Guidelines for Poster Presentations

Historically, the poster exhibition and reception has been the most well-attended session at the conference! The following guidelines are provided to assist in your poster preparations. We ask that all poster presenters follow these guidelines and invite any questions that you may have.

Setup: Poster presentations are held in the Grand Ballroom on Wednesday Evening, November 1, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm during that evening’s reception. You may set up your poster any time between 4:00 pm and 6:15 pm that day. Go to section II of the Ballroom and volunteers will be there to assist you.

Size and Shape: At Evaluation 2006, all posters are displayed on a three-panel cardboard presentation board that stands on a table. The poster presentation boards are 4 feet WIDE by 3 feet HIGH. Poster presentations boards are divided into three sections. The left section is 1 foot WIDE by 3 feet HIGH, the middle section is 2 feet WIDE by 3 feet HIGH and the right section is 1 foot WIDE by 3 feet HIGH. The three sections are attached together and the left and right sections fold out like shutters. Each is freestanding with 4 to a table. When erected, there is a small amount of open space (about 10 inches) on the table in front of your poster in case you have brochures or other information that you would like to set out.

What to Bring: You should bring the printed content (more information below), but you DO NOT need to bring the poster board itself or pins for attaching your poster components. AEA will supply the poster board and plenty of pins. We strongly recommend that you bring a handout about your work to distribute to those interested in what you are doing. This may be a full paper or a summary of the information presented on your display. It should include your contact information (including email) so that your colleagues may follow-up after the conference if needed. Please bring at least 50 copies. If you have business cards, this is a good chance to distribute them as well.

Composition: Poster presentations should be visually appealing. Your poster should be:

• Readable from at least six feet away and the smallest type should be approximately 18 pt with headings in 36 point or larger. Do not post pages of a written paper (make them available for distribution), instead focus on the key elements. Don't forget to include a title as well as the names and affiliations of authors.

• Logically organized into sections with text and graphics that flow from one part to the next. One way to maintain organization is through the use of color, thus using the same color backing behind items in each section.

• To the point with elements that highlight your work. You have a brief period of time to catch attendees' attention as they stroll past. It is better to emphasize the most important components of your work in a clear and visually appealing way than to make a cluttered presentation. Those who share your interests will stop and learn more from you directly or from your handouts.

• Colorful with colored graphics and colored backing. However, be careful about the use of colored text. Text can be very difficult to read unless printed with dark colored ink.

What to Expect During the Exhibition: During the exhibition, you should remain at your poster, ready to discuss your work. Individual attendees browse among the posters throughout the event and chat with those presenting work of interest to them. If you get caught up in conversation with someone, try to be aware of, and welcome, others who may approach your poster and have questions about your work. Some people are more shy than others and may walk by and just pick up your handouts or card. A friendly "Welcome" or "Please don't hesitate to ask any questions" on your part can serve as a great icebreaker.

Computers: We have had some difficultly regarding attendees wishing to plug in portable computers for their displays. If you would like to bring a laptop it must be able to run on batteries alone throughout the exhibition. You cannot and may not plug in computers in the ballroom near your display due to liability issues (cords can be tripped over, etc).

Poster Competition: There will be a prize for the best poster presentations. A panel of judges will review posters based on content AND presentation. Winners will receive $50 plus a small surprise!

Questions: If you have any questions about presenting a poster at Evaluation 2006, please do not hesitate to contact Heidi McNeil in the AEA office at mcneil@eval.org or 888-232-2275 or 508-748-3326.