The ESMOAS Summit of the Americas

Delegations & Country Assignment Rules:  
Each Summit of the Americas delegation should consist of a minimum of four delegates (one per committee, and a maximum of seven (2 delegates maximum in each committee but General Committee, which allows only one delegate).   

Each delegation is assigned a member state  of the OAS.  The Summit of the Americas conference is a modified simulation of the OAS Permanent Council and the Summit of the Americas.  Heads of State (the head delegates) will be asked to debate in the General Committee, while the remaining delegates will serve in the other three committees (Secretariat for Multidimensional Security, Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, and the  Committee for Juridical and Political Affairs). 

Each delegation represents one country, and is comprised of one to two delegates per committee.  Committees will meet in regular debate sessions, as well as informal networking (caucus) sessions, both of which are monitored and judged by a committee of professional program alumni.  During debate, committees will pass/fail resolutions brought before them by the delegates, whittle those passed resolutions down to fit a preset target number of passed resolutions, and deal with a hypothetical crisis scenario. During the competition, delegates may also receive additional assignments in keeping with their diplomatic mission.

Universities with multiple delegations will be assigned countries in similar economic or geographic regions.  The initial, primary country selection is by random drawing.  Each additional country assigned to a university will be selected by the ESMOAS Program Office, and will be as similar to the initial country assignment as possible.  

When and Where Is It?
The conference will be held in-person November 8-10, at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.  

What Does It Cost?
University registration requires a $100 non-refundable deposit.  This deposit provides access to a secure webpage within ESMOAS.org containing all parliamentary training materials, instructional documents, and pertinent information for student participants.  A paid deposit also allows for an institution to receive its country assignment.  Schools with multiple Summit delegations need only pay one registration fee ($100 covers up to five delegations).  

​Once team deposits are made, a registration fee of $60 per student will be due by the opening of the conference.  This fee covers some meals, all materials, attendance by judges, team evaluations, awards, a team photo, and participation letters & certificates, as well as individual access to the conference in its entirety.  Additional networking and instructional opportunities held throughout the year, either in person or via video conference, are included in this registration fee for one year. Participating institutions are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, and some meals.

When Should My University Register?
Registration is now open, and team deposits will be accepted beginning in early July (consult here for specific dates).  Teams registered by the Priority Registration Date are entered into the initial random country assignment drawing.  All teams added after the drawing receive the best available remaining country on a first come, first served basis, and will be given a country as similar to their first assignment as possible.

Who Can Register?
Teams can be formed as part of a class, official on-campus student organization, or even as an informal team of students with similar interests.  Students must be currently enrolled in the university they represent at the competition, but do not require a class or a faculty sponsor to participate.

How Do We Register?
In order to receive a country assignment and register for the conference, please fill out the form below.  You will be contacted with instructions on paying the initial team fee.  For more information about the conference and for help getting started, email the Program Office at moascentral@gmail.com. 
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What Are the Requirements for Participation?
Teams are expected to submit a single position paper outlining their country's stance on each provided agenda topic to be eligible for team awards.  Individual delegates wishing to be eligible for written work awards must also submit a resolution on their assigned committee topic to be debated in their committee during the competition.    Resolutions are required for written award consideration but are optional and not required for conference participation (though strongly encouraged).  

What Is the Process for Competition?
​Delegations debate submitted resolutions in a committee (General Committee delegates debate one another as the actual Heads of State, while other committees emulate diplomats from the assigned country).  Resolutions are passed or failed by vote, and the committee is responsible for reaching a pre-determined "target window" of passed resolutions by the close of the conference.  All official debate sessions and informal networking sessions are attended and monitored by members of the ESMOAS Judging Committee, who adjudicate team and certain individual awards, and provide detailed written evaluations to each delegation after the close of the conference.  Additional awards are voted on by participants in respective committees, and officers for the following year are selected by popular vote or by committee appointment.  Committees are chaired by students selected in the previous year's competition by a selection committee.  Teams are also given the task of navigating a hypothetical crisis situation and are each given a secret diplomatic mission to attempt to carry out during the process.  Individuals and teams are judged on their debate ability, knowledge of procedure, diplomacy, and efficacy in advancing their country's agenda as stated in their submitted team position paper. 

​​What Do I Bring?
Written research binders and/or electronic devices are allowed at the table during competition.  You will receive instructions regarding the written paperwork to bring with you before the competition.  Please, business dress for the entirety of the event.