Convention

Session Best Practices

In-Person and Virtual Convention Best Practices

Panels

ASEEES panels are one hour and forty-five minutes in length. A panel should consist of:

  • a chair, allotted a total of five minutes for panel and presenter introductions;
  • three paper presenters, allotted 20 minutes each, or four paper presenters, alloted 15 minutes each; and
  • a discussant, allotted 10 minutes; 
  • 30 minutes for questions and group discussion.

As a general rule:

  • The Chair seeks CVs from each of the panelists in advance to prepare their introductions.
  • For an average 15-minute presentation, paper presenters should prepare papers no longer than 6 pages, double-spaced; for an average 12-minutes presentations, paper presenters should prepare papers no longer than 5 pages, double-spaced. Presentations requiring additional explanation of data or images should be shorter. Panelists who send works longer than what they will actually present pose an undue burden on their discussant.
  • Normally, papers should be sent to the discussant up to two weeks in advance of the meetings, and no later than six days prior to the convention, in order to allow for time to prepare the response.
  • Chairs are urged to announce their plans to keep time at the outset of the panel, in order to not discriminate between panelists, and to ensure time for the question and answer period.
  • Chairs should not allow any questions until after all presentations, and the discussant’s comments, are complete. 
  • Following the discussant’s comments, the Chair should normally cede to questions from the audience, rather than inviting panelists to respond immediately. The panelists have had enough time to talk already!

Roundtables

ASEEES roundtables are one hour and forty-five minutes in length. A roundtable should consist of:

  • a chair, allotted a total of five minutes for roundtable and speaker introductions;
  • 3-5 speakers, allotted 10-15 minutes (for example, 10 minutes each for 5 speakers; 15 minutes each for 3 speakers);
  • questions and discussion guided by the chair, allotted 40-55 minutes 

As a general rule:

  • Roundtable entails a structured discussion of a topic/theme. Speakers should not present their research papers.
  • The Chair should seeks CVs from each of the participants in advance to prepare their introductions.
  • Chairs are urged to announce their plans to keep time at the outset of the panel, in order to not discriminate between speakers, and to ensure sufficient time for the question and answer period.
  • Chairs should not allow any questions until after all presentations are complete. 
  • After the presentations, Chair should normally cede to questions from the audience, but it is helpful to have a question or two prepared to start the discussion, as necessary.
  • If desireable, the Chair may use the first 15 minutes of the discussion to respond to speakers and pose questions of their own.

For the Virtual Convention session managers will be assigned to each session.  Please do not contact them in advance, as they will receive their training closer to the convention.