In a world where data and information is increasing at ever faster rates, the need to both target audiences and increase availability also has increased. Electronic (online and CD-ROM) and paper (books and journals) storage is growing, however, people prefer to get information from other persons. The increasing number of social, business and scholarly meetings is evidence of this.

Time constraints at meetings along with the volume to be communicated has encouraged the development of the POSTER SESSION. Research findings are especially amenable to this sort of presentation. Reviews of literature, book reviews, surveys, business reports, project plans, etc also can be related in a poster.

POSTER SESSIONS allow for the simultaneous graphic presentation of information to those most interested. It is very economical and informal, encouraging interaction among those in attendance.

PURPOSE

Among the stated purposes of Poster Sessions are to:

1. capture attention in an information rich environment;
2. allow presentation of more data;
3. allow more two way in-depth interaction between presenters and audience; and
4. allow the reader/listener to take in information at his/her own rate.

REQUIREMENTS

While there are minor requirement differences among scholarly, scientific and business organizations, there are some general ones.

The poster should be:
1. aesthetically pleasing,
2. legible,
3. logical,
4. simple, and
5. succinct.

SPACE

Space allotments for the poster vary. The display areas usually are between 4 x 4 and 4 x 8 feet in size. They often are portable display boards.

CONTENT

The poster should be easy to comprehend and have a clear succinct message. It should be memorably presented. The content usually includes:
1. sign with title, author, organization, etc which can be read from 10-15 feet away,  
2. abstract and/or introduction,
3. appropriate tables, figures, illustrations, photographs, and
4. statement of conclusions.

TYPOGRAPHY

The type should be large enough to be read from several meters or yards away. The title should be large and legible.

POSTER LAYOUT

The following is an example of a suggested arrangement for a POSTER on a display board. The types and number of components will depend on the information to be presented. Visuals for class presentations can be made is a similar style but should use larger print.