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

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

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)

• 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

• Creating Accessible Presentation Slides – Access for All (Access for All | University of Mary Washington)
• PowerPoint Accessibility (WebAIM)
• Accessible PowerPoint Presentations Checklist (Queen's University)
• Accessibility Tips for Google Slides (Toronto Metropolitan University)

• 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)