Poster Information and Requirements

Posters are well suited for presentations of complex and technical methods and/or results. They typically reach a wider audience than short talks because they are on display for several days and allow the audience more time to digest complex information. This promotes robust discussion between presenters and their audience!

Posters must be educational in nature and not actively promote any particular product, service, brand, or company.

Presenter Expectations

Poster presenters are expected to:

Register for the Conference
Be an author of the poster
Print a copy of your poster and bring it to the Conference
Be an expert on the discipline and issues covered by the poster
Be prepared to provide expanded descriptions of the poster during the Poster Reception
Approximately 2 months before the Conference, review your poster listing on the Poster Presentations webpage. This is exactly how your poster will be listed in the onsite program guide and mobile app. We do not print abstracts
Approximately 3 weeks before the Conference, submit an electronic copy (PDF) of your poster before the poster has been printed, for approval
On Tuesday, September 29, put up your poster in the Exhibit Hall between 7:00 am - 9:30 am
On Tuesday, September 29, stand by your poster during the Poster Reception from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Poster Construction Requirements

Formatting
Posters must be educational in nature and not actively promote any particular product, service, brand, or company. Your poster should have a:

Title - recommended font size is 72 pt
List of authors and author affiliations – recommended font size is 36-42 pt
Abstract – recommended font size is 20-24 pt
Section or sub-title headings – recommended font size is 28-32 pt
Text, tables, and figures (when applicable) – recommended font size is 24-32 pt
Acknowledgments and references cited (when applicable) – recommended font size is 20-24 pt
Contact information below the poster for attendees interested in obtaining more information (optional) - can be an attachment

Poster Specs
Freestanding double-sided boards for the posters will be located in the back of the Exhibit Hall. Two poster presentations will occupy each side of the poster board (i.e., four posters per freestanding board). Pushpins will be provided to affix poster presentations to boards. The freestanding boards are 8 ft (2.4 m) long and 4 ft (1.2 m) high (landscape orientation); the bottom edge of the board is typically 30 in (0.76 m) above the floor.

Max poster height: 40 in (1.02 m)
Max poster width: 43 in (1.09 m)

Presenters are expected to print their own poster, after the PDF has been approved, and bring it to the Conference. For examples, download Poster Presentations from past Annual Conferences (Members Only). For Non-Members, here are two sample posters:

Poster Judging (opt-in)

The application of high-quality science generates significant advancements for our institutional and collective goals, while also building credibility with our stakeholders. Research is one of our most powerful tools for change. The Research and Technology Committee (RTC) recognizes exceptional poster presentations, as well as supportive institutions by presenting winners with the Poster Award.

Presenters have the option to opt-in to the poster judging. Posters are judged before the Annual Conference and awards are presented at the Poster Reception each year. Judging is based on the following criteria:

Clear focus or central research question: The poster explicitly states what the project accomplished or will accomplish. There is a clear central idea, hypothesis, or objective.
Appropriate research methodology: The presenter/poster knowledgeably conveys how the project is to be executed or provides evidence appropriate to the discipline and explains how it was obtained.
Clear presentation of results/product/performance or expected outcome: Mastery of the subject is evident. The project is explained sufficiently clearly that it can be understood by a reasonably informed non-specialist.
Poster design/ visual communication: Details about the project are presented in an organized, fresh, and thoughtful manner. The poster’s design is compelling and effectively highlights the key features of the project.
Contribution to the field or discussion of potential impact: There is an explanation of the significance or use of the project, of why the project was or is worth doing, or of what new knowledge, understanding, or insight was or will be gained.

Each poster can earn up to three points within each judging criteria, for a maximum of fifteen points total. Posters will be judged altogether instead of by category and awards will be presented as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Honorable mentions may also be awarded. At the conclusion of the conference, winning presentations will also have the opportunity to share their posters online with AZA members.

What Makes a Research Poster?
Only research posters, which emphasize the scientific rigor and methodology behind the project, will qualify for the RTC awards. Below is what a research poster should include:

I. Research Question

clear and focused purpose
identifies contribution to field of study
testable using scientific methods

II. Design and Methodology

well-designed plan and data collection methods
variables and controls defined, appropriate and complete

III. Execution: Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

systematic data collection and analysis
reproducibility of results
appropriate application of mathematical and statistical methods
sufficient data collected to support interpretation and conclusions

IV. Creativity & Potential Impact

project demonstrates significant creativity in one or more of the above criteria
project has impact or potential impact in its field and/or in technology, economy,
environment or society

Electronic copies submitted after the deadline will not be considered for judging.

Post-Conference Recognition
Following the Conference, Poster Presenters will be given the opportunity to post their presentation online for members to access. This will give presenters an opportunity to share their findings with a larger audience and will give conference attendees a chance to find out more information on presentations.

Questions?
Contact AZA’s Events Coordinator, Bridgett Owen.