Information for chairpersons
Find the practical information you need to chair a scientific session at ISAM 2026, including session preparation, speaker introductions, time management, audience questions and technical support.
Session preparation & arrival
Before the congress
Please review the scientific program and abstracts for your assigned session in advance. This will help you introduce the speakers confidently and provide relevant context for the audience.
Before the congress:
- review the session program and presentation titles;
- read the abstracts of the presentations in your session;
- familiarise yourself with the speakers’ names and affiliations;
- prepare a brief introduction for each speaker;
- note the allocated presentation times.
The scientific program, including presentation titles, speaker names and abstracts, is available on the ISAM 2026 website.
Before the session
Please arrive at your assigned session room at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Before the session begins:
- introduce yourself to the speakers and AV technician;
- take your seat at the designated chairperson’s table on the podium;
- confirm that all speakers are present;
- verify the presentation order;
- ask speakers how they would like their names and affiliations to be announced;
- remind speakers of their allocated presentation time.
If a speaker has not arrived, please notify the AV technician or a member of the congress team as soon as possible.
Chairing the session
As chairperson, you are responsible for guiding the session, keeping it on schedule and facilitating a professional and engaging discussion.
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Welcome the audience and briefly introduce the topic and purpose of the session.
Before each presentation, provide a concise introduction that includes:
- the speaker’s name;
- their affiliation;
- the presentation title.
Long biographies are not necessary unless specifically requested by the organising committee.
After introducing the speaker, invite them to begin their presentation. Keep transitions between presentations brief and clear so that the session remains on schedule.
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Careful time management is one of your most important responsibilities as chairperson. Delays can affect the program throughout the remainder of the day.
During oral presentation sessions, each speaker is allocated:
- 12 minutes for their presentation;
- 3 minutes for audience questions and discussion.
Monitor the timer throughout each presentation and encourage speakers to remain within their allocated time.
If necessary, politely interrupt a presentation that exceeds the time limit. This ensures that all speakers receive equal presentation time and that sufficient time remains for questions.
If the session finishes early, you may use the remaining time for additional discussion. Always ensure that the session finishes at the scheduled time.
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After each presentation, invite questions from the audience and facilitate the discussion.
Please:
- encourage concise questions;
- keep the discussion relevant to the presentation;
- give multiple attendees an opportunity to participate where possible;
- ensure that the discussion remains professional and respectful;
- keep questions and discussion within the allocated time.
Each presentation room is equipped with an audience microphone. Please ask attendees to use the microphone when asking a question so that everyone in the room can hear the discussion clearly.
If no questions are raised immediately, it is helpful to have one or two questions prepared in advance based on the abstract or presentation topic.
Room & technical support
Presentation room & equipment
All scientific session rooms are equipped with professional presentation facilities:
- professional AV support;
- a presentation computer;
- a projection screen;
- a confidence monitor;
- a fixed lectern microphone;
- an audience microphone;
- a presentation clicker;
- a timer visible to the presenter.
All presentations are uploaded through SlideCrew and will already be available on the presentation computer.
All presentations are managed centrally through SlideCrew and will be available on the congress presentation computer. Presenters cannot connect their own laptops or present directly from a USB drive.
Managing unexpected situations
Unexpected situations may occasionally occur during a session, for example:
- a speaker does not arrive;
- a presentation finishes significantly earlier than expected;
- a technical problem occurs;
- the discussion runs longer than scheduled.
Remain calm and work with the AV technician and congress team to minimise disruption.
If a technical problem occurs, the AV technician will provide immediate assistance. Maintaining the overall session schedule should always remain the priority.
Chairperson checklist
Use this checklist to make sure that you are prepared for your session.
✓ Review the scientific program, presentation titles and abstracts.
✓ Familiarise yourself with the speakers’ names and affiliations.
✓ Prepare a brief introduction for each speaker.
✓ Note the allocated presentation times.
✓ Arrive at the session room at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
✓ Meet the speakers and AV technician and confirm the presentation order.
✓ Ask speakers how they would like their names and affiliations to be announced.
✓ Monitor the timer and keep the session on schedule.
Thank you for your valuable contribution to ISAM 2026. Your preparation and leadership are essential to the success of the scientific program.