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Guidelines for ACS Speakers and Poster Presenters
The ACS maintains a Handbook for Speakers on its website. This is the most authoritative resource for speakers and others making presentations. Visit the section on poster presentations at the ACS Meetings site for additional information regarding presentations at ACS meetings.
You may wish to consider a poster paper presentation as opposed to the traditional oral presentation. Poster sessions not only allow more papers to be presented, but they allow a much greater time span for each presentation.
- Each poster session author will be provided with a horizontal poster board (4' x 6') and chair. The board will indicate the appropriate division and paper number in upper right or left corner. Authors are responsible for mounting their own material at least one hour prior to the opening of the session and for removing it within one-half hour after the session closes.
- All illustrations, charts, etc., to be posted should be prepared in advance as materials for these purposes will not be available at the meeting site. ACS will provide a reasonable supply of push pins, marking pens, etc., but we suggest authors provide their own if possible.
- Each poster paper must have a heading (letters 1/2" high or typed with BULLETIN typeface). Material will have to be read by attendees from a distance of 3 feet or more, so lettering on illustrations should be large and legible. Material should be displayed in logical sequence (introduction, development, conclusion) and each sheet should be numbered.
- It doesn't need to be "arty" but the effectiveness of a poster presentation will be enhanced by using techniques such as mounting the sheets on colored construction paper, etc., to improve the graphic impact. Please note, however, that simplicity, ease of reading, etc., are more important than artistic flair. Illustrations should not be mounted on heavy stock as this could make them difficult to mount on poster boards.
- Authors may wish to bring extra copies of their data and conclusions. No duplication facilities will be available through ACS. Authors may also wish to provide sign-up sheets for attendees who may wish additional information, reprints, etc.
Supplement to Poster Preparation Guidelines
(from the Division of Chemical Education)
These remarks are intended to supplement the guidelines for preparation of transparencies and posters found on standard ACS Abstract Forms. Please consider them as thoughtful suggestions designed to enhance your presentation and the enjoyment and understanding of your audience.
- In a room full of posters, consider the visual impact your presentation needs to make in order to attract readers. Everything should be legible from three feet. Use colored mounting paper behind panels to increase to increase contrast and impact, but avoid fluorescent papers which will make things hard to read when someone gets closer.
- Choose a simple font such as Times, Helvetica or Prestige Elite and stick with it. Avoid overuse of outlining and shadowing, it can be distracting. To make something stand out, use a larger font size, bold or underline instead.
- The title should be in very large type, 84 pt or larger. Your name and school should also be noted in large type, consider 72 pt. Headings and sub-headings should be at least 36 pt. You need not use all capitals for titles and headings, it can sometimes make them harder to read.
- Text on panels should be between 18 and 24 pt to be legible. Use double or 1.5 spacing between lines of text. Keep each panel relatively short and to the point. More than 25 lines won't get read, but 15 to 18 usually will. Framing the text by putting a box around it will also help readers to focus.
- Whenever possible, use graphs, charts, tables, figures, pictures or lists instead of text to get your points across.
- Make sure your presentation flows in a logical sequence. It should have an introduction, body and conclusion, just like any other presentation. Arrange it ahead of time to make sure it fits the space provided. It will take longer than you think to cut mats and put things together. It is also a good idea to bring along some extra push pins and a sign up sheet or envelope for people to request copies of your information.
