SDMS Call for Proposals – Accepting Submissions Year-Round
All presentations must be 50 minutes in length.
Each submitted proposal is carefully reviewed and will be considered by the SDMS Events Management Committee (EMC). Not all submitted proposals will be selected for an SDMS event. Selected course proposal(s) will be notified 90 days after the listed submission review deadline.
2027 CME Weekend
Held in the spring, CME Weekend is a travel-free, online-only learning experience that enables sonographers, sonography students, and physicians from around the world to network and learn. In addition to earning SDMS CME credits, the educational program provides attendees with the opportunity to gain insights into sonographic innovations and advancements and learn from the real-world experience of subject matter experts.
Topics Requested:
Case Studies (All Specialties)
Emerging Technologies
- 3D and 4D Ultrasound Advancements
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in Sonography
- Auto-measurement tools and accuracy concerns
- Ethical implications of AI in diagnostic decisions
- Machine-assisted protocols and image optimization
- Reducing scanning time through automation
Workplace Wellness and Injury Prevention for Sonographers
- Balance and Core Strength to Support Ergonomic Scanning
- Chair-Based or Standing Exercises for Clinical Professionals
- Foundations of Breathwork
- Integrating Wellness Practices into the Sonographer’s Daily Routine
- Postural Awareness and Correction Strategies for Sonographers
- Stretching and Movement Techniques
Proposal Submission Requirements:
- Title
- Description
- Content Level
- Specialty
Speaker Responsibilities (once proposal is accepted and speaker contract is executed)
- Prepare a presentation that is 50 minutes in length (to be reviewed by the EMC and SDMS staff);
- Record presentation on the date assigned by the SDMS staff; and
- Answer questions from attendees while session is live streaming.
Speaker Honorarium
The following speaker honorarium is available to speakers (where applicable) and is outlined in detail in the speaker services agreement upon acceptance of the proposal.
- Complimentary CME Weekend registration;
- 3x the amount of SDMS CME credit for delivering the presentation;
- $100 Stipend OR SDMS Membership (value $175); and
- 50% discount on registration fees for the SDMS Annual Conference.
Submission Review Deadline for 2027 SDMS CME Weekend – October 1, 2026
Scheduled throughout the year with a focus on specialty specific content
Offered throughout the year, the SDMS Virtual Seminars focus on specialty specific content. Presented virtually, attendees have the opportunity to attend sessions, chat with attendees and speakers, and earn SDMS CME credits from the comfort of their own home or office.
Topics Requested:
Accepting propolsals in all specialties.
Proposal Submission Requirements:
- Title
- Description
- Content Level
- Specialty
Speaker Responsibilities (once proposal is accepted and speaker contract is executed)
- Prepare a presentation that is 50 minutes in length (to be reviewed by the EMC and SDMS staff);
- Record presentation on the date assigned by the SDMS staff; and
- Answer questions from seminar attendees while session is live streaming.
Speaker Honorarium
The following speaker honorarium is available to speakers (where applicable) and is outlined in detail in the speaker services agreement upon acceptance of the proposal.
- Complimentary virtual seminar registration;
- 3x the amount of SDMS CME credit for delivering the presentation;
- $100 Stipend OR SDMS Membership (value $175); and
- 50% discount on registration fees for the SDMS Annual Conference.
Submission Review Deadline for 2027 SDMS Virtual Seminars – October 1, 2026
Scheduled throughout the year on current topics of interest
The SDMS Knowledge Series are live webinars led by sonography experts on current topics of interest. Held throughout the year, they provide expert commentary and updates that enable attendees to expand their knowledge and earn SDMS CME credits.
Topics Requested:
Educator & Student Focus
- Classroom vs. lab technique training
- Conflict resolution during clinicals
- Evaluation tools and competencies
- How to mentor clinical students
Emergency and trauma-focused ultrasound
- FAST protocol basics and case reviews
Emerging Technologies
Ergonomics
- Injury prevention in high-volume labs
- Positioning Strategies for limited mobility patients
- Working with difficult equipment layouts
Professional Identity & Career Advancement
- Career Pathways – From Sonographer to Supervisor
- Communication & Conflict Resolution in Clinical Teams
Proposal Submission Requirements:
- Title
- Description
- Content Level
- Specialty
Speaker Responsibilities (once proposal is accepted and speaker contract is executed)
- Prepare a presentation that is 50 minutes in length (to be reviewed by SDMS staff);
- Give a live presentation on the date assigned by the SDMS staff; and
- Answer questions from attendees upon completion of the presentation.
Speaker Honorarium
The following speaker honorarium is available to speakers (where applicable) and is outlined in detail in the speaker services agreement upon acceptance of the proposal.
- 3x the amount of SDMS CME credit for delivering the presentation;
- $100 Stipend OR SDMS Membership (value $175); and
- 50% discount on registration fees for the SDMS Annual Conference.
2027 SDMS Annual Conference: October 7 – October 9, 2027 | New Orleans, LA
The SDMS Annual Conference is designed for sonographers, sonography students, and physicians who use sonography in their practice. Held in the fall, the SDMS Annual Conference fosters connections and learning and includes multiple opportunities to network and visit the exhibit hall. Attendees will earn SDMS CME credits while learning about new sonographic techniques, diagnostic accuracy, enhancements of sonographic instrumentation, and practice management strategies.
To be considered, you must submit at least two (2) course proposals (in one or more specialties).
Topics Requested:
Accepting proposals in all specialities.
Proposal Submission Requirements:
- Title
- Description
- Content Level
- Specialty
Speaker Responsibilities (once proposal is accepted and speaker contract is executed)
- Prepare a presentation that is 50 minutes in length (to be reviewed by the EMC and SDMS staff);
- Deliver a live presentation on the conference date assigned by the EMC; and
- Answer questions from conference attendees upon completion of the presentation.
Speaker Honorarium
The following speaker honorarium is available to speakers (where applicable) and is outlined in detail in the speaker services agreement upon acceptance of your proposal.
- Complimentary full conference registration;
- 3x the amount of SDMS CME credit for delivering the presentation; and
- Reimbursement for eligible travel expenses, as detailed in the speaker agreement.
Submission Review Deadline for the 2027 SDMS Annual Conference – October 1, 2026
2027 SDMS Annual Conference: October 7 – October 9, 2027 | New Orleans, LA
The Stephen McLaughlin Memorial Lectureship was created as a tribute to past SDMS President Stephen McLaughlin for his service to the SDMS and his dedication to promoting sonographer professionalism within the healthcare community. The lecture is presented each year at the SDMS Annual Conference in his honor.
Candidate Eligibility
- A current SDMS member in good standing;
- A recognized luminary within the profession who has previously spoken at national or international conferences;
- Credentialed by a national sonography certification organization that is recognized by the SDMS Board of Directors (i.e., currently ARDMS, CCI); and
- Willing to serve as both an SDMS Annual Conference plenary session lecturer and an SDMS Annual Conference track speaker.
Candidate Application Requirements
- Professional career documentation, to include CV and awards/recognition received in the last five (5) years;
- Detailed outline of the proposed lecture. (The Event Management Committee may pre-determine a topic related to sonographer professionalism or the sonography profession in general);
- One (1) to two (2) paragraphs describing the positive influence the candidate has had on the sonography community; and
- One (1) letter of recommendation from a colleague involved with the sonography community in some capacity.
Candidate Responsibilities (once nomination is accepted)
- Prepare a presentation that is 50 minutes in length, focused on sonographer professionalism or the sonography profession in general (to be reviewed by the EMC and SDMS staff).
Speaker Recognition/Honorarium
The selected Stephen McLaughlin lecturer shall receive:
- An engraved plaque;
- Two complimentary, transferable tickets to the SDMS & SDMS Foundation Awards Event held at the SDMS Annual Conference;
- Recognition at the SDMS Annual Conference and in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS), SDMS press release, and SDMS social media release;
- Complimentary full conference registration;
- Complimentary hotel accommodations; and
- Travel reimbursement.
Submission Review Deadline for the 2027 Stephen McLaughlin Memorial Lectureship – October 1, 2026