CHAIR GUIDELINES

DUTIES OF SESSION CHAIRS

Your key tasks are:

• Ensuring the smooth running of the session
• Introducing speakers and facilitating time management of their presentations
• Making the best use of the limited time for discussion and taking questions from the audience

Plenary lectures are 45 minutes and generally not followed by questions.  In some plenary sessions with 2 speakers, each should be allowed 20 minutes for presentation.  Invited speakers in review session are allocated 30 minutes and abstract presenters are allocated 15 minutes.  All timings are listed in the programme app. 

• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the registration desk.
• You are responsible for the smooth running of the Session. Be firm when presentation time has expired.  This will ensure that all speakers are given equal opportunity to present, and will allow time for discussion where appropriate.
• All Presentations must be submitted to Speaker Preview in advance, and will be available to speakers via the lectern screen.  Technicians are available to assist if necessary.  

Prior to your Session:

• Please try to arrive at the session 10minutes in advance of the start time as indicated in the programme. Inform the speakers of their presentation time limit and that they must not exceed their allocated time. Resist any change from the programme order that speakers may wish to make. It is essential to keep to the prescribed order of presentations.
• Identify yourself and your affiliation at the beginning of the session.
• Make any important “house-keeping” announcements (if required).

Prior to each session:

• Remind delegates to switch off their mobile phones, or turn them to silent mode.

Following each presentation:

• Thank the speaker and proceed to the questions.
• During the discussion, ask the questioners to identify themselves and affiliation. Ask that questions be brief and to the point.

At the end of the session:

• Thank all the speakers again.

Poster Pitch Sessions
Poster Pitch sessions are fast moving sessions with multiple presenters.  The concept is for each presenter to ‘defend’ their poster in rapid format, with only 1 slide.  Presentation time is limited to just 5 minutes and the presenter MUST stop after this time.  We will provide timer and an alarm or bell so that the time limit can be clearly announced.  Please introduce each speaker as above, but do not permit questions.  At the end of each session, attendees can vote for the best pitch presentation, via the congress app.  Winners will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on Wednesday 1 May. 

Guided Poster Sessions
Guided poster sessions are designed to showcase the best poster abstracts as identified by the Programme Organising Committee (POC).  The idea is to tour relevant posters from each track and initiate discussion with poster presenters and delegates.  Please ask poster presenters to briefly outline their poster and work, and ask relevant questions.  Encourage delegates to participate in discussions.  Please ensure that you visit each guided poster during the session, these posters will be clearly marked and are also listed in the programme app and abstract book.  Refreshments will be served during these sessions. 

EASO Patient Representatives
Representatives of the EASO ECPO (European Coalition for People Living with Obesity) will co-chair some sessions, with the additional role of introducing the session or providing comments at th end.  If your session is included in this initiative, please ensure that you give ample opportunity to the patient representatives.