Notes from 'Creating a Great Conference Abstract' Workshop

We would like to thank Natali Pearson for providing a really useful workshop on Creating a Great Conference Abstract!

If anyone would like a copy of the presentation given by Natali, or any further support in writing a conference abstract, please email conference@aima-underwater.org.au.

What is a conference abstract? It is a short written description that you submit to the conference committee as a way of applying to present a spoken ~15min presentation (called a 'paper') at the conference event. The abstract submission must follow the instructions on the Call for Papers page. The deadline for this conference is 31 May 2026.

As Natali said, once you know the winning formula for a great conference abstract it is almost too obvious, but it is also very effective! Natali broke down the six elements of a great abstract. Remember the abstract limit is 200 words so you will need to be succinct! One sentence per element can suffice with an extra sentence where needed.

Please note that the examples below are very simplified to demonstrate the purpose of that element. What you write for your abstract should contain much more detail. 

1. Big Picture

This is to orient the reader, provide some broad context.

i.e. There are thousands of historic shipwrecks known to have wrecked around Australia, from the earliest days of European exploration through to World War Two.

i.e. Intertidal shipwrecks are present all around Australia, capturing the attention of maritime archaeologists and locals alike.

i.e. Maritime museums are critical for the sharing of maritime histories, artefacts, stories and knowledge with the public.

2.  The Gap

This is the issue, problem, the hook, that your presentation will fill.

i.e. While thousands have been located, thousands more are still to be found.

i.e. They do, however, pose a challenge to managing and protecting these sites, especially as they are more vulnerable to coastal changes and the effects of climate change.

i.e. However, museums are often struggling for resources with funding often only available for core management staff.

3. Filling the Gap

This is the solution that you are offering, the answer you have found.

i.e. Deep water surveying has a potential to locate many historic shipwrecks not yet located, driven by scientific research or development.

i.e. However, as accessible sites that are more in the public eye, it is possible that other stakeholders such as the local community and government agencies, can work together for a positive outcome.

i.e. Volunteers provide essential support for museums to run and operate, as well as providing energy and passion to the stories that the museum shares.

4. Scientific Material

Provide some of the case studies, data, or references that supports your solution. This may be the longest part of your abstract.

i.e. This has been demonstrated by the successes of the CSIRO vessel RV Investigator in locating and confirming the identity of deep-water wrecks such as A, B and C. This has also been the case of surveying undertaken for offshore windfarms which have located and identified shipwrecks D, E and F.

i.e. This has been the case for the XXX shipwreck, which has been the subject of collaborative efforts to protect from environmental and human risks. Through the actions of A, B, and C, undertaken by X, Y, Z, the shipwreck has been stabilised and protected for the future.

i.e. This is shown throughout Victoria, which has 17 maritime museums of which many rely on volunteer assistance. At our Museum of XXX, we have XXX volunteers who undertake many tasks and provide value to our patrons in many ways, and we show our appreciation for their efforts by XXX.

5. Your Argument

This is the main point, lesson or opportunity you are trying to share.

i.e. Further cross-industry collaborations, as well as collaborations with different stakeholders, would lead to an increase in the ability to search, identify and report the location of new deep-water wrecks. 

i..e Approaches for protection that work with a passionate community can achieve a stronger and more ideal heritage outcome.

i.e. It is only through making the volunteers' experience positive that we can retain volunteers and encourage new volunteers to join us.

6. Conclusion

Summarise the outcomes, benefits, or the central point of this paper.

i.e. With more collaborative approaches, there will be an increase in discoveries and increased benefit for regulators, maritime archaeologists and the public.

i.e. Intertidal shipwrecks can be problematic to protect but the local community can help.

i.e. Volunteers are critical to the success of Museums and they must be valued, encouraged, and rewarded.