Instructions for Session Chairs

Session Chairs are responsible for:

• introducing the speakers
• moderating the question period (including eliciting questions)
• enforcing time limitations

We will provide each of the Session Chairs with the brief bio and abstract of the talks in their session. The Session Chair can use this material (and any other in their personal knowledge or gained through conversation with the speakers) to introduce each speaker. We will provide a timekeeper who will track the speaking time and question time for each talk. This person will be stationed near the front, in easy view of both the speaker and the session chair. If the speaker chooses to speak into the questioning time, that just means less time for questions. Speakers may NOT go over the final time limit (talk+questions). If necessary, the session chair should go to the mike and cut off the speaker by thanking them. If questions are slow to get raised, the session chair is expected to start things off with questions (either their own or from some planted in the audience).

Session chairs do NOT announce the break that follows each session. The conference chair or staff will make this announcement (due to some required items that must be included). The question period must also be cut off when time is up, just recommend folks get with the speaker during the following break (or lunch, whatever is next).