In-person and virtual session chairs play an important role by providing presenter introductions, keeping time, and moderating audience questions. APS asks all Session Chairs to create a profile in our Speaker Console. This will be shared in the virtual platform and the mobile app.
If you are chairing a Virtual Session, log into the Speaker Console, find your session, and Click the “Join Live Session Button” 30 Minutes before your session.
Responsibilities & instructions
As a session chair, you should keep the session to time and foster a welcoming environment by adhering to the following instructions:
- Check the sessions or mobile app prior to your session to see if there are any changes.
- Start the session on time.
- Please adhere to the time listed in the schedule so that simultaneous sessions are as closely synchronized as possible. Many attendees move from session to session in order to hear specific papers.
- Briefly introduce yourself and the session.
- To foster an inclusive environment, remind all presenters and attendees to adhere to the APS code of conduct. To report Code of Conduct violations, visit EthicsPoint or call (844) 660-3924. You can also reach out to the APS Information Desk in Minneapolis or the virtual help desk in the platform, and a member of the APS management team will be contacted to assist you.
- Explain the session timing to the audience prior to the start of the session.
- Introduce each presenter and start the timer.
Talk times
Please ensure that session presentations keep to time and allow for audience questions and answers.
Contributed
- Twelve minutes total: 10 minutes presentation and two minutes of Q&A.
- Alert the speaker at the eight minute mark.
Invited
- Thirty-six minutes total: 30 minutes presentation and six minutes of Q&A.
- Alert the speaker at the 25 minute mark.
In-person & virtual session chair responsibilities
If you are unable to moderate your assigned session, please contact APS Abstract Help immediately so that a replacement chair can be provided. If you would like to suggest a replacement chair, please provide the chair’s name, affiliation, and email.
All chairs are encouraged to create a profile in the Speaker Console of the mobile app and virtual platform before March Meeting begins. This will assist in creating engagement among all attendees.