TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CREATING
POSTER SESSIONS

A poster is a visual presentation that showcases an academic body of research or work. A poster is very different from a paper or a talk, and so different techniques need to be used in its preparation. In particular, a poster is not a paper, and simply pinning a paper to a poster board usually makes a very poor poster.

The purpose of a poster is to present a piece of work that colleagues can easily view to gain knowledge about research or a project, and to stimulate an exchange of ideas between the presenter and the audience reading the poster. In preparing a poster, it is important that it be eye-catching and readable from 10-15 feet away. Most viewers will spend a limited amount of time scanning your poster and will stop and read in more detail if an element catches their attention. An effective poster should present the material simply and clearly.

The organization sponsoring the event will provide you with a set of specific specifications and/or instructions. It is important that you follow the directions to satisfy the requirements.

The conference organizers will decide the size and format. Standard sizes include:  3 x 2’, 4 x 3’, 5 x 4’, 6 x 4’, 8 x 4’.