Poster Session Tips
Poster sessions are visual presentations of research efforts, a project or program using exhibits and handouts to communicate the purpose and outcomes. A poster session allows for open-ended questions and discussion as attendees explore the topic with the presenter(s). These sessions allow attendees to move freely between posters and offer opportunities to convey ideas without the requirements of a written paper.
Poster sessions are gaining in popularity as evidenced at the Seattle Forum with nearly 40 poster presentations. In many ways, it is an advertisement for your research, project or program. Posters are an avenue to display your information with graphics and text in an eye-catching method. In addition, the poster can be very detailed or general, each inviting viewers to engage in further discussion.
Each poster session will be provided a 6 feet by 4 feet corkboard, push pins and a table. We suggest that your poster be visible from 10 to 15 feet away. Please consider posting the research findings/conclusions in an "easy to view place." We also require poster presenters to bring 100 copies of their handout, which must include contact information, and ample business cards so anyone interested may easily contact you.
There is no one way to create a poster, giving you creative freedom. Below are suggestions that may be helpful when you create your poster. Use your creativity informing and advancing your work.
- Decide on your topic.
- Know your audience. Are they very knowledgable about your particular topic? What is the skill level for your topic? Is this a familiar topic?
- Plan out your poster. Does your abstract market your project/research and does it clearly convey the purpose of your poster? Make an outline to ensure the key areas are included. Keep in mind it is easier to cut something out than to add it later.
- Collect your materials. Decide on the font/color(s) and the size you want to use for the title, headings, text (keep to the same font throughout the poster); the graphics, photos, charts, diagrams or other visual elements; what kind of paper, foamboard, or posterboard; and handouts or brochures you want to include to supplement your poster. This is also a good time to plan what colors you will use.
- Start writing. Using your outline and your materials, begin writing your narrative. Remember, this is a visual presention so your narrative will enhance your visual display. Remember to pay close attention to your abstract.
- Start designing. Layout your pieces of information. Many suggest doing this using index cards. Think about the flow of your poster while maintaining the key message(s). Does everything "fit" together? Does it answer questions rather than raise more questions? Is it appealing to the eye? Does the poster stand alone? Can people easily see your research findings/conclusions? Do the colors strengthen your poster?
- Edit. Once you are satisfied with the layout, edit your text. Posters are visual displays with the text highlighting/supporting the graphics. Remember, this is not paper, so the text should not be the important feature of a poster.
- Save and make a backup. As with any presentation, things can happen. Make a backup to your poster.
- Bring Handouts. Bring to your poster session no less than 100 paper summaries to hand to others as you discuss your topic or to leave with your poster when you are not there. The handout should include a brief description of the poster topic along with your contact information should viewers have follow-up questions about your poster or poster topic. Typically, a two-sided (front an back) one page hand-out works well for these purposes.
Bring your poster with you to the conference.
Be aware of the climate where the conference is being held. For example, humidty may warp or wrinkle your poster. And if your poster meets with cold rain and snow, it may be ruined.
A mailing tube or portfolio case is recommended for transporting your poster. Your suitcase may not be handled gently by airport personnel and creases or other damage may happen.