The AHA Scientific Sessions, an annual conference hosted by the American Heart Association, provides a platform for cardiovascular and stroke researchers to present their work through posters. If you're preparing to share your findings at this prestigious event, understanding the poster guidelines is paramount. This guide will walks you through the essentials, ensuring your poster is both effectively communicated and AHA-compliant.
The AHA's primary goal is to improve cardiovascular health, and its poster sessions are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration. By following these guidelines, you'll create a poster that's engaging, easily understood, and contributes to this vibrant community of researchers.
Poster Format and Size
The first and foremost guideline is the poster's physical format. AHA recommends designing your poster in portrait orientation on high-quality paper. The poster should be self-explanatory, containing enough information for attendees to understand your work even without you present.
The AHA-recommended poster size is 4 feet high (48 inches) and 3 feet wide (36 inches). This size allows for sufficient detail while ensuring your poster is visible among the crowd. While these dimensions are recommended, AHA does not strictly enforce them. However, sticking to these guidelines ensures your poster is accessible and easy to view.
Design Considerations
Less is more when it comes to poster design. A HA poster should be clean and uncluttered, allowing key information to stand out. Use a clear, legible font, and keep your text concise. Remember, posters are quickly glanced at, so avoid large blocks of text.
Use high-quality images, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate your data. These visual elements draw the eye in and break up text-heavy sections. Use bumper stickers to guide the viewer's eye around the poster. Consider using color to highlight key points, but ensure it remains accessible to attendees with colorblindness.
Content and Organization
Structuring your poster like a story – with an introduction, methods, results, and conclusions – helps guide viewers through your research. Start with a title and brief introduction at the top, followed by your research question, methods, results, and a clear statement of your conclusions. If space allows, include a list of references and acknowledgments.
Each section should be manageable and easily distinguishable from others. Use clear headings and whitespace to separate sections. Ensure your content is organized in a logical, easy-to-follow manner, building towards your conclusions.
Preparation and Submission
Once you've designed your poster, ensure it meets the AHA's submission guidelines. The Association requires a PDF version of your poster for inclusion in the online conference program. This PDF should be no larger than 8 MB and should match the dimensions of your printed poster.
Submissions typically open several months before the conference. Check the AHA Scientific Sessions website for the most up-to-date submission details. If you're submitting multiple posters, ensure each submission adheres to the guidelines and is unique.Duplicate submissions are not permitted.
Printing and Setup
Upon acceptance, you'll receive instructions on how to print and set up your poster at the conference venue. AHA recommends printing your poster at a professional printing service to ensure the highest quality. Double-check that your poster meets the recommended dimensions before printing.
At the conference, you'll be provided with push pins or velcro to attach your poster to the designated poster board. Arrive early to your poster session to ensure adequate time for setup. Remove your poster promptly at the end of your session to respect other presenters using the same board.
Creating an effective poster for the AHA Scientific Sessions requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you'll present a poster that informs, engages, and leaves a lasting impression. So go forth, showcase your research, and contribute to the AHA's mission to improve cardiovascular health worldwide."