor’s name, or else had some other typo. In this case, be sure you’re logged in, and come to the “Manage Abstracts” page. You’ll see your abstracts listed in the table. Here’s where you use the “Edit” link as shown below.

Once you click “Edit” you’ll see an interface as follows:

Here is where you “Remove” the abstract to upload its replacement, or else edit the meta information, such as who the presenter is or who the authors are.

If, on the other hand, you wish to withdraw the abstract in its entirety, then you must contact me (tim.niiler@gmail.com) and I will do this from the Administrative Control Panel (the blue “Delete” button is currently faulty, and we are waiting for the plugin updates for a fix).

I hope this is helpful for you in getting used to the new system. Should you have any additional questions or problems, feel free to email me.

Good luck!

Tim Niiler