Purpose and Goals
Thematic Sessions consist of individual paper presentations that are organized into topic areas by the conference program committee. Papers in the session are presented sequentially, in 20-minute presentation blocks, with ample time reserved after all the formal presentations for group discussion. Online presentations have discussion areas for the whole session, where comments and questions can be direct to the whole theme, or specific presentations. This format allows for greater participation and enhanced discussion of the ideas and implications arising from the set of papers. Even if you're presenting in-person we strongly encourage you to add your digital content.
Conference Presentation Options
In-Person Blended (Includes In Person + Online participation - recommended for maximum interaction)
Online Only (For those who are unable to attend In Person)
What does a Themed Paper Presentation Session look like?
In-Person: Thematic Sessions will consist of either 3 paper presentations in a 75-minute block, or 4 paper presentations in a 100-minute block. Please prepare for 20 minutes of formal presentation, focusing your verbal remarks on the major conclusions and implications that are the essence of your work. This structure allows for 15-20 minutes of extended discussion following the presentations, during which time the presenters have the opportunity to elaborate on their work in response to questions from the audience or ideas generated by other papers and group discussion.
Online: We recommend a full presentation of no more than 20 minutes. Presenters are welcome to include visual supports (PDF, PP, ect) to assist delivery of their oral presentation. These will be available to all conference participants. An online discussion board will be available to facilitate conversation, and will be open to both in-person and remote participants.
Can I Use Visual Aids?
In-Person: All Themed Paper Presentation session rooms are equipped with screens and data projectors. Conference delegates are asked to bring their own laptop computers unless otherwise noted in the Session Guidelines email with the instructions for the in-person presentations. If you are a Mac user, please be sure to bring the correct adaptor. Note that overhead projectors for transparencies are not provided in session rooms.
Online: In addition to your video presentations, please feel free to add any additional documentation to your presentation page.
How Should I Prepare?
In-Person & Online: During your Themed Paper Presentation, be sure to state the structure and main points of your argument explicitly and clearly at the outset and again in the summary. Visual props and key word slides are helpful for offering variety and illustration of your arguments. However, reading your talk from PowerPoint slides should be avoided. Rehearse your presentation out loud several times, if possible in front of a listener who can give you feedback on both form and content. If you will be showing slides or media along with a text, mark in your text where each slide or clip will occur and include this in your rehearsal. For the online version of your presentation, we recommend a video recording format which includes (at least) a small version of your face, as well as the PowerPoint. You should also be sure your talk fits into the allotted 20 minutes of your presentation. There is latitude for video versions of your presentation that are longer than twenty minutes, though we recommend strongly against unnecessary length.
Will There Be Time for Questions?
In-Person: This structure allows for 15-20 minutes for extended discussion following all presentations at the in-person conference, during which time the presenters have the opportunity to elaborate on their work in response to questions from the audience or ideas generated by other papers and group discussion.
Online: Presentations have dedicated online discussion areas for the whole session, where comments and questions can be direct to the whole theme, or specific presentations. In-person conference participants are requested to add their comments and questions during the session for the benefit of the speakers and those not attending the conference..