Conference and RENT Session Types
Adapted from http://www.eval.org/p/cm/ld/fid=170
Expert Lecture (also Keynote):
Expert Lectures are formal 45-minute presentations by a SINGLE acknowledged expert in the
field who will share conceptual or methodological innovations through a lecture followed by
response to audience questions.
The abstract should detail both the background of the lecturer as well as the importance of the
material to be presented. Please note that an expert lecture, at 45-minutes in length, is three
times the length of a standard paper presentation. As such, the breadth and depth of the content,
and the expertise of the presenter, should warrant such an extended exploration. If you have two
presenters instead of a SINGLE presenter, you should submit using a panel format.
Panel:
This formal, thematic, 45- or 90-minute presentation focuses on an issue facing the field or
sector. A panel opens with the chair introducing the panelists and the topic. Some panels are
highly structured with a set time for each panelist to speak. Others employ a more discussionoriented format with the panelists responding to each other and to audience inquiries throughout
the session. Many panels employ a discussant as an independent expert observer who listens to
each presentation and then responds briefly to the session's content. Most panels end with an
opportunity for attendees to raise questions or offer their own observations on what has been
presented. Some panelists will employ audio visual aids to illustrate their key points and a
computer, LCD projector, and screen are provided in each room in which a panel is scheduled.
The overall abstract should describe how two (for a 45-minute panel), or more (for a 90-minute
panel), panelists and possibly a discussant, will offer coordinated presentations and the general
topic of the panel. In addition, the proposal must contain separate abstracts or summaries from
each presenter describing his or her contribution to the session. At a minimum, the information in
the 'abstract' section for each panelist should indicate the expertise or perspective that he or she
brings to the panel (why is this person a panelist rather than someone else). The submitter is
responsible for coordinating the presentations in advance. Panels should be interactive in that
they allow for questions and discussion following the formal presentations.
Roundtable:
Roundtables are 45-minute oral presentations with discussion with attendees seated around a
table. Roundtable presentations typically include 15 minutes of presentation, followed by 30
minutes of discussion and feedback. Roundtable presenters should bring targeted questions to
pose to others at the table in order to learn from and with those attending. Roundtables are an
ideal format for networking and in-depth discussion on a particular topic.
When you walk into a roundtable room you will find a table with 8-10 chairs. When the session
begins, the presenters offer their presentation to those seated at their table. Each presenter is in
charge of his or her 45-minute presentation, but most will include an extended discussion
component with ample time for questions. Some roundtable sessions are scheduled into 90minute sessions. These will include two rotations of presentations, each 45-minutes in length.
Roundtables do not have traditional audio-visual aids available, but most roundtable presenters
bring handouts illustrating their work. Roundtables are excellent venues for getting targeted
feedback, engaging in in-depth discussions, and meeting colleagues with similar interests.
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The abstract should detail the focus of the presentation and the way(s) in which it contributes to
the body of knowledge in the field. Specific guidelines and tips on preparing for a roundtable
presentation may be accessed by clicking here.
Ignite or PechaKucha Presentations:
Ignite presentations use 20 PowerPoint slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds for a
total presentation time of just 5 minutes. Ignite slides tend to incorporate excellence in slide
design in support of a very clearly articulated message. Presenters need to practice in order to
get their timing down and their quality up. Ignite presentations are challenging, exciting, and dare
we say it – they can be quite fun to create, to give, and to attend.
Ignite presentations will be grouped into sets on a common general theme, such as ‘health and
human services’ or ‘building design.’ During the session, a moderator briefly introduces each
presentation and the presentations are given in rapid succession, one following another. At the
end, time is set aside for connecting with individual presenters, but there is not a formal question
and answer portion of the session.
Fishbowl
Fishbowls involve a small group of people (usually 5-8) seated in circle, having a conversation in
full view of a larger group of listeners. Fishbowl processes provide a creative way to include the
“public” in a small group discussion. They can be used in a wide variety of settings, including
workshops, conferences, organizational meetings and public assemblies. Fishbowls are useful for
ventilating “hot topics” or sharing ideas or information from a variety of perspectives. When the
people in the middle are public officials or other decision-makers, this technique can help bring
transparency to the decision-making process and increase trust and understanding about
complex issues. See more here http://www.kstoolkit.org/Fish+Bowl
Demonstration:
Demonstrations are formal 45- or 90-minute presentations that show how to use or apply a
concept or tool. These may be contrasted with Skill Building Workshops that provide a hands-on
experience. Most demonstrations will include handouts to take away and use after the session.
The abstract should describe how the presenter will walk attendees through a clear, step-by-step
explanation of the concept or tool, how it compares to other concepts or tools, its strengths and
weaknesses, and how it can best be applied.
Skill-Building Workshop:
Skill-Building Workshops teach a specific skill (internal or behavioural) needed by affordable
housing employees and volunteers and include one or more exercises that let attendees practice
using this skill.
Skill-building workshops may take many forms but each will include a demonstration or an
overview of a new skill or technique followed by an opportunity for hands-on practice by those
attending. Examples of hands-on practice might include: role-playing, working through an
analysis with sample data, or completing a case study.
Attendees should be ready to get involved as these sessions are not passive, but rather active
opportunities for learning. Most workshops include take-home materials for use and reference
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post-conference. Presenters regularly incorporate audio visual aids illustrating key points of their
content and a computer, LCD projector, and screen are provided in each room in which a skillbuilding workshop is offered
Professional Development Workshop (mini-course or part of a blended course):
Professional Development Workshops may precede and follow the conference, and focus on
helping attendees to learn or refine their skills. Some may be offered on the last day of the
conference. Some of our Professional Development Workshops are part of a blended (partially
online) course that registrants are enrolled in.
These workshops differ from Skill Building Workshop sessions offered during the conference itself
in at least three ways:
1) longer (3-7 hours in length) and thus provides a more in-depth exploration of a skill or area of
knowledge,
2) presenters are expected to have significant experience both presenting and in the subject
area, and
3) attendees may pay separately for these workshops and are provided the opportunity to earn a
certificate
Participants receive take-home materials and have an opportunity for interaction with the
facilitator and their peers. Because of the extended length, most Professional Development
Workshops approach the content by employing a range of adult learning strategies, including
opportunities for peer-discussion and/or trying out what you have learned.
The abstract should include a listing of learning outcomes and an agenda.
It also must include a detailed discussion of why this skill is important, how the presenter will
teach the skill within a short time frame, how the presenter will enable attendees to learn more
after the session. This session differs from a Demonstration in that attendees will have a handson opportunity to practice the skill.
Birds of a Feather Gatherings:
Birds of a Feather Gatherings, also known as idea exchanges or networking tables. They are
relatively small and informal discussion-based gatherings, aimed at building networks and
exploring ideas. Although similar in length as a roundtable, this is the only session type for which
there is NO formal presentation, instead the facilitators ensure that there is time for introductions
among those in attendance and come with questions or ideas to spark discussion around a
particular topic area.
The information in the 'abstract' section for the session should indicate the topic to be explored,
why the topic is of likely interest to a subset of attendees, and a key guiding question to be raised
during the session.
Poster Presentation
Posters are widely used in the academic community, and most conferences include poster
presentations in their program. Research posters summarize information or research concisely
and attractively to help publicize it and generate discussion.
The poster is usually a mixture of a brief text mixed with tables, graphs, pictures, and other
presentation formats. At a conference, the researcher stands by the poster display while other
participants can come and view the presentation and interact with the author.
(http://guides.nyu.edu/posters)
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More about poster presentations here http://www.ncsu.edu/project/posters
World Café (Guide -
http://www.theworldcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Cafe-To-Go-
Revised.pdf)
Drawing on seven integrated design principles, the World Café methodology is a simple,
effective, and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue.
World Café can be modified to meet a wide variety of needs. Specifics of context, numbers,
purpose, location, and other circumstances are factored into each event’s unique invitation,
design, and question choice, but the following five components comprise the basic model:
Setting
Welcome and Introduction
Small Group Rounds
Questions
Harvest
The basic process is simple and simple to learn, but complexities and nuances of context,
numbers, question crafting and purpose can make it optimal to bring in an experienced host to
help.
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