Presenter's Guide

group of people in large room with background of floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Indian River Lagoon Symposium values the contributions of its presenters and has developed clear guidelines to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for everyone. Whether you are delivering a talk or presenting a poster, please review the following information as you prepare for the event.

Oral Presentations

Presenters giving standard 10-minute talks are encouraged to prepare slides in widescreen (16:9) format for optimal display. Each presentation slot will allow for eight minutes of speaking time, followed by two minutes for questions and discussion. Staying within the allotted time ensures that the program remains on schedule and allows space for audience interaction.

For those participating in the 3-minute oral sessions, slides should also be prepared in widescreen format. These short-format talks provide an excellent opportunity to share key findings quickly and clearly, and presenters should plan their timing carefully.

All three-minute oral session slides must be submitted to the symposium team by 5 p.m. Feb. 9, 2026.

Poster Presentations

Posters should not exceed 4 feet in either dimension, with common formats such as 3-by-4 feet or 4-by-3 feet fitting well. Boards can also accommodate a portrait layout up to 3 feet high by 5 feet wide. Posters will be displayed throughout the day, and presenters are encouraged to be available during breaks and the designated poster session to discuss their work with attendees.

To encourage maximum interaction, presenters of odd-numbered posters will stand with their posters during the first half of the poster session, while presenters of even-numbered posters will be available during the second half. Pins for mounting posters will be provided on site.

Timing and Logistics

To ensure a seamless program, presenters should arrive early to upload slides or mount posters. Oral presenters scheduled in the first session should plan to arrive by 7:30 a.m. for file transfer and preparation. Poster presenters may set up their posters on the morning of the symposium or, if preferred, on Wednesday afternoon by arrangement with the symposium team.

Professional Engagement

All presenters are asked to attend their sessions in full, support fellow participants, and actively engage in dialogue during the symposium. These interactions help strengthen collaboration, build connections, and advance the collective impact of lagoon research.

Key Dates and Registration

  • Early registration and abstract submission: Oct. 17 – Nov. 24, 2025
  • General registration opens: Dec. 15, 2025
  • Abstract submission deadline: 5 p.m. Nov. 24, 2025
  • Registration fees are non-refundable after Jan. 30, 2026

All attendees must register in advance. Registration is required before submitting an abstract, and abstracts must be submitted online through the official symposium portal. Submissions by email will not be accepted.

Presenter Registration

Share your research and contribute to the future of lagoon science.

Contact Us

Have questions? Please email irlsymposium@fau.edu

Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946