Download a copy or click each area to learn more:
1. Technical Details
- Poster size: 36” x 48” (portrait orientation is preferred for consistency, but landscape is acceptable).
- Poster board provided: ATALM supplies each presenter with a 36” x 48” foam core board.
- Ways to prepare posters:
- Pre-print (preferred): Design and print your poster in advance. ATALM provides binder clips, push pins, and adhesives to affix it to the board.
- Assemble onsite: Prepare poster elements in advance (text, images, charts) and affix them onsite. Poster prep kits with glue sticks and scissors are available at the Registration Desk (please return promptly).
- Alternative formats: If your poster does not fit the board, it must be self-standing.
2. Onsite Preparations
- Location: Posters will be in the ATALM Exhibit Hall, Ballroom111ABC in the Spokane Convention Center.
- Tables: Each poster has a skirted classroom-size table against the wall with your title and number displayed. You may use the table for handouts, brochures, or small items (no electronics, as power is not available).
- Poster pickup & setup:
- Collect your board at your pre-assigned location.
- Round tables in the Exhibit Hall are available for prep work.
- Set up begins at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22.
- All posters must be on display by 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 23.
- Important: Please use your assigned space. Do not move posters to other locations.
3. Poster Session – Wednesday, September 23, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Exhibit Hall)
- Presenters are expected to stand with their posters to answer questions.
- Prepare a 1 or 2-minute overview (“elevator pitch”) to share with attendees during the session.
- Posters will remain on display for the duration of the conference.
- Attendees may pick up brochures, handouts, or business cards left on your table.
- Poster removal: Posters should remain in place until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24. Please take your poster but leave the boards, clips, and adhesives on the table for reuse.
- If you do not remove your poster, it will be disposed of.
4. Designing Your Poster
- Title: Concise, clear, and visible from a distance.
- Layout: Organize content into sections (e.g., Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion). Include acknowledgments if applicable.
- Visuals: Use high-quality images, graphs, and charts.
- Font & Accessibility: Use readable fonts with a minimum 24 pt size for body text and strong color contrast.
- Brevity: Limit text—use bullet points and short sentences.
- Accessibility: Ensure QR codes link to pages with descriptive text for people who cannot scan.
- Contact info: Include your name, organization, and email/website/QR code directly on the poster.
- QR Codes: Use QR codes to link to online information. More info on creating QR codes is available HERE.
5. Optional Virtual Access
- Printing Options
- Vistaprint (Budget-Friendly & Reliable)
- Estimated Cost: $50 for 36”x48” (look for discount codes)
- Upload your own design or use templates
- Ships rolled in a tube (allow 5–7 days for delivery)
- Canva (Design + Print Service)
- Easy online design with customizable templates
- Cost: $40–$60 for 36”x48”
- Ships rolled in a tube (5–7 business days; rush available)
- You also may design your poster in Canva and print it elsewhere.
- FedEx Office Print Online (Fast & Local Pickup)
- Cost: $70–$100 for 36”x48”
- Upload online, pick up at any FedEx Office
- Same-day or next-day pickup often available
- PosterPresentations.com (Academic Specialist)
- Cost: $50–$70 for paper; $90–$120 for fabric (travel-friendly)
- Provides free PowerPoint templates
- Ships in 1–2 business days (rush available)
- Local University or Print Shop
- Many campus copy centers and local shops offer large-format printing.
- Often competitive pricing ($40–$70).
- Pick up in person → no shipping risks.
- Vistaprint (Budget-Friendly & Reliable)
6. Guides
- “Better Posters” Blog by Dr. Zen Faulkes
Long-running blog with advice, critiques, and examples. - “Designing Conference Posters” by Colin Purrington
Widely cited, witty, and full of specific do’s and don’ts. - “Creating Effective Poster Presentations”, North Carolina State University, Includes templates, layout tips, and accessibility guidelines.
- “Creating Effective Academic Posters” – University of Melbourne
Great visuals, layout suggestions, and font size guidance. - How to Create a Conference Poster University of New York Library
7. Videos & Tutorials
- “How to Design an Effective Conference Poster” (YouTube, 10 min) – PHD Comics
Funny, accessible, and memorable overview. - “How to Make a Better Research Poster in Less Time” (YouTube, 18 min) – Mike Morrison (TED-style talk). Introduces the “#betterposter” format.