If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact your poster fair organizer or NAFSA staff.

Poster Basics

Do I need to register for the conference? Do presenters receive discounted registration?
All presenters are expected to register for the conference. Presenters do not receive a discounted registration rate, but there are opportunities for reimbursement through volunteering, and various grants and scholarships available through the regions. Find more information on volunteering and more information on regional scholarships and grants.

When do I find out if my poster proposal was accepted?
The Annual Conference Committee notified poster proposal submitters in mid-February via email.

How many people can present a single poster?
The Annual Conference Committee has determined that no more than two people can present a single poster.

How should I design my poster?
Posters should be visually appealing and readable from a distance. Avoid large blocks of text and small fonts: visual representations of information (such as graphs, charts, pictures, and objects) are generally more effective than text in the poster format. Remember that you will be standing next to your poster during the fair to explain its content to attendees verbally. You may provide textual explanations in a handout that attendees can take home. Please print on both sides of the paper. Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, or Adobe InDesign can all be used to create a professional quality display.

How big should the poster be?
The bulletin board to which you will pin your poster is 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide by 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. You should try to use as much of that space as possible.

When will my fair take place?
Check the poster fair schedule to find out what time your fair takes place.

Where do the poster fairs take place?
All of the fairs will be held in the Poster Fair Area of the Expo Hall.

How will the space be set up?
The room will contain several rows of tables with bulletin boards standing behind them. Each poster is allotted one table and one bulletin board. The technology fair will be set with high tables and will not have bulletin boards.

Registration and Cancellation

Do I need to register for the conference?
All poster presenters are expected to register for the conference.

I will need a visa to attend the conference. Can I get a letter from NAFSA to support my application?
Yes, if you need an invitation letter to obtain a visa, NAFSA can provide you with one. Requests for visa support cannot be accommodated after April 30, 2019. Please check with your local U.S. Consulate to allow sufficient time for visa processing.

I won't be able to present my poster. What do I do?
It is imperative that you notify NAFSA if you will be unable to attend your fair so that we can adjust plans accordingly. Changes should be sent to NAFSA staff so that the correct names will be listed online.

Conference Preparation

When will general instructions be sent to me?
In the spring, your poster fair organizer will contact you via e-mail with general instructions about what will happen on site and what you'll need to do. The organizer will answer any outstanding questions you may have, and you should always feel free to contact your poster fair organizer should you have any questions about your poster content at any time.

What do I need to bring with me? What will NAFSA provide?
NAFSA will provide you with a standing bulletin board behind a rectangular-draped table. You should bring your poster, pushpins or tape to secure it to the bulletin board, a table covering or drape if you choose, and any materials you plan to hand out.

Can I ship my materials to the Convention Center?
No. If you wish to ship materials, please send them to the hotel where you will be staying.

Can I plug in a computer or other electrical device for my poster?
No. Electrical outlets will not be available for use. If your poster requires a computer or other electronic device, be sure to bring your own battery power source.

Will Internet access be available during the fairs?
Wireless internet access will not be available in the Expo Hall. NAFSA will be providing free wireless access only during the Technology Fair to those presenters who will require it.