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.