Oral Presentations Guidelines

Oral sessions provide an opportunity for several speakers to present their findings/papers in a formal setting.

Individual abstracts are grouped with abstracts focusing on a similar topic to create an hour and a half session. Presenters can determine the amount of time allocated for their presentation by viewing their session in the Online Program (Available June 3). Be sure to limit the presentation to the time allotted.

APHA Presenter/Organizer/Moderator Policy:

• Presenters must be individual members of APHA to presenter
• Presenters, session organizers and moderators must register for the meeting (full or one-day). Registration Info.
• All presenters must be registered by the Advance Registration Deadline
• Speakers who fail to show up for their scheduled presentations without previously notifying the program planner of cancellation will not be permitted to present papers or posters at any APHA-sponsored meeting for two years following the "no-show."

Uploading PowerPoint Presentation
Using PowerPoint is recommended for all oral presentations. LCD Projectors and computers are included as part of the standard audiovisual (AV) package in each scientific session room. Additional AV, including internet, must be ordered through APHA. 

All oral session presenters are required to upload their presentation file by 11:59 PM PST on October 30 so that presentations can be pre-loaded onto session computers. This is done to alleviate any onsite problems. Presentations can be uploaded in the Speaker's Corner (check your acceptance email for a direct link to YOUR PERSONAL speaker's corner). Detailed information on uploading your presentation.

Presentations will be pre-loaded on session computers so that individual presentations begin with a click of the mouse. PowerPoint presentations and voice presentations are recorded as part of E-ssentialLearning. Note: authors may elect to not be recorded.

If your presentation has embedded video or sound please notify donna.wright@apha.org, so that a sound patch or speakers can be requested. Videos used in presentations should be captioned to ensure access to people with disabilities. 

Uploading Handouts
Presenters can upload their handouts in PowerPoint or PDF format at no charge prior to the Annual Meeting. Handouts will be a permanent part of the Online Program. Handouts can be uploaded in the Speaker's Corner (check your acceptance email for a direct link to YOUR PERSONAL speaker's corner).

Printed papers and materials for your presentation should be sent ahead to your hotel, addressed to your attention and labeled "Hold for Arrival" or brought with you. Do not send any materials directly to the Convention Center.

Presentation Tips

• Detailed instructions on how to use PowerPoint can be found at www.microsoft.com
• Give an opening statement to acquaint the audience with the nature and purpose of the research.
• Discuss the same material as reported in the abstract.
• Rehearse your presentation beforehand, timing it. Remember that PowerPoint slides add seconds to the talk.
• Stay within your allotted time to assure that all presenters have equal time on the program and allow the audience the opportunity to ask questions.
• Know what to omit if you start to go over your allotted time. Session moderators will hold you to the allotted time.
• Presenters should be aware of those in the audience with disabilities. Review our access information for presenters.

Room Monitors
APHA hires room monitors who are responsible for double-checking the room set-up and the audiovisual equipment prior to the starting time of your session. They will also take an official count of attendance at the meeting and check that attendees have appropriate name badges. Because the monitors are assigned to several sessions at the same time, they are not able to remain in the room throughout the session. If there is a problem, you can find a room monitor in the hallway near your session room.