ISA Annual Convention
Poster Sessions

A poster session is an alternative method to traditional panels that provides a visual and concise method for disseminating and evaluating research. Poster presentations are organized by theme or substantive topic in ways that encourage discussion and debate between presenter and convention delegates. All poster panels are assigned a panel discussant.

Each presenter is assigned a specific date, time, and location as indicated in the convention program listings. Presenters attach materials that visually capture the essence of their work onto the display boards in a setting that encourages a more informal and in-depth discussion of the work than is possible in a traditional panel session.

Information for Presenters

At the start of each poster session, signage in the Poster Lounge will indicate the physical board location for each presenter.While you do not make a formal delivery of your paper, you will be able to engage in a more informal and more in depth discussion of your work. Presenters should begin displaying their posters 15 minutes before their scheduled session and expected to remain with their poster throughout the scheduled session. Please install and remove your materials on time. ISA Staff personnel will be available at the start and end of each session to provide assistance as needed.

ISA will provide the following for each session:


  • Poster display board: 8 feet long x 4 feet tall
  • Draped table: 6 feet long for handouts and materials
  • Push-pins
  • Two chairs

Tips for a Successful Poster

Content

  • Clearly Identify the Poster: Include/highlight title of paper, author(s) and institutional affiliation(s)
  • Use Headings: Traditionally these include the abstract, methodology, data, results and conclusions
  • Be Concise: Save elaborative points for discussion/interaction with viewers - using headings and bullet points assists in minimal text but maximum information transmission
  • Use Visuals: Graphs, charts and/or tables transmit a large amount of information in less space and increase the readability of posters

Design

  • DO NOT mount the text of your paper as the poster! Have copies of your paper at your table for viewers to take
  • Size: Poster board size is 8 feet long x 4 feet tall - posters must fit on the board for display, push-pins provided
  • Use Large Font: Headings and Title lettering should be at least 1 inch tall, body text about 16 point font or larger - ideally the text should be visible and readable from 5 feet
  • Use Neutral Background & High Contrast Text: Neutral backgrounds and black text increase the readability of posters - a splash of color here and there, perhaps highlighting central finding(s) or provocative results, will make your poster "stand out" from the crowd
  • Print: Avoid fonts that are script or difficult to read -if hand lettering is required, use a black felt-tip pen (Sharpie)

Presentation

  • Paper: Have paper uploaded to the ISA Paper Archive and sent to the discussant - you may want copies at your table for viewers to take
  • Presentation: No formal delivery of your paper but rather a more informal and more in depth discussion of your work
  • Setup/Attendance: Presenters should begin displaying their posters 15 minutes before their scheduled session and expected to remain with their poster throughout the scheduled session
  • Additional Materials: Business cards and a notepad are recommended - helpful in taking names & addresses of people interested in your research and recording (poster boards, pins and a table are provided)
  • Transport: A mailing tube or portfolio case is recommended for transporting your poster

References/Examples