What is a Conference Poster?

A conference poster is a visual representation of research or project findings, typically displayed during a designated session within a conference. It allows attendees to engage with the content at their own pace and offers the presenter the opportunity to discuss their work in a more informal, one-on-one setting compared to oral presentations. This format is ideal for presenting preliminary results, case studies, or projects that may benefit from individual discussions and feedback.

Who Creates Conference Posters?

Traditionally, conference posters have been a mainstay among academics, researchers, and students to share their research findings. However, at the EDI & Culture Conference, we encourage all attendees, including professional services staff who may not have previous experience with conference posters, to consider creating a poster. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share your work, projects, or initiatives in the fields of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture.

How to Create a Conference Poster

Creating a conference poster involves distilling the key information from your project or research into a visually engaging format. Here are a few steps to guide you:

1. Identify Your Key Message: Start by identifying the main message or takeaway from your EDI project. Your poster should be designed to convey this message succinctly and clearly.

2. Structure Your Poster: Your poster should have a clear structure, including sections like Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Conclusion. Depending on the nature of your content, you might include sections like Objectives, Background, Case Study, etc.

3. Design Your Poster: Utilise visual aids like graphs, charts, and images to convey information effectively. Make sure that the poster is visually appealing, and the text is readable from a distance of at least 1-2 meters.

4. Creating Your Poster: You can create your poster using various software like PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, or Inkscape. Cambridge provides PowerPoint templates which can be a helpful starting point.

5. Printing Your Poster: Ensure that your poster is printed in high quality, adhering to the size specifications mentioned in the conference guidelines. There are a variety of places within the biomedical campus and wider university where you can get your poster printed.

Resources for Creating Your Poster

• Comprehensive Guide: The library services offer a detailed guide that walks you through each step of creating a conference poster. It can be a valuable resource, especially for those new to this format: Library Services Guide to Creating Conference Posters.

• Cambridge Templates: To ease the process of creating a poster, Cambridge offers templates that you can use to design your poster: Cambridge Templates for Posters.

Presenting Your Poster

On the day of the conference, be prepared to stand by your poster during the designated poster sessions to engage with attendees, answer questions, and receive feedback. It’s a great platform for networking and learning.