SPEAKER RESOURCES
GENERAL INFORMATION​​​
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Conference Registration
Registration opens on April 28, 2026. ​​In the meantime, please ensure you have expressed your Intent to Participate.
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Dress Code Policy
Business casual attire is recommended for the conference. If you have any questions about what is appropriate, please email Martin Downs at downs@aisc.org for additional information.
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SPEAKER GUIDELINES
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Paper Template
You can download a copy of the 10th Connections Workshop paper template here. The deadline to submit your completed paper is April 30, 2026. Deadline extensions are available upon request.
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Preparing for your Presentation​
​We strongly recommend that you use the official Connections Workshop PowerPoint templates for your presentation. This template is available here. We also recommend that you utilize these presentation guidelines.
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Have your PowerPoint presentation loaded on a portable USB drive. We prefer you don’t use your own laptop, but if you are using specialized software as part of your presentation, you may use your computer.
Session Room AV
The standard AV set in a session room is (1) Podium, (1) Lectern Mic, (1) Screen/ Projector, (1) Computer with Microsoft Office. Most rooms do not have an audio connection to the computer, so please avoid placing audio in your presentations. If you have questions, additional AV needs, or audio requests, please email downs@aisc.org.
Please get to your session room at least 15 minutes before the session is to start to allow time to meet your moderator and to check out the laptop hookup, data projector, screen, microphone(s), lighting, etc.
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PDH Codes​​ (Continuing Education)
Continuing Education credits are very important to many of our attendees. To obtain PDH credit, attendees must register their attendance at each session for which they are requesting credit. A numeric session-specific code is assigned to each session, and only those who participate will have access to the code. PDH codes will be sent to speakers in advance.
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As a speaker, you need to announce the PDH code at the beginning and end of your presentation. Additionally, please make sure the session PDH code is on the first and last slides of the presentation. Please do not share PDH codes with anyone other than those attending your session. ​​
In the PowerPoint template, there is a slide for you to enter your learning assessment question. Learning assessment questions are one of the requirements for our sessions to be eligible for New York State continuing education credits. You are required to ask your audience this question. If you’re unsure what your learning objectives are, please contact Martin Downs at downs@aisc.org.
MODERATOR GUIDELINES
The role of the Moderator at the 10th Connections Conference is very important both to attendees and speakers. The Moderator sets the tone for the presentation, introduces the session and speakers, and keeps the seminar running smoothly—and on time (which means both starting on time and keeping each speaker to their allotted time). Some suggested guidelines to help the moderator organize the session:
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Arrive Early
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your session to ensure that speakers are able to load their presentations. Make sure the session PDH code is on the first and last slide. PDH codes will be provided to all speakers closer to the conference date. Notify the technicians if there are any problems with the A/V equipment, and start the session on time.
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Begin by Introducing Yourself and Giving a Brief Overview of the Session
Remember that the attendees are there to hear the speakers, so keep your comments brief yet informative. Tell everyone in the audience to please turn off their cell phones.
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Introduce the Speakers
Go beyond merely reading the speaker’s bio. While still keeping your comments brief, introduce not just the speaker but his or her topic. Many sessions have more than one speaker. After each speaker has finished, remember to introduce the next speaker.
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Keep Track of Time
If a speaker seems to be running beyond his or her allotted time, subtly indicate that they need to wrap up their presentation. It is the moderator’s responsibility to keep the session running on time and to make sure that speakers do not extend beyond their allotted time.
Allow for Questions
After the last speaker, ask if there are any questions; take questions, and ask the speakers to provide answers. Make sure questions are heard by all attendees; repeat and clarify questions if necessary. Also, remind the audience to keep their questions brief and prevent audience members from launching into speeches.