MLA '06: Poster FAQ
Submitting Posters
What are the steps to submit a poster abstract using the online system?
Submit your abstracts online by logging on to the online abstract submission system [link removed after deadline] using your self-assigned login name and password. Complete the steps in the process. Be sure to print out a summary confirmation of your submission, with the abstract control number, for your records.
You may change an abstract until the deadline. All abstract submissions and changes had to have been completed by Monday, November 7, 2005, at MIDNIGHT central standard time (CST). There were no extensions of this deadline.
What is an electronic poster?
Great question! It can be many things, so be creative. Any way to convey
your message effectively using computer technology will likely make an
excellent electronic poster.
Important: Do not leave laptop computers or other valuables unattended. Show management cannot be responsible for the security of these items.
The link below is an example of an electronic poster.
http://www.mlanet.org/am/am2003/e_present/014_tanase_bluhm-stieber.ppt
Can I rent computers and other equipment onsite to present my electronic poster?
Yes, rental will be through MLA's audiovisual (AV) vendor, Projections.
An AV order form with pricing can be requested by emailing Brenda
Dreier, conference manager.
Preparing for the Meeting
My poster abstract has been accepted. Help!
An excellent resource, by Fred Stos, is listed below. It was developed for clients of the Arts and Sciences Library at SUNY–Buffalo. All sorts of resources are presented, including tips on creating, developing, and presenting a poster, even electronic ones. Start here; it is a great site!
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl/guides/bio/posters.html
Another great resource is the chapter on posters from Preparing Scientific Illustrations by Mary Helen Briscoe (Springer, 1996).
What are some general guidelines I should think about when designing a poster?
- Your poster should be about 20% text, 40% graphics, and 40% white space.
- Use the active voice on all text on the poster.
- Keep text to the absolute minimum.
- Text should be, at the minimum, twenty-eight or thirty-two points in size. Remember, for text, bigger is better.
- Posters are graphical presentations; emphasize your charts, tables, and photos.
- Backgrounds using light colors work best.
- Handouts should match the poster's elements.
- Consider materials when designing the poster: today's soft, vinyl plastic is lighter weight and takes up less space when rolled than traditional laminated paper.
- Consider how you will transport the poster: multiple panels are easier to handle than one large panel; note the size of available shipping containers before determining the size of your poster; a poster smaller than the poster board is usually adequate for viewing; and lastly, consider producing your poster onsite at a local quick copy shop.
- If you decided to laminate your poster, consider using a matte or low-glare finish. People will be able to read your poster more easily from a distance, no matter what the lighting angle (and it will photograph better, too!).
When is the poster session?
There will be two poster sessions—Sunday, May 21, and Monday, May
22, from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Odd-numbered posters will be presented
on Sunday and even-numbered posters will be presented on Monday. Presenters
will be required to staff their poster displays during the assigned time.
When is setup?
Posters should be put up on Sunday, May 21, beginning at noon (when the
exhibit hall opens). Please plan to leave your poster up until 3:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, May 23, so that as many attendees as possible can view your
results.
When is tear down?
Posters should be taken down on Tuesday, May 23, at 3:00 p.m., when the
exhibit hall closes.
What equipment is supplied with each poster?
Each poster presenter will receive:
- a 6-foot-long table (at counter height; 42-inch table for electronic poster)
- an 8-foot by 4-foot poster board (usable space is 3 foot, 6 inches high and 7 foot, 6 inches wide)
- one chair
- electricity (if identified as an electronic poster).
What size is the poster backdrop? How much room is really available for my poster?
A corkboard, measuring eight feet by four feet, will be available for all posters, both electronic and traditional. There is a border around the corkboard that is about 1½ inches wide. Other than the border, all remaining space is usable.
How big is the table?
A standard, 6-foot-long by 18-inch-wide, skirted table is provided for
print posters. Electronic posters will receive a 6-foot-long table that
is 42 inches high.
Are counter-height tables available for laptop presentations?
We know that viewing laptop presentations on a normal-height table can be somewhat difficult, so all electronic posters will automatically receive a complimentary table higher than the standard-size table.
I will need a Internet connection for my poster. What is the cost
for that?
Internet connections will be approximately $450. Phone line connections
will be about $200. Ordering information will be provided upon request:
email Brenda
Dreier, conference manager.
My poster will show off our new Website, but I do not want a live connection. What should I do?
Using WebWhacker, HTTrack, or similar programs to download Websites to a hard drive, you can display your Website offline with great speed and reliability. The best part is that the audience cannot tell you are not online. Information about WebWhacker is at www.bluesquirrel.com; HTTrack is at www.httrack.com.
What kind of equipment do I need to attach my print poster to the display board (tape, pushpins, etc.)?
This depends greatly on the style of your poster, the thickness of the paper or material used to create it, and many other factors. T-pins have always worked well, but take some strength to get them into the board. You are responsible for bringing your own mounting materials. So think creatively; velcro might work, as well as regular push pins or tape.
What else might I need to bring to the poster sessions?
Consider bringing the following: scissors, pens, and paper for viewers to write down their names and addresses for more information or to ask you a question; business cards; and a power cord and surge protector for electronic posters using computer equipment.
Should I bring handouts? How many should I bring?
Bring at least 150 handouts. Try to keep it to one page, back and front, if you can. Remember, you will carry these things at least to the poster session, so make it easy on yourself!
Is there an electronic file of the meeting logo that I can place on my poster?
Yes, the official meeting logo is available
electronically for use with presentations.
At the Meeting/Final Preparations
Will there be a sign indicating the title of my poster or do I need to include that in my design?
No, this element needs to be part of your poster's design.
Can I ship the poster ahead of and after the meeting?
Presenters are responsible for coordination and delivery of poster session
materials to and from the Phoenix convention center. It is recommended
that you ship the poster to your hotel. For your protection, please use
a shipping method that can be tracked and bring all tracking information
with you in case of a problem.
Any "disaster preparedness" tips?
Remember Murphy's Law: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Save your poster to a disk and bring it with you; leave it on the server at home (and arrange your own access to that server); or give it to a friend to hold. Be sure you have another way to get the information if anything should happen to your poster.
Anything else I should do?
Have fun! Presenting posters is a great way to talk to others about a topic you know a great deal about. Not only will you share your knowledge, but people visiting your poster will share their knowledge with you. Energy is always very "high" at the poster sessions, so wear comfortable footwear and enjoy the experience!
Who should I contact for assistance with posters?
Questions about electronic or print posters should be emailed to 2006
NPC member Charles Greenberg.
