Preparing for the Session

• Check for changes to your session.
  • Check the Annual Meeting Program, when available, for any updates/changes to your session.
  • Papers will continue to be withdrawn, even up until the actual sessions take place at the Annual Meeting. Please check periodically for withdrawn papers in your session(s).
• Coordinate with other presenters and assist those who do not have a laptop or cannot bring a laptop to the meeting. Laptops are required for presentations in a paper session.
• Check to see if any presenter uploaded a pre-recorded video presentation for their paper. Be prepared to play that video presentation for the session audience if no presenter for that paper attends the session in-person. 
• Contact the presenters in advance of the Annual Meeting to ensure that they are prepared for their presentations.
• Discuss the session structure and time usage with presenters well in advance.

During the Session

Manage logistics such as introductions:

• Announce the session title.
• Introduce yourself.
• If a presenter is absent, inform the audience.
• Explain the session format (90-minute session); we recommend allowing each speaker to present for 10 minutes and holding questions until the end to ensure each presenter gets equal time to discuss his/her paper.
• Play any uploaded pre-recorded video presentations for any papers whose presenters are not attending the session in-person. 

Timekeeping:

• Remind the speaker that you will give a 3-minute warning.
• You could hold up your fingers or use a piece of paper or an audible timer (perhaps on a smartphone). You may also want to stress the importance of staying on time as a housekeeping item before the sessions starts.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the session start time.
• Begin closing the session 2-3 minutes before the official end time.

Manage and encourage conversations:

• Prepare a few comments or questions of your own to get the conversation started (5 minutes).
• Encourage questions; ask questioners to self-identify.
• If a question takes more than 30 seconds, ask the person to get to the point quickly.
• If necessary, repeat the questions so everyone can hear.
• Start conversations amongst the presenters.