Short Courses are in-depth educational sessions led by presenters with expertise in a variety of different subject matters.

Application process:

Applications must be received by Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm ET.  Please complete the form below to submit your Short Course application for consideration at PDAC 2025.

Applications will be reviewed by the Short Course Working Group and applicants will be notified as to the success of their applications in September.

Characteristics of a successful PDAC Short Course:

  1. Course content with broad appeal, and led by recognized subject matter experts, with experience presenting at past PDAC Conventions or other renowned international mining conferences.
  2. A diverse and inclusive speaker lineup.
  3. Course design that includes a balance of theory, case histories and stories, real world examples, and applications.
  4. Course design that employs a variety of tools to engage the audience and improve the learning experience. Examples of audience engagement tools include course exercises, video, break-out sessions, samples and props, and polling tools.
  5. Non-commercial in nature. Courses are meant to educate participants. Sales presentations with branding and promotional content are not suitable for the program.

In addition to these characteristics, the Short Course Selection Committee and PDAC must consider practical features such as room availability, scheduling conflicts, and time constraints.

PDAC welcomes applications from a diverse range of speakers. Please review our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion policy for more information.

Dates and format:

Dates and course structure may be adjusted as we move through the planning process. 

Short Courses are tentatively planned to take place between Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2, 2025 (in person).

Short Course topic:

We welcome you to submit an application on any relevant topic. For your reference, please see the link below for the courses offered at PDAC 2020.

2020 Short Courses
2023 Short Courses
2024 Short Courses

Roles and responsibilities of organizer(s):

  • Content development
  • Coordination of logistical requirements with PDAC staff
  • Development of support materials required for the session
  • Meet PDAC deadlines to:
    • Submit content for print and online promotion and advertising
    • Submit course manual materials for printing in advance of the course
    • Submit recordings, course slides and any additional materials for preparation of course production

Roles and responsibilities of PDAC:

  • Schedule each Short Course
  • Coordination of room set-up and ordering of audio-visual services
  • Compile materials and equipment
  • Ensure all presenters will have complimentary access to their classroom 
  • Manage registration and collecting fees
  • Short Course promotion 
  • Provide course manual/materials to attendees (digital and printed)
Please note that PDAC does not provide compensation for companies/individuals to present nor cover speaker travel & accommodation expenses. PDAC presenters are recognized as experts and leaders in their field, which results in new business for presenters, at the Convention and beyond.

Any information provided in the application below may be used to promote the Short Course if selected. Please consider this when filling out the form.

Organizer details

Course presenters

Note: PDAC does not recommend having more than 6 presenters

First name, last name, title and company name
Describe the presenter's relevant industry and academic experience, as well as their speaking and course presentation experience (max 900 characters)
Copy and paste link here
First name, last name, title and company name
Describe the presenter's relevant industry and academic experience, as well as their speaking and course presentation experience (max 900 characters)
Copy and paste link here
First name, last name, title and company name
Describe the presenter's relevant industry and academic experience, as well as their speaking and course presentation experience (max 900 characters)
Copy and paste link here
First name, last name, title and company name
Describe the presenter's relevant industry and academic experience, as well as their speaking and course presentation experience (max 900 characters)
Copy and paste link here
First name, last name, title and company name
Describe the presenter's relevant industry and academic experience, as well as their speaking and course presentation experience (max 900 characters)
Copy and paste link here
First name, last name, title and company name
Describe the presenter's relevant industry and academic experience, as well as their speaking and course presentation experience (max 900 characters)
Copy and paste link here

Proposed course details

(maximum 300 characters)
Has this course been presented before?

Please note the maximum number of registrants you would be comfortable having in your course.
Level of comprehension:



Can include educational background and experience level, suggested familiarity with specific concepts, and suitability for students (max 500 characters)
Provide a brief background about the subject matter, and compelling reasons for its inclusion. Indicate whether the topic has broad appeal, or is targeted to a specific audience (max 1000 characters):
Provide a description of your proposed course. Assume this description will be used in the PDAC Preliminary Program for marketing purposes (max 1000 characters):
Provide up to five learning outcomes you expect your audience to achieve through your course (max 1000 characters):
Describe how your course design and delivery strategy will create an engaging atmosphere and a positive learning experience. Include specific audience engagement tools and methods you intend to use (max 1000 characters):
By checking the boxes below you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the following:
For more information, contact:
Sarah Nazar
[email protected]