Why have Posters?

 Why Should I Consider Presenting My Research as a Poster?

Increased Participation by Scholarly Society Members.
By participating in a poster session you are contributing to the idea of inclusivity within the a scholarly society. Currently there are usually more panel suggestions than there are spaces for panel presentations. Even though the Associations have diligently sought ways to increase the number of panels, there are still many worthwhile proposals that cannot be accommodated. Moreover, oftentimes excellent research is not able to be shared because it does not fit in with a thematic disposition of a traditional panel structure. A series of poster sessions will allow members more flexibilty.

For many researchers, the poster format is superior for the presentation of their data.
Many panel presentations, even those who use overhead transparencies, still do not provide the audience with enough time to assimilate the statistical data or link it with other data. A poster can allow for a clearer and more reflective process of presentation, especially of statistical or visual information. Papers traditionally presented in areas such as geography, demographics, linguistics, economics, art history among others, can be perhaps better presented in the poster format. In addition, the narrative of every poster, including main points and conclusions can be highlighted and therefore absorbed at every person's own pace as they view the poster.

The individual presentation time of a panel, i.e. 15-20 minutes is often not enough time.
A common problem in specialized research is to present the background so that the audience will understand the significance of one's research. Oftentimes one cannot discuss the full scope of the research or results and implications. Another problem is that with several panel participants, interaction is sometimes temporally limited in question periods. Usually only a few people are able to ask questions, and the discussant may not cover the concerns of the auditors. The two hour poster session allows for considered dialogue and engaging interaction.

Poster sessions are a consideration to foreign colleagues.
As major associations promote international exchange of ideas and research, the poster allows our foreign colleagues a format to optimally present their research. Many of our Asian, European, African and Latin American colleagues can write in English but may not speak so fluently. We could value more from their research and they would be more comfortable with the poster presentations.