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Guidelines for Poster Presentations

Download a PDF Version:  Poster Presentation Guidelines (PDF)

NOTE:  The conference will provide tri-fold panels and fasteners (tape, pins, etc.).  Poster presenters will only need to bring the materials to post.

The Information Assurance Workshop (IAW) Committee selects submissions each year for presentation using posters because this medium provides an effective means of conveying information. (Many presenters also find this very satisfying. For example, the audience wanders among the displays, finding posters of interest and holding one-on-one discussions with the presenters.) The following instructions provide guidance to help prepare effective visuals and supporting information for poster presentations.

Poster Presentation

Properly prepared posters allow scientists, engineers, and visitors to effectively grasp the content and significance of the research. The poster presentation should do a good job of presenting the information even if the presenter is not standing next to it making explanations. Prepared statements on the objectives, techniques, results, and conclusions of the research must be included. Professional-quality graphics must be used, such as maps, charts, photographs, and computer output. Hand-drawn figures and typewritten texts are highly discouraged.

Figure 1.  A Poster Format Example on a Tri-Fold Panel

Panel Appearance

Each presentation display will be allocated a tri-fold panel with black trim and a dark blue velvet-like fabric interior measuring approximately 6 ft. wide by 3 ft. high (each panel is approximately 35 ¾ x 23 ¾.) The inside surface area accepts thumb-tacs, tape and Velcro fasteners. These tri-folds are supported by metal frames and will be allocated a long table to support normal viewing and reading height. Authors must prepare the necessary poster material beforehand and are responsible for transporting it to and from the conference. Fasteners will be provided by the conference organizers.

Material should be displayed in logical sequence (e.g., introduction, development, conclusion); arrows or numbers should be used to provide direction for viewers. Presentation should start at the top left and flow in columns from top to bottom, left to right. However, keep text to a minimum. Figure 1 is one example of the tri-fold and a suggested poster format.

Manner of Presentation

In general, the attendees will be multi-disciplined and may not have an in-depth knowledge of the subject presented. Therefore, all posters should be presented in a manner that is easily understandable and interesting to those lacking specific knowledge in the subject areas.

Presentation Guidelines

• Posters are not manuscripts. Posters need supporting text, but the text should be restricted to making the most important points. If it is desirable to provide additional text for viewers to access, handout should be available for viewer to take.
• Posters are not oral presentations and should be self-explanatory. Effective posters have a series of brief statements and supporting illustrations that tell a story.
• Posters are visual displays. Illustrative materials used should be kept simple. The use of color is encouraged as it enhances effective visual presentations. Present only one idea per drawing and include only important supporting information. Use drawings to convey abstract relationships and concepts. These items should be made in advance and be designed to be easily arranged on the poster panel at the time of the meeting.
• Decide upon the message of the poster and then produce the items that will develop and deliver this message in a logical and visually appealing fashion.
• Show the flow. It is important that viewer know the order in which the poster is to be viewed. Normally, the flow goes from the top left to the bottom right.

Typographic Guidelines

• AVOID USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS for blocks of text.
• Don’t crowd text – use the white space and break lines intelligently.
• Tables should be kept simple and used sparingly. Graphs are generally more effective.
• All text should be made large enough to view at 1 to 2 meters.

Poster Lettering Guide

The lettering should be Arial in accordance with the following guidance for minimum sizes:

Heading, 48 Pt.

Major Heading: Bold, Capitals and lower case (48 Pt.);

Subheading, 36 Pt.

Subheadings: Bold, Capitals and lower case (36 Pt.);

Text - Bold, 18 Pt.

Text: Capitals and lower case (18 Pt.);  

Graph Lettering - Bold, 16 Pt.

Graphs & Figures: Capitals and lower case (16 Pt.);  

Smallest Graph Lettering - Bold, 14 Pt.

Graphs & Figures Subheading: Capitals & lower case (14 Pt.);