This paper is designed to provide the young professional working in the field of vocational education with insights that will encourage and facilitate the development of paper presentations. Discussed first are the structure and objectives of the following three organizations that are of particular importance to industrial educators: the American Vocational Association (AVA); the American Industrial Arts Association (AIAA); and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The next section of the paper is a guide to determining the most appropriate type of paper for a given session that outlines the nature and scope of research, position, training, and information papers; the types of sessions in which these papers may be used include symposia, research sessions, special sessions, teacher weekenders, general sessions, critiques, and carousel or poster sessions. Presented next are detailed guidelines for conveying one's interests to meeting program planners, developing a paper prospectus, and following a timeline. The remaining sections of the paper list and discuss preliminary considerations for developing and presenting papers. Appended to this report are lists of the divisions, affiliates, and supporting groups of the AVA, AERA, and AIAA; the format for submitting proposals for AERA presentations; and forms to use when submitting proposals for AERA associations. (MN)