Session overview for moderators and presenters

Presenters and moderators should be in contact before the day of the presentations. Moderators should have enough information about presenters to introduce each at the symposium. Because time is limited, only a small amount of information will be included in the introduction. Presenters need to send the final version of their presentation slideshow to the session moderator at least 1 day prior to the symposium so the moderator will have time to compile them and have them ready for the session.

Each session begins on the hour and lasts 58 minutes. Each is made up of 4 presentations that tie in with a common theme (but that usually come from various departments).

The session begins with an introduction of the presenters. Each presenter has 10 minutes to present and 3-4 minutes to answer questions. The moderator will alert the presenter of time limits by holding up cards that indicate the remaining time. The presenter will be asked to stop when 10 minutes is up. The moderator will then direct the question-answer period, acknowledging the questions and allowing the presenter to respond.

After the last presentation/Q&A, if time allows, the moderator will open the floor for further questions for any of the presenters. The moderator then closes the session.

Session Length: 58 minutes

Session timing:

00-02 – 2 minutes for Introduction—moderator will introduce all presenters, no introductions between presentations
02-12 – 10 minutes for first presentation
12-16 – 3-4 minutes for questions—moderator fields questions
16-26 – 10 minutes for second presentation
26-30 – 3-4 minutes for questions—moderator fields questions
30-40 – 10 minutes for third presentation
40-44 – 3-4 minutes for questions—moderator fields questions
44-54 – 10 minutes for last presentation
54-58 – 3-4 minutes for questions—moderator fields questions

Instructions:

1. Presenters and moderators should arrive about 15 minutes before the beginning of the symposium to check technology, etc.
2. Presenters for a given session should be seated in the front (near the podium) before the beginning of the session.
3. Moderator will begin the session on time. The moderator takes 2 minutes to introduce
   1. the session theme,
   2. the procedures for how the session will run, and
   3. the presenters and their topics. No introductions of presenters will occur between presentations. Moderator should gather information about the presenters in advance.
4. Moderator will direct questions during each 3-4 minute question period. The moderator should have a few questions prepared for each presentation in case no questions are forthcoming. Moderator will bring the session to a close. 

Note that because there are 4 presentations in several of the sessions this year, there will be a very tight schedule, especially for the 2 pm sessions. Both presenters and moderators should be carefully watching the clock and moving the session along with no delays. The moderator should have all the presentations queued up and ready to move from one to the next with no hesitation. The next presenter should be up at the podium and ready to begin as the previous presenter is leaving after their Q&A section.