BDA 8th International Conference
Dyslexia: Beyond Boundaries
Guidelines for the Posters
A poster should be self-contained and self-explanatory, enabling conference attendees with different backgrounds to be able to understand the content on their own and leaving the author free to interact with the audience and discuss questions. The interactive poster session offers a forum for discussion that is more intimate than an oral presentation. However, because the time devoted to each poster is determined largely by the viewer, not the presenter, opportunities for discussion are hindered if the presenter must devote a majority of their time to explaining the poster to a succession of viewers.
Before the Meeting
Planning and Layout
Poster boards are approximately 1m wide x 2 m tall. To use this space effectively, consider orientating your interactive paper in portrait rather than landscape. Also, consider organizing your presentation with material presented in columns rather than in rows. It is easier for viewers to read a poster by moving from top to bottom and from left to right than vice versa.
The increasing availability of large format printers enables attractive posters to be printed on a single sheet that can be easily transported to the meeting. If you are using a conventional printer, up to five columns of material can usually be formed using poster elements printed on A4 or B5 paper, which can then be mounted on coloured poster board. Grouping of sections or columns of the poster can be facilitated by using backgrounds of the same colour. Colours that muted rather than highly saturated are recommended.
Poster elements
Title
The top of the poster should include the title, author(s) and their affiliation(s), and the presentation number. Title lettering should be at least 2.5cm high.
Illustrations
Including figures and/or tables in your poster is an effective way to condense and summarise information. These elements should be designed to be viewed from a distance of 2 meters or more and should use clear, visible graphics and a large font size. Colour can be used effectively, especially if used sparingly; saturated dark colours on white or pale backgrounds are recommended. Each figure should clearly illustrate no more than one or two major points. If appropriate, the sequence of illustrations should be indicated with numbers or letters at least 2.5cm high. Each figure or table should have a heading presented in very large font stating the “take-home” message. Additional essential information should be provided below in a legend set in at least 16 point font.
Text
Try to keep narrative to a minimum. Numbered or bulleted lists are alternative and effective ways to convey a series of points, for example in introductory and concluding sections.
Text that would normally appear in the body (for example, Results) of a manuscript can be integrated in figure legends. Details of methodology should be kept focus on essential information.
If using a column format, the introduction would normally be placed at the upper left and a conclusion at the lower right. It is not necessary to post a copy of the abstract.
Entire paragraphs set in uppercase (all capitals) or boldface type are difficult to read and are not recommended. As an alternative, use a large font in short, separated paragraphs with unjustified right-hand margins. The BDA recommends fonts that are ‘dyslexia friendly’ such as Arial.
At the Meeting
You will find the number of your poster in the conference programme and it will be displayed on the poster board assigned to you. You should arrange to hang your poster on the designated board at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of your session. Velcro strips will be provided for this purpose. Please use the Velcro provided and do not deface the poster boards in any way.
Projection equipment will NOT be provided in the poster session area.
Your poster should remain in place for the duration of the session, accompanied by a presenting author who is prepared to discuss the work with other attendees.
Viewers often like to take away a copy of the poster. Consider making A4 copies available at your poster.
Materials should be removed promptly at the end of the session and at the very least at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the next session. Materials that are not removed promptly may be discarded.
Much of the generic information provided in these guidelines was adapted from a good practice guide provided by the Society for Neuroscience and available on-line at:
http://www.sfn.org/am2007/index.cfm?pagename=resources_presentation
Additional websites with useful information about poster presentations can be found at:
