Poster Preparation

Poster Creation

When making a poster, visual representation is the central consideration. The following are a few tips to get you started on your poster creation process.

Plan Ahead

Give yourself plenty of time to circulate your poster for review with your mentor and all co-authors, as well as time to incorporate feedback into revisions. Be sure to print well in advance of the conference date.

PowerPoint

Most students use Microsoft PowerPoint to create their posters. Dimensions can be set through the Page Setup menu. A standard poster size is 42” (tall) X 56” (wide), but this standard can be modified.

Graphics

Think carefully about the graphics (e.g., data and/or pictures) that you will use to "tell the story" of your project. The use of graphics can assist in attracting viewers to the poster content. Remember to review the graphics closely with your mentor to ensure accurate data representation.

Abbreviate

Avoid the use of complete sentences on your poster - pay careful attention to edit your paper into phrases before including text on a poster. Use the least amount of text possible to accurately convey your message, reserving room for graphics.

Proofread

Typographical errors significantly devalue the content of your poster. Moreover, through the revision process, messages become more succinct and easily understood by the viewer with each reiteration.

Identity Guidelines

Don't forget to identify yourself as a member of the Pritzker School of Medicine community! Your poster should contain the Pritzker logo and the appropriate shade of University of Chicago maroon.

You must first log into Box (https://uchicago.app.box.com/) to find the Pritzker-branded poster template here.

Poster Printing

There are several vendors available for poster printing. One such vendor is MakeSigns; you may decide to print a poster with MakeSigns using the following directions:

Select “Scientific Posters”
Select your poster size (standard size is 42" x 56")
Select "glossy" under media ("glossy" is the most utilized and recommended finish)
Select "Upload/Order your poster"
Enter shipment and payment information
Reimbursement process - Click here to access the PSOM Student Reimbursement Form

Booth School of Business – Poster & Banner Production, Room 108B; Authorization to Charge Account Form

FedEx Office - Print & Ship Center -1315 E. 57th Street - Chicago, IL 60637

You may wish to also bring color handouts of your poster printed on standard 8.5" by 11" paper; it may be helpful to tack these handouts nearby your poster so that viewers can take this resource for later reference. If you choose to provide handouts, you might also consider including your email address on the document so that interested viewers may contact you later with further feedback or questions.

You might also consider distributing business cards. Uniform business cards complete with the University of Chicago logo can be ordered by graduate students through Vistaprint.

Poster Presentation

Don't be a Poster Plant!

In maximizing your poster delivery experience, don’t just hover around like a poster plant - try to engage other conference attendees! Some tips for engagement include initiating your presentation with passerby, beginning with a personal introduction. You may even consider befriending spectators! Learn from Dr. Arora How to Make your Poster Presentation Come to Life!

Create a Buzz!

Use props and technology resources such as computers or simulation experiences. Consider passing out pocket cards, brochures, or handouts of your poster.

Three-Minute Spiel

Who are you? (What institution do you represent? How can you be reached?)
Why is your study important?
What main method did you employ? (Try to keep this component to 1-2 sentences.)
What were your results?