All presentation rooms will be equipped with a data projector, laser pointer, two overhead transparency projectors and a PC computer. The presentation PCs will be loaded with Office 2000 (PowerPoint), 100 MB zip drive and CD-ROM. Please: all presenters should bring any computer presentation on a 100MB PC compatible zip disk or CD-ROM which will be loaded on the provided computer. Mac users should save PowerPoint presentations to a PC formatted 100 MB zip disk. Please make sure your zip disk or CD-ROM presentation is clearly labeled with your name, session title and time.

A section of the East Ballroom will serve as the speaker ready room throughout the conference. This area will be equipped with an overhead projector, data projector and PC computer with a 100 MB zip drive and CD-ROM. You are encouraged to test your PowerPoint presentation prior to your session.

The poster sessions will be held in the same area as the refreshment breaks (East Ballroom) to encourage extended dialogues. The poster sessions are scheduled as follows:

Poster Session 1: Tuesday, March 26, 10:10 a.m.-Noon

Set-up time: 1:00-5:30 p.m, Monday, March 25; remove by 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 26

Poster Session 2: Thursday, March 28, 10:10 a.m.-Noon

Set-up time: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 27; remove by 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 28.

Poster boards will be oriented horizontally and measure 48 inches high by 96 inches wide (122 cm x 244 cm). The board is elevated on a stand so that the bottom of the board is approximately 18 inches (46 cm) off the ground. Time will be allowed for each presentation to be mounted on a poster board before the start of each poster session see above). Push-pins will be available.

The title of your poster should appear at the top in large letters. Poster titles using a font size of 60 point will stand out and be easy to read. The minimum font size for poster titles should be 36 point. Below the title you may wish to put the author name(s) and affiliation(s).

People will not read a lot of text, and certainly won't read standard journal-sized text. Try to use an easy-to-read font and keep the font size of important points to 24 - 40 point if possible. The smallest text on your poster should be at least 18 point.

Studies show that text written in all capital letters is hard to follow; it is better to use bold print than all caps, though you must then make those those bold-type statements stand out from the rest of your text.

Carefully and completely prepare your poster in advance of the conference. Try tacking up the poster before you leave for the meeting to see what it will look like and to make sure that you have all of the necessary pieces.

The flow of your poster should be from the top left to the bottom right.

You may wish to use color for highlighting and to make your poster more attractive.

Use pictures, diagrams, cartoons, figures, etc., rather than text wherever possible. Use of color in your graphics will enhance your poster. Your art, graphics, or communications/media department may be very helpful in the preparation of your poster.

Try to state your main result in large lettering. This allows people to read the focus of the poster from a distance.

Many poster presentations are pre-mounted on poster or art board; white paper on black or colored stock will allow your poster to stand out and present a more finished look.

Your poster should cover the key points of your work. It need not attempt to include all the details; you can describe them to people who are interested. The ideal poster is designed to attract attention, provide a brief overview of your work, and initiate discussion.