Welcome to the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference Presenter Resources page! This page contains valuable information to assist you as you prepare for the conference. Presenters should also access the Speaker Portal, which is the main online hub of activity to manage session information. If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact your speaker liaison.
General Information for All Presenters
Q: Do I need to register to present?
All presenters must register in order to present. Be sure to register by September 7 to get the early-bird rate for Denver. We also strongly encourage you to book your hotel and travel early. Please visit our hotel and travel page for more information.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: How do I create or update my EDUCAUSE profile?
An EDUCAUSE profile is required to be listed as a session presenter and for conference registration. Also, because your profile is displayed with your session in the online agenda, it is important to have your current title and institution/organization. Please also upload a professional headshot.
How to Update Your Profile
- Log in from the Member Directory Home Page:
- NOTE: Do not search the member directory for your profile—it will return a static page that cannot be edited.
- If you have forgotten your username/password, you may reset both from the Login page.
- Once logged in, Update Your Profile will display. Click this to update your bio, photo, visibility setting, and more.
- Make sure that your visibility setting (found within Edit Primary Info) is not too restrictive. We recommend the option Limit to Authenticated (Logged-In) Users.
- If you need assistance, please contact the Membership Team at [email protected] or 303-449-4430.
How to Create a Profile
- Log in from the Member Directory Home Page.
- Click Create a Profile and proceed through prompts.
- NOTE: Please wait until you receive an email indicating that your profile has been approved, then proceed with the steps under Have a Profile.
- If you need assistance, please contact the Membership Team at [email protected] or 303-449-4430.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Is there a PowerPoint template I should use for my presentation?
EDUCAUSE has prepared an optional PowerPoint template for your convenience.
The template is available in 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen).
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Could you explain what my "session type" means?
The following session types were assigned through the proposal submission process and are designed to set conference participants expectations when they attend your session.
Interactive Presentation
These sessions provide opportunities to share topics of community interest through an innovative, thought-provoking format that encourages audience participation and interaction. Participant feedback and response to issues will be encouraged throughout the session. Examples might include point-counterpoint on controversial topics or flipped sessions with prerequisite participant preparation.
Lightning Talk Session
These micropresentations are designed to deliver information with focused speed.
Industry and Client-Led Sessions
See the Corporate Presenter Information section.
Moderated Discussion
Discussions are an opportunity for participants to share campus challenges and solutions through conversational exchange. By actively engaging audience participants in dialogue about hot topics or broad issues, these sessions will rely on collective community experience within the session room attendance.
Featured Presenter Sessions
Invited by EDUCAUSE for their expertise on a variety of current topics, featured presenters offer sessions during every time slot at the annual conference.
Panel Presentation
These sessions feature two to four dynamic presenters offering case studies about how their institutions have approached a shared topic, or they may feature presenters taking different and sometimes controversial perspectives on a topic. Examples may include the evolving role of the CIO, security, privacy and the cloud, advancing IT innovation within budgetary constraints, or other critical issues in higher education. For all panel presentations, participant feedback and response is encouraged.
Posters
Posters give participants and presenters the opportunity to share and examine problems, issues, and solutions in a more casual, personal environment through informal, interactive, brief presentations focused on effective practices, research findings, or technical solutions. Presenters will use a poster display (and laptop and print materials if they wish) to demonstrate the features and functionality of the tool or program, as well as to provide a visual overview of the project. (See section below on Posters.)
Preconference Workshops
Offered for a full or half day on Tuesday, October 30, preconference workshops provide a deeper examination of various topics, facilitated by leaders with extensive experience in those areas. Workshops are highly interactive and give participants the chance to discuss in-depth approaches to challenges they are facing on campus—to share solutions and learn strategies. An additional fee is required to attend preconference workshops.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Do you have tips on delivering an effective, engaging presentation?
Yes! Please visit the Presenter Concierge page of our website for EDUCAUSE's new micro-learning module series on "Presentation Best Practices." This series will help you to create a "rock star" presentation by focusing on the practices adopted by the most effective speakers, presenters, and facilitators. Expect to spend approximately one hour with the entire 6-part series, but each module is only about ten minutes, and will help you to plan your time, materials, and interactive elements for maximum impact.
+ MORE - LESS
Breakout Session Presenter Information
Q: How will my on-site room be set up?
All session meeting rooms (with the exception of posters) will be theater-style seating or a combination of round tables in the front of the room and theater-style seating in the back. There will be a head table and chairs for presenters and a standing lectern at the front of the room.
EDUCAUSE will make every effort to accommodate panel sessions (as defined as a group of three or more people presenting together on the same topic); however, we cannot guarantee additional chairs or microphones will be provided.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: How big is the room that I will present in and how many people can I expect at my session?
Session rooms vary in size but will hold anywhere from 80 to 500 people. The room assigned for your presentation will depend on your topic and format. We cannot anticipate how many people will attend your session, and seating is first come, first served. (Preconference workshops are the exception.)
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Is there a floor plan for my meeting room?
Yes! Please search the room diagrams below for your assigned meeting room. Please note that there are different layouts by day, as noted in the file names. (FYI: Rooms are subject to change based on programming, final attendance (workshops), and onsite conditions.)
Meeting Rooms
- Meeting Room 301-302: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 303: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 304: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 401-402: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 403: Tuesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 404: Tuesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 405: Tuesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 406: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 407: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 501-502: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 503-504: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 505-506: Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 507: Wednesday-Friday
- Meeting Room 603: Wednesday-Friday
Four Seasons Ballrooms
- Four Seasons Ballroom 1: Tuesday-Friday
- Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Four Seasons Ballroom 4: Wednesday-Friday
Mile High Ballrooms
- Mile High Ballroom 1 A/B: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 1 C/D: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 1 E/F: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 2-3 A: Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 2-3 B: Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 2-3 C: Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 4 A/B: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 4 C/D: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
- Mile High Ballroom 4 E/F: Tuesday | Wednesday-Friday
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Will I have access to audio/video equipment?
All of the session rooms (with the exception of posters) will have the following standard AV:
- LCD projector with HDMI capabilities and screen (16:9 widescreen format)
- Projector stand
- Capability to switch between two laptops (A/B switch)
- Internet wireless access for all presenters
Microphones:
- Wired microphone at lectern
- Wireless lavaliere microphone
- One additional table microphone for panels of three or more
- Sound patch for computer audio to the room through house sound
Computers will NOT be provided. Please bring your own computer and make sure it is equipped with a standard HDMI output and that you know how to use a projector with your computer.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Will I have Internet access?
The following Internet connections will be available:
- Wireless access will be available for both presenters and attendees. The connection speed will be sufficient to access and navigate web pages and email.
- One dedicated Ethernet connection for presenter use (cable dropped between lectern and table and requested to be long enough for use at either location).
- Substantial bandwidth will be provided and should be sufficient for basic applications you wish to present. However, if you know that your presentation will require a significant bandwidth and have concerns, please contact the speaker liaison.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Is there a place at the convention center where I can work on my presentation?
Yes, there will be a speaker ready room with EDUCAUSE staff available to assist you. Here are a few things you will be able to do in this room:
- Test your laptop with an identical meeting room projector
- Get help with technology questions
- Make last-minute changes to your presentation
- Meet with your co-presenter(s) to review your presentation
- Pick up your speaker gift and "presenter" ribbon for your name badge
Hours:
- Monday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, 7:00 – 10:30 a.m.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: How will I know how well my presentation went, and when do I get feedback?
Your audience will rate and comment on your session. On your last slide, as well as putting your contact details, encourage attendees to provide feedback by asking them to complete the presenter evaluation on the mobile app. We will send you your session ratings and comments within one month of the event. Highly rated presenters may be considered for other speaking opportunities with EDUCAUSE.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: How do I share my session resources with attendees, and should I include a copyright statement?
All presenters should share their presentation materials prior to the annual conference. Please upload all slides to the Speaker Portal using the following format for file names.
File names:
Please rename files to be uploaded with the session title and the resource type (examples: EDUCAUSE First-Timers Orientation_Slides.ppt & EDUCAUSE First-Timers Orientation_ Handout.pdf)
If you password protect a PDF document, please make sure to enable the file to be read by a screen reader. It is our goal to make our resources easily available to those who use adaptive and assistive technology to access files over the internet.
You may use this copyright statement on one of your first slides:
"This presentation leaves copyright of the content to the presenter. Unless otherwise noted in the materials, uploaded content carries the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0), which grants usage to the general public, with appropriate credit to the author."
Uploading a Resource or Document to a Session:
- Log into the Speaker Portal, click on My Sessions tab
- Click on the Session Title to which you would like to add resources
- Navigate to the Manage Documents tab
- Click on the Upload button
- Click on the Choose File button
- Find and select the document to upload
- Select the file type
- If the file type is not a PowerPoint or a Video, please select Resources
- Add a descriptive Title for the document
- (optional) Add a Description
- (optional) Add a Comment
Content managers will be able to view your comments - Click the green Upload button
To confirm the resource was uploaded, navigate back to the Manage Documents tab for that session and verify that the file is there.
+ MORE - LESS
Poster Session Presenter Information
Q: Where is my poster displayed?
Q: Do I have the option to ship or store my materials?
Q: When can I set up and tear down my poster display?
Below is the schedule for posters:
- If you are scheduled on Wednesday, October 31, 2018
- Setup | 9:00–9:45 a.m.
- Display | 12:30–1:30 p.m. & 4:15–5:00 p.m. (You must be at your poster for both display times.)
- Teardown | by 5:45 p.m. (EDUCAUSE will not be responsible for any posters or materials left after this time.)
- If you are scheduled on Thursday, November 1, 2018
- Setup | 9:00–9:45 a.m.
- Display | 12:30–1:30 p.m. & 3:15–4:00 p.m. (You must be at your poster for both display times.)
- Teardown | by 4:45 p.m. (EDUCAUSE will not be responsible for any posters or materials left after this time.)
An EDUCAUSE staff member will be at the front of the poster area and can help direct you to your preassigned space. Also, all poster bulletin boards will have a piece of paper with your poster title attached to it.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Will supplies be available for setup?
Yes. Push pins, scissors, tape, and other supplies are available at the check-in desk. Power will not be provided for laptops or tablets, so if you plan to use one at your poster display, be sure it is fully charged. Also, note that there will be no equipment security or storage available when you are not presenting, so please keep valuable items with you at all times.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: How is my poster displayed?
Posters are posted with push pins, velcro, clips, etc. on poster boards. The poster boards are 4ft high X 8ft wide less a 2 inch frame on all four sides. The surface is fabric-covered fiberboard contained in a 2 inch wide aluminum frame and firmly supported on "A-frame" legs. The display stands approximately 7ft high. Each poster board will contain a number for identification. Please do not cover this number. EDUCAUSE will also provide poster presenters with a cocktail round at each display.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: Will I have Internet access?
Corporate (Purchased) Session Presenter Information
Q: Could you explain what each suggested "session format type" means?
Industry and Campus-Led Session
This session is a presentation given by a client of a corporation (at least one higher education institution required). A subject matter expert from your corporation is present to add to the discussion. Your client will demonstrate the benefits your company's solutions have had on campus, enabling them to speak to general benefits for other campuses. Q&A provides for valuable interaction between the client/corporation and the audience.
Industry and Campus Panel
This session consists of a panel of three subject-matter experts (at least one institutional representative is required) and a moderator. The topic should address a hot topic of key interest to higher education; emerging trends; research; and strategies, technologies, and business offerings.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: What are the guidelines for my session? (applies to all purchased corporate session types)
- The session is designed to bring together corporate and institutional thought leadership communities, facilitate intentional dialogue, bridge R&D, and promote product development. The purpose of the session is not marketing or sales.
- See the top 10 issues on recommendations for topics.
- Eliminate company background information, marketing, and sales speak. This type of information should be provided through on-site collateral.
- Focus on thought leadership and advancing the needs of higher education.
- Ask participants about their needs and keep the session interactive.
- Presentation materials and discussion notes should be captured and shared as a session resource.
- Keep the sessions interactive (moderator takes questions from the audience); ask participants about their needs.
- Panel moderator should be energetic and ensure that no one panelist is dominating.
+ MORE - LESS
Q: What is the development and review process for my corporate presentation?
- Please adhere to the session format and guidelines for your session type and take advantage of the resources available to you for designing and delivering an engaging presentation.
- Your session description (title, 50-word abstract, speaker info, domain, and three outcomes) will be submitted to your speaker liaison, Sarah Reynolds, for review and approval by EDUCAUSE. Only submit a complete description so it can be reviewed as a whole; do not send information piecemeal.
- If revisions to your description are requested, you will have one opportunity to make the suggested revisions and resubmit for approval. If the description needs further revision after that, EDUCAUSE will rewrite/edit it for you (this is to avoid several back-and-forth revision attempts).
- Once approved, your session day and time will be slotted based on the topic and how it best fits within the overall conference program.
+ MORE - LESS