POSTER GUIDELINES 2016 Annual Symposium – The Westin Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Friday, 14 October to Sunday, 16 October 2016
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Required Poster Contents:
Disclosure: All presenters/authors whose abstract(s) were chosen for poster presentations must list conflict of interest disclosures for him/herself and all co-presenters/authors on the bottom of the poster. If the author(s) have nothing to disclose, the statement should read: “There are no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.”
Title (or banner) and Author(s): Include the poster title at the top of the poster, then author(s) and affiliation. One-inch lettering (72 point) should be considered a minimum size for the title. (104 point is most commonly used). “Sans-Serif” lettering fonts such as Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Univers, or Geneva are recommended. Titles should accurately describe the subject. Use smaller font sizes to list the authors and other information. If there are multiple authors, the primary author should have an asterisk after their name.
Abstract (always first): Includes the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ ‘how,’ and key results and conclusions of the study or project. Begin with a clear purpose and objective. The abstract should highlight the contents and findings of your presentation and spark interest in your poster.
Introduction: State the problem or performance improvement project and any essential background information.
Objectives: List the 2-3 learning objectives that you submitted with your abstract submission. These objectives must be listed on the poster for evaluation purposes so that attendees who view and evaluate your poster(s) can receive continuing education hours.
Methods: Explain the procedures used for your study. Discuss participants, measurements, protocols, etc. that were utilized within the scope of your research.
Outcome/Evaluation Results: Include presentation of data, such as graphs, tables, photos, artwork, etc.
Conclusion/Nursing Implications: List key findings, summary, interpretation, management implications/applications, etc. NOTE: Viewers usually read the abstract and conclusion statements first. Make sure they are clear and easy to understand. Consider using a “bullet” format to separate ideas.
Bibliography: Identify evidence to support the information on the poster. List the 3- 5 references that you submitted with your abstract submission.
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POSTER GUIDELINES 2016 CONT. Optional Poster Contents Site Description: Overview of study area, sampling locations, etc. Acknowledgements: research partners, etc. Photograph of presenter (so those who want to find you, can). Poster Board Dimensions Your poster will be mounted on a stand (similar to a free-standing chalkboard). The stand’s dimensions are 94"x 46" (just under 4’ high x 8’ long), so you should make your poster slightly smaller than this. The poster board will be covered by fabric (usually gray or light tan). It will be double sided so that your poster will be one side and another presenter’s poster will be on the other side. Your poster material will be mounted onto the poster board with Velcro® tabs. These will be provided to you by ITNS staff during the poster set-up. Overall Presentation The ideal poster is designed to attract attention, provide a brief overview of the study or project, and initiate discussion. Posters should be as self-explanatory as possible. This will save your efforts for discussion. Lettering size should be large enough to read all text from 5 feet away. One-inch lettering (72 point) should be considered a minimum size for the title. (104 point is most commonly used). For anything other than the title, the minimum recommended font size is 24 point (approximately ¼ inch), or 18 point for superscripts and subscripts. Choose one font type for the poster. “Sans-Serif” lettering fonts such as Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Univers, or Geneva are recommended. Avoid excessive use of all capital lettering (other than for the title of the poster). Add emphasis by using boldface, underlining, or color. NOTE: Italics are difficult to read. Double-space all text using leftjustification to make it easier to read. Proofread your poster to ensure accuracy of all statements and conduct a spell check. Illustrations/Photos
Photos should be clear and depict the intended object or thought. If they do not, consider artwork instead. If used properly, photos can enhance text. Photo backgrounds can be either attractive or distracting, so consider your choice carefully. Setting your text in boxes is a helpful communication approach. Artistry does not substitute for content.
POSTER GUIDELINES 2016 CONT. Data and Text Organization Use borders or space to separate the key poster content (listed above). Maximize the use of figures; minimize the use of tables, particularly complex ones. Keep the figures simple and label them with a “take-home” message. Provide separate statements that are short, clear, and legible in a logical sequence. Provide adequate “white space” around statements for easier reading. Seek to communicate your message clearly and concisely. Eliminate excessive wording and technical jargon. When in doubt, edit out. Focus on one or a few key concepts you would like to get across to your audience. Handouts Attach (pushpin or Velcro®) holders or folders to the poster that include your business card and/or handouts. Handouts for the poster presentation are encouraged. Many software programs for posters allow for printing mini-versions of the entire poster as a handout. All handouts should be in a PDF format. These are great tools to generate further interest in your work and encourage feedback. Poster Presentation Important Dates Set-up: Thursday, October 13, 2016……………….16:00pm – 17:00pm Take-Down: Saturday, October 15, 2016………….13:30pm – 16:00pm ITNS is not responsible for any posters that are not taken down by Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 16:00pm. All poster presenters are required to stand next to their posters at the following times:
Thursday, October 13, 2016…………...18:15pm – 19:15pm Friday, October 14, 2016……………….7:30am – 8:00pm Friday, October 14, 2016……………….13:00pm – 13:30pm Saturday, October 15, 2016…………….7:30am – 8:00am Saturday, October 15, 2016…………….12:50pm – 13:20pm
Final Tips and Advice Preparing a poster will take as much time as you let it. Don’t wait until the last minute to do even a minor task. Back up your files, save them to a disk or thumb drive, and allow for a contingency plan. All materials to be displayed should be prepared before you arrive at the Annual Symposium.