Say It With A Poster

ABOUT POSTERS

IAIA meetings provide a range of opportunities for existing and prospective members to reach a global audience. Posters are a creative and popular alternative to the oral presentation of a paper.

In a poster session, there is no formal oral presentation; instead, each author is assigned a display area on which diagrams, graphics, data, pictures/photos, and a small amount of text are presented. The poster should be self-explanatory, but the author should be available at certain times, such as during the dedicated poster session and refreshment breaks, to interact with viewers and answer questions.

A poster that considers the needs of the intended viewer as well as those of the presenter can be a highly successful form of communication. Posters allow more time for authors and viewers to discuss the topic, more personal interaction and exchange of professional experience, ample question time with focus on your subject, and the potential for continued display of the poster at your workplace.

The Poster Session

A dedicated poster session is scheduled during the conference. As visitors peruse the display area, the poster presenters are then able to expand on material viewed, answer questions, exchange contact information, and fully discuss the subject matter.

Preparation Details

Each poster presenter is assigned one space on a flat, upright panel. Presenters are required to submit an abstract for the poster, to use the panels provided by IAIA, and to provide the materials to hold their posters in place and to hold any handouts (i.e., a large envelope). If you need more than one poster space, contact IAIA HQ for price information.

The shapes and dimensions of the boards and the materials from which the poster boards are constructed vary from year to year and are provided in the abstract acceptance notice and/or follow-up information sent to you by the program committee.

Posters that have not been through the review process (i.e., the author did not submit an abstract by the paper and poster abstract submission deadline) will not be permitted to be displayed on-site. Advertising is also not permitted.

Tips for Poster Preparation

CONTENT

Some questions to ask yourself as you prepare your poster’s content:

• Does the poster deliver a message?
• Is the story interesting or exciting? Does it stimulate curiosity?
• Is there too little or too much information?
• Do the graphics convey information?
• Is it original in its content or findings?
• Is the methodology mentioned?
• Are aims and objectives mentioned?
• Are the conclusions/results presented?
• Note:  Advertising is not permitted.

VISUAL APPEAL

• Plan ahead and know your poster layout (trial your display with colleagues).
• Include a large-print heading with the title of the poster, author’s name, and contact details.
• Make all lettering visible from 2.5 meters.
• Be visually clear and inviting. Have illustrations simple and bold.
• Be concise. Use outline form and minimize text (personal discussion will elaborate).
• Make viewing sequence reader-friendly (use arrows, numbers, headings).
• Be accessible in language; avoid jargon and abbreviations.
• A poster may be a group of separate pictures, diagrams, and some text, or an entirely pre-assembled complete poster. High-tech is not essential, but a very high standard of clarity and visibility are vital to convey your message.
• Vary spatial use (color, texture, graphics, open space).
• Supplement data with a handout of your abstract or project statement.

Please do not display typed pages of a conference paper (these are not appropriate in poster format), clutter all of the space (not inviting), or leave preparation to the last minute. Posters that do not minimum quality standards may be eliminated from display by the program committee.