Themed Discussion Guidelines

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Themed Discussion sessions are organized around a series of thematically related posters and provide an opportunity for lively and interactive exchange.

Each presenter will provide a brief overview of their poster (summarizing key results, conclusions, and discussion points in 2 minutes using 2 slides with no animation). Discussants will then engage the audience and the presenters in a discussion that synthesizes the information, covers points of agreement and controversy, and references related work in the field.

Time Allotment

Themed discussion presenters will be allowed a maximum of 2 minutes and 2 slides to summarize the key results, conclusions, and discussion points of their poster. This time limit is strictly enforced.

Presentation Materials

Themed discussion presenters should email 2 summary slides to the discussants who will be chairing the session in advance for review and approval.

In addition, presenters should drop off their 2 summary slides (in MS PowerPoint or Apple Keynote format only) at least 5 hours prior to the session in the Speaker Services Room at the Washington State Convention Center. All summary slides will then be uploaded to the projection computer in the respective session room.

Audio Visual Details

Each session room will include:

    1. a computer technician who will advance the PowerPoint or Keynote presentations (the technician will be stationed adjacent to the stage, should you experience any technical difficulties)
    2. computers (Mac and PC) which the assigned technician will operate
    3. 2 screens for data slides and in the larger rooms, 1 screen for image magnification (for head/shoulders shot of speakers)
    4. a lectern with an adjustable microphone attached
    5. a remote that will cue the assigned technician to advance the slides
    6. an LCD panel next to the lectern (for speakers to view the slides being projected on the screens throughout the room)
    7. an electronic timer/clock on the head table
    8. microphones on the head table (for discussants) and in the aisles (for the audience)

Presentation Suggestions for the 2 Summary Slides

Use of Color Use dark colored background (blue is preferable, do not use a black or white background). Text color should be either white or a contrasting color to the background. Please do not use white text on a light background or dark text on a dark background.

Text Use short, concise text, and keep it simple. It is recommended that all text be double-spaced. Avoid the use of ALL CAPITAL letters or underlined text, as they are difficult to read.

Graphics/Animation There should be no graphics, animation, or movies in summary slides for Themed Discussions.

Readability Slides must be readable from the back of the session room (5,000-15,000 square feet), just as speakers must be able to be heard in all parts of the room.