Poster Session

	Designing your poster
	Tips and recomendations for effective poster presentation Poster Template Vertical Layout Horizontal Layout
Submission Basics:
Poster Size(s): 30x20 Horizontal or Vertical Another Common Size is 36x24 Pop-up Style Posters welcome Provided only if asked in advance: Easels Tape foam backing Sorry but we cannot provide electricity

The SBIR ASSETs Forum to be held in Boston, MA from December 8-9, 2011, will include a poster session. The Poster Exhibit area opens on Thursday morning from 10:00am onwards, continuing into the evening reception. On Friday Poster Exhibit area re-opens at 8:00am.

Why should I be Interested in a Poster?

The two-way conversation process of Poster exhibits are a different way than the podium presentations for telling people about the firm (or the project). Many firms are either not ready- and/or not comfortable – making plenary session presentation. However, they are interested in telling their story in a less pressured way. Posters are also a useful way of providing a heads-up on work which is underway, but which is still relatively early-stage.

A poster Session advertises your research. It combines text and graphics to make a visually pleasing presentation.  Typically, a professional poster involves showing your work to numerous researchers at a conference or seminar. This can take place in one large room, several smaller rooms, or even on a balcony. Then, as viewers walk by, your poster should quickly and efficiently communicate your research. Unlike the fast pace of a slide show or verbal presentation, a Poster Session allows viewers to study and restudy your information and discuss it with you one on one. You may also be required to give short presentations on your research every ten or fifteen minutes.

A less formal poster presentation occurs at general forums such as health fairs. The posters at these sessions present general information and invite viewers to ask more detailed questions of the presenters.

Submission Basics:

The typical poster surface provided for the poster session at the SBIR ASSETs conference is 30x20 inches vertical or horizontal. Another common foam board poster size is 36x24. Some firms have pop-up poster displays that they use for other events and conferences, these are also convenient, as they fold away and have their own carrying pouch.
We will be providing easels to hold your poster.

Provided request is received few days in advance of event, we can provide foam backed poster board for mounting your materials. This way you can make your poster on flexible media and be able to roll it to fit in a tube for travel. Be sure to bring push-pins, thumbtacks or even better, Velcro, for mounting your poster to the foam backing. If you plan on using this method please email us well in advance, to let us know so we can provide the foam board.

We will not be providing electricity or power. Materials such as tape, scissors, glue, staples, Velcro etc. for poster displays should be provided by you. We may have some of these materials if you have an “emergency” need for them.

What about getting my poster to the event?

Bringing your poster with you:
As discussed above, provided request is received few days in advance of event, we will provide foam backing for your poster if you decide to roll it up and carry it in a tube. Please be reminded to email us if this is what you decide to do.

Shipping your poster:
If you plan on shipping your poster, please be sure to ship it directly to the conference facility. That address would be:

John Hancock Hotel and Conference Center
40 Trinity Place
Boston, MA 02116
Reservations/General Information
Voice: (617) 933-7700
Fax: (617) 933-7709

Tip- A good suggestion from one of our clients is the way he was able to fold his poster in half without damaging it. He scored the foam poster board in the middle with a blade and applied a wide transparent tape over the seam in the back. This allowed the piece to open seamlessly to full size without knowing that it was foldable. This fit easily into his briefcase.

Successful Poster Sessions: Some Helpful Hints:

Done effectively, posters can provide presenters much more feedback than they would receive during a traditional presentation. Posters will also allow for more individual discussion of intellectual properties, technologies and opportunities of interest.
Poster sessions are a visual and concise method of presenting opportunities. As attendees come and look over your presentation, you have the opportunity to engage in much more in-depth discussions about technologies and business opportunities. You
may also find it convenient to bring hand-out information about your IP offerings and business opportunities to distribute during your poster session and for the delegates at large. The number of copies you bring is up to you.
Make your poster visually attractive. Use large print, high-quality graphics, color, and a large title. Be brief and to the point, be clear in writing, use supportive graphs and charts, and highlight main points.

Since poster sessions are a relatively new venue for many presenters, here are some helpful hints:

Some do’s:

Make the effort to be at your poster during poster session times.

Leave information to meeting attendees as to how presenters may be contacted about their posters - and when you next intend to be with your poster.

Consider providing a mobile phone number or e-mail contact - for those times a presenter cannot be present at their poster.

Be concise with your written material. Save elaborative points for discussion/interaction with viewers. For conclusions, focus on a central finding that lends itself to informal discussion.

Consider having Confidentiality Agreements prepared for individual meetings.

Things to avoid:

• Do not use less than 16 point font for any text you mount. Do not use font styles that are difficult to read from a distance of 3-4 feet. Most viewers will be at least three feet away from your poster.
• Do not be absent from your scheduled poster time if at all possible – and do not neglect prompt follow-up on poster session opportunities either during the event or thereafter.