Making the Public's Health a National Priority

A lightning presentation is a brief, 5-minute talk organized around a shared theme or topic, and may also be used to provide updates on key findings. Each session will include 10 presentations, followed by a Q&A period after all presentations are completed. 

General Information  

• Presenters must be individual members of APHA and register for the meeting.   
• An LCD projector, laptop computer and podium microphone are included in each scientific session room. Internet access is not available in the meeting rooms.  
• You will have 5 minutes to give your presentation. Do not go over your allotted presentation time.   
• At the start of your presentation, verbally disclose whether you have any financial support or conflicts of interest to report. This is required for CE purposes.   
• Once all presentations are completed, there will be time for Q&A at the end of the session.  
• If you are using materials in your presentation (pictures, charts, graphs, video, etc.) that are not original work, seek permission from the original source and cite the source.  
• To ensure the lightning session runs effectively, a moderator will be assigned to each session. The moderator will keep time during the lightning session to ensure that all presenters adhere to the 5-minute rule.   
• If your moderator does not show, the first presenter on the schedule must start the session on time and continue with the presentations in order. 

 Presentation Tips  

• PowerPoints should be set to 16:9 screen ratio.  
• Keep accessibility in mind when designing your PowerPoint and planning your presentation. Checkout our guidelines for accessible presentations.   
• Give an opening statement to acquaint the audience with the nature and purpose of the research.  
• Stay within your allotted time to ensure that all presenters have equal time on the program and allow the audience the opportunity to ask questions.  
• Focus on a single key idea or takeaway. 
• Avoid unnecessary details—stick to what’s essential. 
• Deliver your main point with supporting data or examples. 
• Keep a steady, engaging pace—don’t rush or drag. 
• No more than 2-3 Slides. 
• Keep slides visual—use images, diagrams, and minimal text. 
• Reinforce the takeaway and end with a strong closing statement. 
• Rehearse multiple times to ensure you stay within the 5-minute time limit. 
• APHA hires room monitors who are responsible for double-checking the room set-up and the audiovisual equipment prior to the start time of your session. If there is an issue, please find a room monitor who will escalate the issue to the appropriate person. 

User Portal  

• Log into your User Portal. Login Tip: Use the same email for abstract submission, APHA membership and meeting registration.  
• Confirm or withdraw your presentation by August 27.   
• Once logged in, click on Your Submissions/Roles on the left side.   
• On the next page, you will see a list of links to all your abstracts/sessions.   
• Select one of the links to access the Speakers' Corner for that abstract.   
  • In the Speakers' Corner you can do the following:   
  • review your session details and schedule  
  • confirm your acceptance or withdraw your presentation  
  • update presenter/author information  
  • add/update your bio  
  • upload presentation files and handouts.