How to Nail Your Poster Presentation at SPSCon

Ten years ago, I could barely walk into office hours because the idea of sharing my scientific ideas with a real physicist was terrifying. Today, I’ve given invited talks, led seminars and workshops, hosted lab tours, introduced speakers, and even taught physics labs. Through these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the power of science communication at all levels. But of all the ways to share science, poster sessions are my favorite.

Poster presentations are a fantastic way to develop a diverse set of skills. They are also a creative challenge—your poster should highlight the key aspects of your research and use eye-catching visuals to support your explanation. Preparing for poster sessions has made me more confident and helped me better understand the impact of my work in a broader context.

The 2025 Physics and Astronomy Congress is the perfect opportunity to build your communication and professional skills. We welcome posters across a wide range of categories—so no matter your interest, there’s a place for you! Once you’ve registered for the congress, you’ll gain access to abstract submission.

Looking for feedback or a little friendly competition? After submitting your abstract, you’ll receive instructions on how to compete in the optional poster competition or get feedback. Doing so requires that you submit a PDF of your poster and a five-minute video presentation.

Whether it’s your first poster session or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will help you prepare for the big day. Remember—poster sessions are a fun way to showcase your hard work, meet people who share your interests, and gain valuable experience. So take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, and go for it! You’ve got this.

Professionalism at Poster Sessions

A poster session is not just about presenting research—it’s about presenting yourself as a professional. Here’s how to make a strong impression:

• Be approachable. Smile and engage in conversation. A positive attitude makes all the difference.
• Dress for success. Business casual is a good rule of thumb. You don’t need a suit, but looking put-together shows that you take your work seriously.
• Respect everyone’s time. Keep your explanations concise and give space for discussion. If someone looks like they need to move on, wrap up gracefully: “Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to stay in touch.”
• Be mindful of your surroundings. If someone else is presenting nearby, avoid raising your voice too much.
• Follow up. If you made valuable connections, send a quick LinkedIn request or follow-up email thanking them for the conversation.

2025 Poster Categories

• SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma chapter activities
• Careers and corporate internships
• Supporting our phase shifts*
• Research (Works in progress are encouraged!)
  
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics/Relativity/Gravitation
  • Particles & Fields/Quantum Foundations/Information Theory
  • Statistical/Thermal/Nonlinear/Complex Systems
  • Biological/Medical/Chemical
  • Nuclear/Plasma/Fusion
  • Atomic/Molecular/Optical/Photonics
  • Condensed Matter/Materials Science/ Nanoscience/Surface
  • Applied/Engineering/Energy/Other

*Conference theme submissions should highlight how students and chapters are navigating and shaping the evolving landscape of physics and astronomy. Whether individually or collaboratively, submissions should explore how inclusivity, community, culture, and outreach efforts are driving radical shifts in the field. Presenters are encouraged to be creative in showcasing how these small steps or transformations are influencing the future of the broader scientific community. Sample topics: outreach events at local schools, or the impact of a qualifying exam of the mental health of students and their career trajectory.

Pre-Congress Tips: Set Yourself Up For Success

• Make your abstract clear and concise. This is people’s first impression of your work, so make sure it communicates what your research is about in simple, direct language.
• Design a visually engaging poster. Use large, readable fonts, clear figures, and minimal text—your poster is a conversation starter, not a research paper!
• Practice your 3–5 minute pitch. You should be able to explain your research quickly and effectively to both experts and nonexperts. A great way to prepare is by presenting to a friend outside your field.
• Print your poster ahead of time. Avoid procrastination and last-minute stress—double-check size requirements and print early!
• Know your audience. The congress brings together students, faculty, and professionals from diverse fields. Be prepared to adapt your explanation depending on who you’re talking to.

I’m Here—Now What?

You’ve arrived at Congress, poster in hand—now it’s time to shine!

• Set up early. Arriving early lets you find your spot, set up your poster, and do a quick run-through of your presentation before the session starts. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before!
• Engage with attendees. Be ready to introduce yourself and invite people to ask questions about your work.
• Be prepared for all types of questions. You might get broad, conceptual questions or detailed technical ones. If you don’t know the answer, it’s more than okay to say, “That’s a great question—I’ll have to look into that!”
• Take notes. Keep track of feedback and interesting conversations—it might spark ideas for future research!
• Network. Poster sessions aren’t just about presenting; they’re also about connecting with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators.

What Not To Do: Poster No-Gos!

• Too much text. If people are standing there reading, they aren’t engaging with you! Keep text minimal and use visuals to tell your story.

• Mumbling or avoiding visitors. Confidence goes a long way. Speak clearly, and don’t be afraid to make eye contact with your audience.

• Overexplaining. Your goal is to invite discussion, not overwhelm with details. Keep your explanations concise and let questions drive the conversation.

• Standing in silence. If no one is approaching your poster, start the conversation with someone nearby! A simple “Hi, are you interested in ?” can go a long way.

• Blocking your own poster. Stand to the side so people can actually see what you’re presenting!

Congress Poster Session Checklist

Everything you need—from abstract submission to poster day success!

Before the Congress

• Submit your abstract before the deadline
• Finalize your research and conclusions
• Design an eye-catching, easy-to-read poster
• Want feedback or to be judged? Submit a PDF of your poster and a five-minute video explaining your research.
• Print your poster (double-check size requirements!)
• Practice your 3–5 minute pitch
• Prepare answers to common questions
• Pack essentials: a digital copy of your poster, notebook and pen, business cards (optional), etc.

On the Day of Your Poster Session

• Arrive early and well rested to set up
• Keep an open, engaged posture, and don’t block your poster!
• Greet attendees with confidence and a smile
• Tailor your explanation to your audience
• Listen actively and take notes on feedback
• If your poster is judged, be prepared for an in-person follow-up with judges
• Connect with new contacts—exchange LinkedIn info or emails
• Have business cards or a resume ready, because you never know who might approach you!

After the Session

• Follow up with anyone who gave you useful feedback
• Reflect on what worked well and what to improve for next time
• Look out for results and feedback from the judges, if applicable
• Celebrate—you just successfully presented at a national conference!

You’ve Got This!

Presenting at a national conference is a huge milestone in your scientific journey. No matter your level of experience, a poster session is a valuable opportunity to gain confidence, receive feedback, and build your professional network.

At the end of the day, remember: It’s okay to be nervous. Every great scientist started somewhere. So take a deep breath, have fun, and enjoy sharing your work with the congress community!