The Poster Presentation guidelines for the
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Conference

POSTER AND RESOURCE EXCHANGE PRESENTATIONS

A poster is set up in a graphical, display format with a short abstract, headlines, charts, graphs, pie charts, and other graphic features. It allows opportunities for individual contact and in-depth discussion between presenters and attendees. Posters are equal in merit to all other formats Poster sessions are 90 minutes in length.

Preparations Before the Conference

1) You will have the entire space on a free-standing poster board - white background (4' high x 8' wide) on which to display your material. Materials can be mounted with push pins, staples, or with Velcro. You do not need to prepare one large poster board in advance; you mav use several smaller sheets which are arranged in a display after you arrive at the conference. This makes it easier to transport on the plane.

2) It is recommended that you use a computer and laser printer with proportional type fonts. Graphics software (e.g. Harvard Graphics) can develop excellent graphs and diagrams. Hand drawings are out. You may wish to have your materials laminated.

3) All material in the poster should be self-explanatory, eye catching, and communicate to the audience quickly. You have just a few seconds to "hook'' an attendee's interest.

4) The heading should contain the abstract title and author(s). Lettering should be at least 1-1/2" (120 points) high.

5) Post an abstract (in large type) in the upper left-hand corner.

6) Color can add emphasis effectively. Keep visual material simple and clear. Borders give your poster a polished look. Good-sized margins around the text and white space within the text are helpful to the reader. Frame each white sheet with a colored background.

7) Text lettering should be double spaced and at least 3/8" (24 points) high. Charts, drawings, and figures should be heavily drawn. Use italics and/or bold, not capitals, for emphasis. The bulk of information should be presented in table or graph format. Use headings and labels. Bullets in text highlight points. Avoid too much detail in diagrams or figures. Use short, precise titles. Use line charts to illustrate dramatic changes and/or change(s) over time. Use bar charts to compare variables in columns rather than rows. Use pie charts, with no more than 7 slices, to describe parts of a whole.

8) Bear in mind that items on a poster should be large enough to be read from distances of 3 feet or more Use a floor test to see if it is readable from a distance: If you can’t read it standing up, the print is too small If you have questions regarding layout please call Cindy Winter, NCFR Conference Coordinator: Toll free: 888 781-9331 ext. I5; phone: 612-781-9331, ext 15. fax: 612-781-9348; e-mail: wintersc@ncfr.com