• To share information about creative and innovative projects, resources, and practices with others.
• To promote collaboration, networking, and collegiality among information providers.
• To provide a format in which individuals and organizations can learn from one another.

• Information providers (genealogical society members, volunteers, information professionals) who serve genealogical researchers or the genealogical research community.
• Individuals and organizations looking for ideas and fresh approaches in serving their research constituencies.

• Societies, libraries, archives, museums (SLAM) and other organizations, such as universities, that provide information to genealogical researchers are encouraged to submit video poster sessions.
• NGS membership is not required.

Submitters must:

• Complete the online submission form linked below.
• Upload a five-minute video poster session and an accompanying one-page PDF handout.
• Agree to allow video poster sessions and handouts to be posted on the NGS website.
• Register for and attend the SLAM! Idea Showcase event on 18 May 2021.
• Be present at the event to discuss the video poster session with attendees via live video chat.

Poster sessions that reflect the following criteria will be considered:

Poster session format

• Poster sessions should be submitted as PowerPoint slide shows (with or without voiceover), video recordings, or other visual media in standard digital formats.
• Maximum length of presentation: five minutes.
• Posters sessions are visually interesting and informative, effectively communicating information about the project or activity.
• Includes a one-page PDF handout with contact information (can be double-sided) that can be made available to Showcase attendees.

Subject matter

Video poster sessions pertain to projects or programs that:

• Serve genealogical researchers or promote genealogical research.
• Concern reference services, collection development, digitization, database/website development, programming, newly created resources, outreach, or other aspects of information delivery to the genealogical community.
• Have been implemented successfully.
• Can be duplicated or adapted by other organizations.
• Are free and accessible to anyone but may have a local or regional focus.
• Demonstrate innovation and creativity.
• Describe how the project or program was funded, if funding was needed.NGS particularly welcomes projects that advance research in under-represented populations, such as people of color, LGBTQ+, and women, and/or promote enthusiasm among young or new researchers.

The following examples are for illustration purposes only. Proposals do not necessarily need to reflect any of these categories.

• Projects leveraging volunteer hours or crowd sourcing.
• Digitization projects that involve cross-community efforts.
• Projects that document migrations of residents, providing links to prior residence.
• Contests that promote enthusiasm for engaging youth or new researchers in the field of genealogy such as written and media productions.

• Three of the top submissions will be selected to receive cash prizes of $250 each.
• Additional submissions may be selected for honorable mentions.

The SLAM! Idea Showcase will be broadcast virtually on Tuesday, May 18.

• The SLAM! Idea Showcase Spotlight—a main-stage.
• Event featuring video poster sessions presented live by award winners and honorable mentions.
• Virtual poster sessions—attendees will be able to view recordings of poster sessions, download handouts, and perhaps chat with individual poster session presenters.
• The SLAM! Idea Showcase Spotlight will be recorded and, along with individual poster session recordings, be available for viewing on the NGS website.

Blog posts leading up to the Showcase event will provide information about the event and promote attendance.

• 6 January 2021 Call for video poster session submissions opens
• 15 March 2021 Deadline for video poster session submissions
• 2 April 2021 Final selection of video poster sessions, including award winners, announced
• 18 May 2021 Idea Showcase event

Please fill out the online form and email the video poster session file and a PDF handout to [email protected] by 15 March 2021. Note: Only attachments will be sent to the Box folder. Any accompanying text will not be seen by NGS.

“The SLAM Idea Showcase is a great new opportunity for information providers to share programs and projects that have benefitted genealogy researchers. I’m excited to discover what my colleagues have been up to, and I look forward to applying their insights to helping patrons at my library.” -Matt Rutherford

“Here’s a fresh opportunity to open new horizons to the geni world: NGS will host our very first SLAM! Idea Showcase in May to highlight the initiatives of genealogy organizations. I, for one, am eager to learn about the newest genealogical resources, programs, and features genealogy organizations are producing. I hope you’ll join in the spirit of collegiality through this unique forum for exchanging ideas and collaborating with others. Yes, judges will choose 3 winners who will receive small monetary awards, but much more important is the opportunity for your efforts to be honored and publicized. Remember, this is open to all non-profit genealogical organizations–you don’t have to be a member of NGS to enter. So don’t wait–we can’t recognize you if you don’t enter!” -Sharon Cook MacInnes

“I’m looking forward to the debut of the SLAM Idea Showcase at the 2021 NGS Virtual Conference. I think that seeing all these original ideas, projects, and programs – firsthand from professionals in the field – and having the ability to connect with and exchange and collaborate with the professionals behind the ideas – will lead to some exciting opportunities for us to recycle and repurpose their original ideas at my Library.” -Jacob Eubanks