Technical information for presentations

• Computers will not be provided in the rooms, so you should bring your own laptop and necessary video adapters
• VGA and HDMI connections will be available
• The preferred format for presentations is 16:9
• A Logitech wireless presenter with laser will be available

Guidelines for Minisymposium Organizers

Prior to the conference:

Contact your speakers and ask them for a couple of lines summarizing the slant or perspective they will bring to the minisymposium. You should prepare a very short biographical blurb and introduction for each speaker.

Computers will not be provided in the rooms – please bring a laptop and video adapter(s) and make sure your speakers do the same. VGA and HDMI cables will be provided. The preferred aspect ratio for presentations is 16:9. A Logitech wireless presenter will be available in the room.

If you prefer to use your own laptop for all presentations then please collect them from your speakers in advance. If not, make sure you factor in some time during the minisymposium for transitioning between laptops.

Prior to the beginning of your minisymposium:

Inform the registration desk about any unforeseen cancellations or speaker replacements.

Review the online program for any last minute changes/cancellations to the session you are chairing. The online program is always the most up-to-date.

There is a break before the start of every minisymposium. Please be in the room 15 minutes before the start of your session to ensure you begin on time. There will be a PASC17 volunteer in the room to assist with technical equipment.

Identify yourself to the speakers and confirm that everyone is present. Tell each presenter the procedure you will use to keep time (PASC17 will provide flash cards, but you may prefer to use hand signals or other methods).

During the minisymposium:

You should play an “active chair” role in the session, facilitating a lively and interactive discussion amongst speakers and audience throughout.

Take 5 minutes at the beginning of the session to present a quick overview of the themes of the minisymposium and the state of the art, introduce the speakers and their topics. These five minutes can be recovered over the course of the minisymposium by reducing the time of each presentation ever so slightly.

Each speaker has max. 25 minutes for her/his presentation, with up to an additional 5 minutes for questions.

Make sure that the presenters do not block the view of the screen.

Pay close attention to time. We count on you to keep the sessions on schedule.

Ensure that the whole audience can hear questions coming from the floor. Restate them if necessary.

Please ask at least one question if there are no questions from the audience. Usually a single question from the Chair can prompt further discussion from the floor.

If a presenter ends early or is a “no show,” use the extra time for questions and discussion. If there is a no show, do not start the next presentation early. Fill the time with questions or a general discussion (we want to give participants the opportunity to move between minisymposia to attend particular talks).

Finish on time. Urge the audience to continue discussions over the break.