ISME26 Presenter Resources

Download Presenter Template (.pptx)

Presentation Guidlines

Your poster is an effective visual communication tool designed to clearly convey your key message. This document provides guidance to support you in preparing your poster presentation. Following these guidelines will help ensure a rewarding and engaging experience for both presenters and conference delegates.


Any questions regarding poster layout or contents should be directed to: isme26@mci-agency.com

Download Poster Template (.pptx)

Poster Preparation

An effective poster:

  • Focuses on a single, clear message and uses graphics to communicate ideas—allow images to tell the story, with text used sparingly and purposefully.
  • Is designed to be read from approximately 0.5 metres (2 feet) away.
  • Uses no more than two or three colours for maximum visual impact.
  • Employs a light-coloured background with dark text to ensure strong contrast.
  • Uses clear, legible fonts and short blocks of text to support illustrations.
  • Is written in plain language, avoiding jargon and unexplained acronyms.
  • Uses an active voice and maintains a professional academic tone.
  • Is well organised, visually balanced, and easy to follow.
  • Presents your work clearly and includes an effective summary of findings.
  • Can stand alone without verbal explanation.
  • States results, conclusions, and/or recommendations clearly and directly.

Conflict of Interest

Please ensure that a conflict-of-interest statement is clearly displayed on your poster.
Include one of the following:

Option 1: No conflicts

  • I have no current or past relationships with commercial entities.

Option 2: Disclosure of relevant relationships

  • have the following relationships with commercial interests:
    • Advisory Board – [Name]
    • Speakers Bureau – [Name]
    • Funding (Grants/Honoraria) – [Name]
    • Research/Clinical Trial – [Name]
    • Speaker/Consulting Fees – [Name]
    • Current or Past Employment – [Name]
    • Investment Interests – [Name]

Poster Specification

  • Poster boards measure 4 ft (H) × 8 ft (W) and will support two posters per side.
  • The maximum poster size is a square: 3.75 ft × 3.75 ft = 114 cm × 114 cm (photo A)
  • If poster size preference is smaller then the square, please ensure orientation of your poster is in a landscape / horizontal format (photo B)
  • Poster boards will be a neutral colour.
  • Push pins will be provided.
  • Posters are not required to fill the entire display area.
  • No electrical or audiovisual equipment will be provided.

Conventional Layouts for Posters

  • A title banner (including author name and affiliation, where appropriate) should be positioned at the top centre of the poster.
  • The reading order should be immediately clear, generally progressing left to right and top to bottom.
  • Numbered sections or arrows may be used to guide viewers.
  • Incorporate sufficient negative (open) space to reduce visual fatigue and improve readability.

General Style / Formatting Tips

While not mandatory, we’ve created a branded poster template for your use if needed.

Here are a few key details to assist with preparing your presentation: 

Paper Presentation 

  • Duration of presentation is 20 minutes followed by 5-minute Q&A period. 
  • Preferred format is PowerPoint with a 16:9 aspect ratio for presentations 
    • In PowerPoint - Go to Design/Select "Slide Size"/Select Widescreen 16:9 
  • While not mandatory, should you wish to utilize our PowerPoint template, we have made the following branded pages for use: Template 
  • To avoid any connectivity issues, save your presentation to a USB key drive or laptop desktop. 
  • You are required to use your own laptop when presenting. 
  • ISME will provide the appropriate HDMI cables to connect your laptop to the house AV system.  
  • If your session is a joint session - please ensure that you have coordinated with your co-presenters and that you have exchanged copies of your presentation documents. 
  • Review Best Practices for Accessibility & Inclusion to ensure your audience is able to enjoy your presentation.  
  • Review ISME Code of Ethics thoroughly an understand violations of these ethics will be taken very seriously and could result in your removal from the conference and venue. 
Download Presenter Template (.pptx)

Here are a few key details to assist with preparing your presentation: 

Short Paper Presentation 

  • Duration of presentation is 10 minutes followed by 5-minute Q&A period. 
  • Preferred format is PowerPoint with a 16:9 aspect ratio for presentations 
    • In PowerPoint - Go to Design/Select "Slide Size"/Select Widescreen 16:9 
  • While not mandatory, should you wish to utilize our PowerPoint template, we have made the following branded pages for use: Template
  • To avoid any connectivity issues, we suggest saving your presentation to a USB key or laptop desktop. 
  • You are required to use your own laptop when presenting. 
  • ISME will provide the appropriate HDMI cables to connect your laptop to the house AV system.  
  • If your session is a joint session - please ensure that you have coordinated with your co-presenters and that you have exchanged copies of your presentation documents. 
Download Presenter Template (.pptx)

Here are a few key details to assist with preparing for your workshop: 

Workshop Presentations: 

  • Duration of workshop is 50 minutes. 
  • Room set up based on workshop submission notes. 
  • If you requested access to A/V for your workshop, you will be assigned a room equipped with a projector, screen and audio. 
  • You are required to use your own laptop for your workshop if you plan to present visuals in your workshop. 
  • ISME will provide the appropriate HDMI cables to connect your laptop to the house AV system.  
  • Review Best Practices for Accessibility & Inclusion to ensure your audience is able to enjoy your presentation.  
  • Review ISME Code of Ethics thoroughly an understand violations of these ethics will be taken very seriously and could result in your removal from the conference and venue. 
Download Presenter Template (.pptx)

Here are a few key details to assist with preparing your presentation: 

Full Paper Presentation 

  • Duration of presentation is 20 minutes followed by 5-minute Q&A period. 
  • Preferred format is PowerPoint with a 16:9 aspect ratio for presentations 
    • In PowerPoint - Go to Design/Select "Slide Size"/Select Widescreen 16:9 
  • While not mandatory, should you wish to utilize our PowerPoint template, we have made the following branded pages for use: Template 
  • To avoid any connectivity issues, we advise saving your presentation to a USB drive or to your laptop desktop.  
  • You are required to use your own laptop when presenting. 
  • ISME will provide the appropriate HDMI cables to connect your laptop to the house AV system.  
  • If your session is a joint session - please ensure that you have coordinated with your co-presenters and that you have exchanged copies of your presentation documents. 
  • Review Best Practices for Accessibility & Inclusion to ensure your audience is able to enjoy your presentation.  
  • Review ISME Code of Ethics thoroughly an understand violations of these ethics will be taken very seriously and could result in your removal from the conference and venue. 
Download Presenter Template (.pptx)

Here are a few key details to assist with preparing for your panel (formerly known as symposia): 

Panel Presentations: 

  • Duration of panel symposia is 90 minutes. 
  • If you requested access to A/V for your panel, you will be assigned a room equipped with a projector, screen and audio. 
  • You are required to use your own laptop if you plan to present visuals during panel discussions. 
  • ISME will provide the appropriate HDMI cables to connect your laptop to the house AV system.  
  • Review Best Practices for Accessibility & Inclusion to ensure your audience is able to enjoy your presentation.  
  • Review ISME Code of Ethics thoroughly an understand violations of these ethics will be taken very seriously and could result in your removal from the conference and venue. 
Download Presenter Template (.pptx)

BEST PRACTICES FOR ACCESSIBILTY & INCLUSION

1. Structure Your Presentation Clearly (Sample structure)

1. Opening (10–15%)

  • Brief introduction
  • Clear session overview (what audience can expect in your session)

2. Body (70–80%)

  • Focus on 2–4 key points (clarity versus quantity)
  • Evidence, specific examples, visuals, audio, video

3.Conclusion (10–15%)

  • Summarize key points
  • Reinforce takeaway
  • Clear call to action (if applicable)

2. Design Clean, Professional Slides (use of PPT/Slides/Canva/Prezi is recommended)

  • Use minimal text (bullet points, not paragraphs)
  • One idea per slide
  • Large fonts (minimum 24pt)
  • High contrast colors
  • Simple, consistent design
  • Include visuals to represent text
  • Avoid reading slides verbatim or turning toward slides to read them

Resources on Accessible Presentations

3. Speaking

  • Some rooms may be equipped with microphones, while others may not. Please adjust accordingly and speak clearly and loudly.
  • Speak slower than normal conversation: there may be people whose native language is not English
  • Vary tone and emphasis
  • Explain “jargon” and terms that may not be used in countries other than your own
  • Consider how you will engage the audience members (i.e., questions, stories, video/audio feedback)