Researchers are often disappointed or frustrated that their research is ignored by policy-makers and practitioners. This partly stems from ‘the gap’ between researchers and policy-makers and a lack of understanding of the policy-making process. The aim of this workshop was to assist participants to understand how to better ‘pitch’ their ideas and research to active living decision-makers:  bureaucrats, practitioners and politicians. Workshop participants were invited to write a letter or email to a policy-makers, practitioner or bureaucrat requesting an opportunity to meet to discuss an issue, an opportunity for a collaboration, and/or a need for policy-reform. The letters were reviewed and all participants received feedback on their written communication. Four participants were also invited to present a five minute ‘pitch’. After receiving feedback, workshop participants worked together in four teams to discuss and distill key lessons about how a future pitch could be improved to achieve one’s goal.

Download the summary notes from the workshop: Strategies for an Effective Pitch