Speaker Tools

This section is for Educating Leaders 2027 presenters. See below for important information on submitting/updating presentation materials, updated poster guidelines and other pertinent details for presenters. 

In February 2027, the online program will be available for presenters to review their presentation date, time and location.

Abstract Information

Reference the abstract submission information, including presentation types, formats, audience tracks, abstract themes and FAQs.

Registration

Presenters are required to register for the conference. Conference registration will open in December.

Presentation Instructions

Poster Presentations

All posters must be displayed in the conference poster hall in Philadelphia, and a digital version must also be uploaded to the portal so attendees can view your work at their convenience. This dual format significantly increases the visibility and impact of your work beyond the in-person session.

• Review full poster instructions and deadlines and follow the design guidelines.

Concurrent Oral Presentations

Concurrent sessions are offered in 60-minute formats. Depending on the session, one, two, or three presentations may be scheduled.

Presentation Timing

To help sessions run smoothly and ensure all speakers have adequate time, please follow the timing guidelines. A session host will provide timing cues and facilitate audience Q&A. For sessions with multiple presentations, audience questions will be held until all presentations are complete.

• One presentation (60 minutes total) 
  The presenter(s) have the full hour and may structure the session to include presentation, discussion, audience engagement and Q&A as appropriate.
• Two presentations (30 minutes each) 
  Presenters share the session equally, with approximately 30 minutes allotted to each presentation. Audience questions will be held until both presentations are complete, followed by a facilitated Q&A discussion.
• Three presentations (20 minutes each) 
  Presenters divide the session into three equal segments, with approximately 20 minutes allotted to each presentation. Audience questions will be held until all three presentations are complete, followed by a facilitated Q&A discussion.

General Tips for Staying on Time

• Practice your talk to ensure it fits within your allotted minutes.
• Coordinate with your co-presenters in advance if multiple speakers are sharing the hour.
• Adhere closely to the schedule; going over time affects fellow presenters and limits audience engagement.
• Session host will provide time cues and help keep the session on track, or ask a trusted colleague to help you.

General Reminders

• Presentation files must be uploaded by Wednesday, March 31, 2027, so they can be pre-loaded onto the meeting room computer in advance.
• Only the primary presenter has access to upload files through their Speaker Center (instructions will be sent via email).
• Some sessions will be recorded (screen + audio). Recordings will be made available on-demand to registered attendees for three months following the conference.
• Concurrent session rooms will be set in theater style and include a standard A/V setup with hard-line internet to the presenter’s laptop, a wired podium microphone, two wireless handheld microphones, and one floor mic stand.

Workshops

Workshops are to be designed for deep learning and active engagement in a collaborative setting.

• Pre-Conference Workshops (3.5 or 7.5 hours) - In-depth, skills-based sessions designed for hands-on learning and practice before the main conference.
• In-Conference Workshops (90 minutes, including Q&A) - Interactive, discussion-driven sessions ideal for engaging smaller groups during the main conference.
  

Workshop Reminders:

• Workshop organizers should report to the A/V technician 30 minutes before the session begins with all presentations saved on a single USB drive.
• Workshops will not be recorded.
• Rooms will be set in rounds and equipped with a standard A/V package, including hard-line internet to the meeting room laptop, a wired podium microphone, two wireless handheld microphones, one microphone per table, one flipchart with markers, and power strips at each table.

Presenter Templates

AACOM does not provide a branded template for posters.

For oral presentations and workshops, presenters are encouraged—but not required—to use the EL27 Branded PowerPoint Template. (will be available in the fall)

If not using the EL27 PPT template:

• Make your second slide a disclosure slide.
  • For guidance on what to include in a disclosure slide and why it’s important see disclosure slide policy.
• Create your slides in 16:9 widescreen format
  (In PowerPoint: Go to the “Design” tab → “Slide Size” → select “Widescreen 16:9”)
  • Other slide tools (e.g., Google Slides, Prezi) are also acceptable, however; the A/V team must be notified in advance if you plan to use animations, polls or interactive elements.
    

Recommended Presentation Resources

Looking to make your presentation polished and powerful? Check out these great resources:

• 23 PowerPoint Presentation Tips for Creating Engaging and Interactive Presentations A comprehensive guide that emphasizes simplicity, storytelling, legibility, and interactive techniques like polls and embedded media
• Presentation Cheat Sheet: Win Any Room with Confidence
  A punchy, well‑designed PDF-style resource focusing on audience connection, cognitive engagement, and modern best practice
• PowerPoint Design Trends & Interactive Tips for 2025
  Covers current trends—AI‑assisted design, immersive visuals, interactivity, data storytelling, and accessibility

These links above are optional but highly recommended for presenters aiming to make a memorable impact.