The conference, Part I of a two-part initiative called “Imagining the Blue Ridge Parkway for the 21st Century,” will be held April 22 -24, 2010 on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Part II, to be held in October of 2010 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, will feature practical workshops that build on the research presented in Part I to help regional and community stakeholders address the unique challenges facing the Blue Ridge Parkway and its region. Though the conferences are linked, participation in Part I of the conference does not require participation in Part II.

We invite presentation of research from many fields: from history and culture to science, the environment, landscape, engineering, and economics. We invite proposals from scholars, professionals, and researchers within and outside of academia at all levels from graduate students to senior professionals.

Proposals for individual talks or papers will be accepted, as well as proposals for complete sessions (panel discussions, roundtable discussions) focused on particular topics. Innovative presentation formats that invite audience participation and discussion are encouraged. Poster presentations, which encourage one-to-one interaction between researcher and other interested participants, will also be incorporated.

Submission of Proposals
To submit a proposal, please include the following, submitted electronically to asubrp75@appstate.edu by September 1, 2009.

• A 250-word abstract of your proposed presentation that includes a clear description of the presentation format.
• A biographical paragraph about each presenter, describing the basis for his/her expertise in the area of the proposed presentation.
• A two-page curriculum vitae or resume for each presenter.
• Names, affiliations, and addresses (including email), and phone contact information for all presenters

Full information about the conference and a more complete call for proposals is available at: www.blueridgeparkway75.org