Poster presentations at a conference

[strudelle]

Has anyone here presented a poster at a conference? I am presenting at two in the next few weeks and I'm wondering what to expect. Because it isn't a podium presentation, but an undergraduate poster presentation, I get the impression that I won't need to prepare a formal talk.

What sorts of questions might I be asked? How do I avoid making an ass of myself?

For reference, my project is a comparative literature review. Not based on specimen data I have taken myself. But I've read all the sources and feel pretty familiar with what I'm discussing.

[peachypie]

I'm in the sciences so I can't speak to comparative literature but I have done a few poster presentations.  They are fairly informal and people will come and read your poster and ask you further questions that they find interesting.  they may ask your reasoning for selecting or stating certain things.  It is a good idea to have a quick "elevator" sized summary that you can rattle off for those of them that aren't interested in reading the whole poster (happens more than you think).  Basically just be able to summarize the main ideas within 1-2 minutes.  then be prepared to go further if the conversation leads itself that way.  just relax and have a good time, the thing most important to remember is that people aren't there to poke holes in your work, they are there to discuss it and learn too.  See it as a shared education and it should be less intimidating and less of 'don't make a fool of yourself feeling'.  best of luck, I am sure you will do well.

[Forsaken in LA]

Has anyone here presented a poster at a conference? I am presenting at two in the next few weeks and I'm wondering what to expect. Because it isn't a podium presentation, but an undergraduate poster presentation, I get the impression that I won't need to prepare a formal talk.

What sorts of questions might I be asked? How do I avoid making an ass of myself?

For reference, my project is a comparative literature review. Not based on specimen data I have taken myself. But I've read all the sources and feel pretty familiar with what I'm discussing.

 

I can't offer advice, but I can wish you luck!!  

[ajgolemb28]

I've presented posters at two larger conferences as an undergrad, AAPA and BARFAA. Mostly people just come around and rarely ask questions. Honestly, most people don't really care what your poster is on, but you will have a small few that will be interested. Just make sure you know what you are talking about because some people will ask you to explain your poster. Try to have a short summary of your poster. I would always ask if they had any questions after I explained my poster to them, most don't.  If someone asks you something you don't know or didn't focus on, reply "oh, I didn't focus on that, but that sounds like something I could look into" or something along those lines. What conference are you presenting at?

 

Overall, I tried to use this time to network and visit other people's posters, looking for certain school I wanted to attend and asking about the schools.

 

Basically, don't sweat it. It is easy and the presenting time frame will go by fast.

[Forsaken in LA]

Strudelle, where are you presenting? 

[strudelle]

Thanks for the advice, guys!  I think the fact that this is just a literature review makes me a little nervous because I am essentially summarizing, comparing, and analyzing other people's work rather than discussing data I compiled myself.  Of course now I have finally found a sample of historic crania at my university to work on and am doing a small geometric morphometric project which would have most likely been easier to discuss as a poster - but it's too late now!  I guess I wasn't sure how formal or how detailed I should be, but I can easily develop a short little summary of the project that I can tell interested parties.  I think I can answer questions about the project too, but I'm not sure.  Anyone wanna throw some questions at me about it?

 

My project is performing a cross-species analysis of trauma and pathology in hominins present in Western Europe during the Pleistocene (Neanderthals, early anatomically modern humans, and archaic Homo sapiens like H. heidelbergensis).  I compared the trauma and pathology of each species to the others, then I pooled the results together and compared over-all frequencies of trauma and pathology in Pleistocene hominins to the trauma and pathology exhibited by later hunter-gatherers (who were relatively healthy and well adapted).  The idea was to gain a better understanding of health and adaptability in Pleistocene populations in Western Europe.  I thought this might add another dimension to the question of why H. sapiens survived and other species (Neanderthals) died out. 

 

I'm presenting it at an undergraduate research forum on my home campus next week, which I am very nervous about because our posters are judged by faculty members.  Then I am going to the AAPAs in April and presenting it there, which I am also really nervous about because my future graduate adviser will be there and has said she is looking forward to seeing my project.  So I hope to impress her.  Are any of you going to the AAPAS?

 

I guess if nothing else it lays a foundation for future graduate research?  I read a ton of articles so I guess at least I know more now than when I started.

[strudelle]

ajgole - Did you present at BARFAA this year?  If so, what was your topic?  I was there!

[CulturalAnth]

I've done a few posters. Besides all the other advice, my advice is to WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! 

[PowderRiver]

I've presented posters at the AAPA's, but it's been a few years. The majority of feedback I received was:

-"Give me the three sentence summary of your poster."

-"Where do you go from here?"

-"Why did you pick these samples/populations?"

 

 

If you can, print out a number of smaller copies of your poster and have them with you. I've received far more feedback after giving out a few of those at conferences, and they're a great way to make and maintain contacts. No one will tear you apart, but you will get a few probing questions that you should be able to handle if you've read similar studies and know the background of the samples you are using. 

[DigDeep(inactive)]

Posters are easy and fun! Try not to get worked up about it (I know, almost impossible for your first one). It's a totally relaxed environment and one of the few places you get to actually talk to people about your research and have them give a damn! Ha! Enjoy it. But, as other posters had said make sure you maximize at the conference (and during the poster session, of course) to network network network. Meet, talk, drink (or eat) with people. Here are some poster tips that I think are crucial:

 

• Print your poster: Got to Kinkos (or somewhere) and print out your poster onto sheets of paper to put in front of your poster. A lot of people like taking these to peruse whilst they eat or sit and relax later (some because it's quick and easy, others because they may not be that social). Regardless, you're bound to run out of these if your poster title is interesting enough! Also, put business cards next to them (see next point);
   
• Get cards: I hope that you have some already - if not, then get some! Business cards are still the way to go at conferences. When you meet someone and get their card make sure to write hints on the back of it so you can remember what you talked about. Otherwise, you'll forget - trust me. Also, when you make cards go to a QR generator website and make a personal QR code to put on the back. Mine is a QR code that when scanned it automatically uploads my contact info into their phone - this is very beneficial (especially for saving your e-mail). Also, under the QR code I put my research interests;
  .
• Try to limit so called "walls of text" in small fonts. People really do not want to waste TOO much time in poster rooms. When they do, they want to be able to rapidly go through them (usually). Try to limit your words (be concise) and have more graphics; 
   
• Be easygoing: Always remember that no one is there to attack you (it does happen, and it has happened to me). Try to put on a "quick-to-smile" approach that is not intimidating or defensive. Just reply with comments like, I will have to take that into consideration! Thanks for your input! etc. But, this brings me to another important point;
   
• Keep a notepad handy, small one - maybe in back pocket and don't take the commenters input lightly! Whether negative or positive! The point of a poster is like a springboard to a paper presentation, which is then a springboard to a publication. The idea is that you will present your preliminary work as a poster, then present the finalized data as a presentation, then publish it. Giving poster and paper presentations will allow you to receive lots of comments in order to make your eventual publication a better one - make sure to try to note important comments on your notepad;
   
• Set up meetings: As I previously mentioned, set up meetings (your cards and notepad will come in handy here). If you run into a cool prof or someone you could either work with or collaborate with - jump on the ball here. This is exactly the place that things happen, conferences! Schedule a meeting for a beer or coffee and make sure you follow up on it - especially if it's a particularly compelling conversation;
   
• Bring your own tacks! Don't assume that there will be tacks for you - usually there aren't. Plus, if you're the first person there will absolutely not be any tacks. If you don't have any you will have to hold your poster or something......don't be that guy/gal.
   
• Bring a snack (power bar, cliff bar, something). You will stand there for a while sometimes and if you're the type that can't focus whilst hungry (like most), this could solve your dilemma; 
   
• Get a poster container! These are relatively cheap and see it as an investment. They are very handy for transportation (especially whilst flying). If you can't get one of these in time then make sure to try to get your poster laminated. I did this and my poster was fine on a trip - I carried it on and put it up top in the bins. Speaking of, remember that taking a poster as a carry on will count just as that - a carry-on! Some airlines will try to charge you if you have two carry-ons, so just keep that in mind :/
   
• Print poster early: Make sure you get your poster finished in time to print a week before. I have barely nicked posters by and it's always a stressful/annoying thing; I hate when I do this. Just try to finish early enough to give the printers (library or Kinkos or whatever) enough time to finish your poster; 
   
• Maximize time: This is more general advice, but If your poster is on the last day - don't waste your time fretting or worrying about your poster and miss the conference! It really is NOT that big of a deal. Maximize your time at the conference and treat the poster-session as a unique (and exciting) opportunity to flex your brain, passion, and interests with fellow intellects. I love posters because they are relaxed! Hell, at the AGU (American Geophysical Union) conference they even offer beer during the ;poster sessions - always an enjoyable experience (also, this emphasizes my point on the relaxed nature of posters).
   
• Showcase post-conference: Finally, and this isn't that important, but see if your department will allow you to put it up somewhere after the conference. It's always depressing when you do a poster and then afterwards it's done. You just put all that work into a poster and now it sits in the corner!? Nobody puts baby in the corner! (Sorry, couldn't help my self). It's a great way to showcase your work and provide an example of posters for other students who will be in your shoes soon.  

 

Well, hope this helps! Just remember to relax and have fun. Conferences are the BEST! Doing a poster at one is especially satisfying and you will meet lots of cool folk. Have a good one and good luck!  

[Daisy123]

how do you guys get involved with with conferences or poster presentations

[CulturalAnth]

how do you guys get involved with with conferences or poster presentations

 

All of my posters have been advertised with my university's research department... there is a state-wide one at the state capital (like the national one), and a couple state-wide conferences for student research. I just applied (sent abstracts) for them when they announced them, and they easily accepted me. With the national conference I went to, my undergrad mentor/research advisor invited me to co-present his paper (and also contribute to it) at a conference. I haven't applied for a national one on my own yet. 

 

I would suggest you sign up for the organizations/conferences you think you could present at, and when the Call For Papers arrives in your inbox, send something in  

[Daisy123]

thank you! I just saw the call for papers for SAA, but i totally missed the deadline on that one.  i dont have an institution to affiliate with so i am just playing it by ear. 

[anthropologygeek]

I am presenting, a poster due to trying to finish my dissertation, at the AAPA so I can go to the conference for free. It's fun and relax. Make sure to have business cards and the handouts with your poster on it like mentioned above. Your university may print your poster for free or a smaller fee than say kinko's. Also, plan ahead. Once the program is handed out map out your time there. I try to maximize the networking I can do and make sure to carry over the relationships you build.

You find out by looking at conferences websites and looking to see when abstracts are due. Most of the time when just postering I write up an abstract and if accepted to do the research. Podium presentations are reserved for the things I care about the most and are giving a lot more time and dedication to.

[NoSleepTilBreuckelen]

I second a lot of the advice here, especially: wear comfortable shoes, buy a poster contain (like from FedEx office) for travel, and have fun!

[ajgolemb28]

ajgole - Did you present at BARFAA this year?  If so, what was your topic?  I was 

 Yes, I did present! I researched the calcaneus and did a comparison  between  medieval and modern populations  What about you???

[Forsaken in LA]

DigDeep, 

 

Amazing as usual, this should be pinned somewhere. I'd give a +1 but I'm out for today.

[DigDeep(inactive)]

DigDeep, 

 

Amazing as usual, this should be pinned somewhere. I'd give a +1 but I'm out for today.

<3

 

Grats on Chicago, bud! (Love that school so much!)

[strudelle]

Whoa DigDeep, I wouldn't have thought of ANY of that.  I don't have business cards and I can't really afford to get any printed.  Even if I did, I don't know what I would put on them because I don't have an official title or anything.  I'm just an undergrad.  And my phone number and school email will be changing soon because I'm moving to California.  Do you have any other suggestions as to how to give my contact info to people?  Would it be lame to print off little bits of paper with my email address on them or something?

 

ajgol - I was just there watching.  I didn't present.  But everyone did a great job

[strudelle]

Also, how formally should I dress?  I was planning to wear something a little nicer on the day I present (skirt, tights, blazer, dressy flats), but wasn't sure if I should avoid jeans the rest of the time there.  I was thinking of doing kind of a dressy casual thing - jeans with button ups and cardigans or blazers, maybe a nice scarf.  What do people usually wear to the AAPAs?  

Edited March 18, 2014 by strudelle

[pears]

Also, how formally should I dress?  I was planning to wear something a little nicer on the day I present (skirt, tights, blazer, dressy flats), but wasn't sure if I should avoid jeans the rest of the time there.  I was thinking of doing kind of a dressy casual thing - jeans with button ups and cardigans or blazers, maybe a nice scarf.  What do people usually wear to the AAPAs?  

 

I always stay in business casual attire through an entire conference; the closest I'd get to jeans would be black or charcoal, denim or well made cotton blend, which is about 50% of the pants I own. Otherwise, I try to stick to casual dresses, since I struggle with finding flattering "business attire"-type skirts. Cardigans, blazers, & scarves are great! Ditto comfy flats! I made the mistake of wearing heels on a long conference day one... never again.

[riceandbeans]

Also, how formally should I dress?  I was planning to wear something a little nicer on the day I present (skirt, tights, blazer, dressy flats), but wasn't sure if I should avoid jeans the rest of the time there.  I was thinking of doing kind of a dressy casual thing - jeans with button ups and cardigans or blazers, maybe a nice scarf.  What do people usually wear to the AAPAs?  

 

 

I always stay in business casual attire through an entire conference; the closest I'd get to jeans would be black or charcoal, denim or well made cotton blend, which is about 50% of the pants I own. Otherwise, I try to stick to casual dresses, since I struggle with finding flattering "business attire"-type skirts. Cardigans, blazers, & scarves are great! Ditto comfy flats! I made the mistake of wearing heels on a long conference day one... never again.

 

Yeah, I would definitely avoid jeans at the AAPAs. I generally do dress pants or skirt with a nice sweater, and a business casual dress of some sort for presentations (blazers don't really work well for me).

[CulturalAnth]

Also, how formally should I dress?  I was planning to wear something a little nicer on the day I present (skirt, tights, blazer, dressy flats), but wasn't sure if I should avoid jeans the rest of the time there.  I was thinking of doing kind of a dressy casual thing - jeans with button ups and cardigans or blazers, maybe a nice scarf.  What do people usually wear to the AAPAs?  

 

 

You should dress business, and stay dressed that way. At the few that I've been to, everyone dresses business formal, or business casual, for the whole conference. 

 

Whoa DigDeep, I wouldn't have thought of ANY of that.  I don't have business cards and I can't really afford to get any printed.  Even if I did, I don't know what I would put on them because I don't have an official title or anything.  I'm just an undergrad.  And my phone number and school email will be changing soon because I'm moving to California.  Do you have any other suggestions as to how to give my contact info to people?  Would it be lame to print off little bits of paper with my email address on them or something?

 

ajgol - I was just there watching.  I didn't present.  But everyone did a great job

 

How about printing out your abstract with your name and contact info. That way they'll remember your poster along with your email  

[Forsaken in LA]

Exciting Strudelle!!!

[laurissimo]

I can't believe other people on this thread went to BARFAA! It was a super nice, laid-back conference. Kudos on the calcaneus project, ajg! I was there with a poster on cranial change in medieval London. I highly recommend going to BARFAA because it is a great stepping stone into the bigger conferences.

 

As for what to wear: I saw a TON of people wearing jeans at AAPA last year, so you certainly wouldn't be out of place. But I agree with everyone on this thread- go for nicer pants and a blouse with cardigan. Jeans seemed to be mostly worn at the welcoming party and on the last day... I'd say skirt, but I have no idea what kind of weather to expect in Calgary in April