Poster Presentations

Preparation Details

Dimensions of the boards and the materials from which the poster boards are constructed vary from year to year. Board specifications (size and shape) and materials needed to affix poster elements to the boards are provided to poster presenters by the program committee.

Poster presenters are expected to bring any materials needed to affix displays, such as removable Velcro, double-sided tape or gum adhesive.

The final program will specify the location of the poster area and details for assembling and dismantling of displays.

On-site Facilities

Be prepared for minimal display space. The idea is to allow numbers of people to share their expertise and experience.

One upright board is provided for you to attach the components of your poster, which may be a group of separate pictures, diagrams, and some text, or an entirely pre-assembled complete poster.

You are required to provide whatever materials are needed to affix your poster to the board. Be fully prepared—to maximize the impact of your poster.

High-tech is not essential, but a very high standard of clarity and visibility are vital to convey your message.

Suggestions for Poster Preparation

	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.
	Have illustrations simple and bold.
	Use outline form and minimize text (personal discussion will elaborate).
	Make viewing sequence reader-friendly (use arrows, numbers, headings).
	Vary spatial use (color, texture, graphics, open space).
	Supplement data with a handout of your conference abstract or project statement.

Please Do Not

	Display typed pages of conference paper (these are not appropriate in poster format).
	Clutter all of the space (not inviting).
	Leave preparation to the last minute!

Please Do

Enjoy the poster process—be creative!

Make Your Poster

	Concise and easily readable
	Visually clear and inviting
	Accessible in language—avoid jargon and abbreviations
	Amenable for distance viewing

Posters Are Effective

IAIA meetings provide a range of opportunities for existing and prospective members to reach a global audience.

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.

Why Have a Poster Presentation?

Allows 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.

Potential for continued display of the poster at your workplace.

The Poster Session

Participants stay with their displays during the designated poster session and during breaks between regular sessions. 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.

IAIA “Best Poster”

Each annual IAIA conference recognizes the top poster for the event. The winner is recognized with a certificate at the conference and announced in the IAIA Newsletter.

Judging Criteria:

	PRESENTATION: the extent to which the poster is well presented in a technical sense. Is it well designed? Does it use space well? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Does it make appropriate use of illustrations? Is there an appropriate amount of text? Is the font size of the text appropriate?
	INFORMATION: the extent to which the poster conveys a message. Is there enough information in the presentation? Is there too much information? Do the visual aids convey information?
	INTEREST: the extent to which the poster arouses interest in the viewer. Is the story exciting? Is enthusiasm or commitment exhibited?
	RESEARCH: the quality of the underlying research that the poster presents. Is the methodology mentioned? Is the methodology sound? Are the results plausible? Was the research conceptually developed? Was the starting hypothesis sound?

This site was updated on Friday, 10 March 2006.

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