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Conference Presentation Slides: A Guide for Success

In our experience, a common error when preparing a conference presentation is using designs that heavily rely on bullet points and massive chunks of text. A potential reason behind this slide design mistake is aiming to include as much information as possible in just one slide. In the end, slides become a sort of teleprompter for the speaker, and the audience recalls boredom instead of an informative experience.

As part of our mission to help presenters deliver their message effectively, we have summarized what makes a good conference presentation slide, as well as tips on how to design a successful conference slide.

Table of Contents

What is a conference presentation

Common mistakes presenters make when creating conference presentation slides, how can a well-crafted conference presentation help your professional life, how to start a conference presentation, how to end a conference presentation, tailoring your message to different audiences, visualizing data effectively, engaging with your audience, designing for impact, mastering slide transitions and animation, handling time constraints, incorporating multimedia elements, post-presentation engagement, crisis management during presentations, sustainability and green presentations, measuring presentation success, 13 tips to create stellar conference presentations, final thoughts.

The Britannica Dictionary defines conferences as 

A formal meeting in which many people gather in order to talk about ideas or problems related to a particular topic (such as medicine or business), usually for several days.

We can then define conference presentations as the combination of a speaker, a slide deck , and the required hardware to introduce an idea or topic in a conference setting. Some characteristics differentiate conference presentations from other formats.

Time-restricted

Conference presentations are bounded by a 15-30 minute time limit, which the event’s moderators establish. These restrictions are applied to allow a crowded agenda to be met on time, and it is common to count with over 10 speakers on the same day.

To that time limit, we have to add the time required for switching between speakers, which implies loading a new slide deck to the streaming platform, microphone testing, lighting effects, etc. Say it is around 10-15 minutes extra, so depending on the number of speakers per day during the event, the time available to deliver a presentation, plus the questions & answers time.

Delivery format

Conferences can be delivered in live event format or via webinars. Since this article is mainly intended to live event conferences, we will only mention that the requirements for webinars are as follows:

• Voice-over or, best, speaker layover the presentation slides so the speaker interacts with the audience.
• Quality graphics.
• Not abusing the amount of information to introduce per slide.

On the other hand, live event conferences will differ depending on the category under which they fall. Academic conferences have a structure in which there’s a previous poster session; then speakers start delivering their talks, then after 4-5 speakers, we have a coffee break. Those pauses help the AV crew to check the equipment, and they also become an opportunity for researchers to expand their network contacts. 

Business conferences are usually more dynamic. Some presenters opt not to use slide decks, giving a powerful speech instead, as they feel much more comfortable that way. Other speakers at business conferences adopt videos to summarize their ideas and then proceed to speak.

Overall, the format guidelines are sent to speakers before the event. Adapt your presentation style to meet the requirements of moderators so you can maximize the effect of your message.

The audience

Unlike other presentation settings, conferences gather a knowledgeable audience on the discussed topics. It is imperative to consider this, as tone, delivery format, information to include, and more depend on this sole factor. Moreover, the audience will participate in your presentation at the last minute, as it is a common practice to hold a Q&A session. 

Mistake #1 – Massive chunks of text

Do you intend your audience to read your slides instead of being seduced by your presentation? Presenters often add large amounts of text to each slide since they need help deciding which data to exclude. Another excuse for this practice is so the audience remembers the content exposed.

Research indicates images are much better retained than words, a phenomenon known as the Picture Superiority Effect ; therefore, opt to avoid this tendency and work into creating compelling graphics.

Mistake #2 – Not creating contrast between data and graphics

Have you tried to read a slide from 4 rows behind the presenter and not get a single number? This can happen if the presenter is not careful to work with the appropriate contrast between the color of the typeface and the background. Particularly if serif fonts are used.

Use online tools such as WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to make your slides legible for your audience. Creating an overlay with a white or black transparent tint can also help when you place text above images.

Mistake #3 – Not rehearsing the presentation

This is a sin in conference presentations, as when you don’t practice the content you intend to deliver, you don’t have a measure of how much time it is actually going to take. 

PowerPoint’s rehearse timing feature can help a great deal, as you can record yourself practising the presentation and observe areas for improvement. Remember, conference presentations are time-limited , don’t disrespect fellow speakers by overlapping their scheduled slot or, worse, have moderators trim your presentation after several warnings.

Mistake #4 – Lacking hierarchy for the presented content

Looking at a slide and not knowing where the main point is discouraging for the audience, especially if you introduce several pieces of content under the same slide. Instead, opt to create a hierarchy that comprehends both text and images. It helps to arrange the content according to your narrative, and we’ll see more on this later on.

Consider your conference presentation as your introduction card in the professional world. Maybe you have a broad network of colleagues, but be certain there are plenty of people out there that have yet to learn about who you are and the work you produce.

Conferences help businesspeople and academics alike to introduce the results of months of research on a specific topic in front of a knowledgeable audience. It is different from a product launch as you don’t need to present a “completed product” but rather your views or advances, in other words, your contribution with valuable insights to the field.

Putting dedication into your conference presentation, from the slide deck design to presentation skills , is definitely worth the effort. The audience can get valuable references from the quality of work you are able to produce, often leading to potential partnerships. In business conferences, securing an investor deal can happen after a powerful presentation that drives the audience to perceive your work as the very best thing that’s about to be launched. It is all about how your body language reflects your intent, how well-explained the concepts are, and the emotional impact you can drive from it.

There are multiple ways on how to start a presentation for a conference, but overall, we can recap a good approach as follows.

Present a fact

Nothing grabs the interest of an audience quicker than introducing an interesting fact during the first 30 seconds of your presentation. The said fact has to be pivotal to the content your conference presentation will discuss later on, but as an ice-breaker, it is a strategy worth applying from time to time.

Ask a question

The main point when starting a conference presentation is to make an impact on the audience. We cannot think of a better way to engage with the audience than to ask them a question relevant to your work or research. It grabs the viewer’s interest for the potential feedback you shall give to those answers received.

Use powerful graphics

The value of visual presentations cannot be neglected in conferences. Sometimes an image makes a bigger impact than a lengthy speech, hence why you should consider starting your conference presentation with a photo or visual element that speaks for itself.

For more tips and insights on how to start a presentation , we invite you to check this article.

Just as important as starting the presentation, the closure you give to your conference presentation matters a lot. This is the opportunity in which you can add your personal experience on the topic and reflect upon it with the audience or smoothly transition between the presentation and your Q&A session.

Below are some quick tips on how to end a presentation for a conference event.

End the presentation with a quote

Give your audience something to ruminate about with the help of a quote tailored to the topic you were discussing. There are plenty of resources for finding suitable quotes, and a great method for this is to design your penultimate slide with an image or black background plus a quote. Follow this with a final “thank you” slide.

Consider a video

If we say a video whose length is shorter than 1 minute, this is a fantastic resource to summarize the intent of your conference presentation. 

If you get the two-minute warning and you feel far off from finishing your presentation, first, don’t fret. Try to give a good closure when presenting in a conference without rushing information, as the audience wouldn’t get any concept clear that way. Mention that the information you presented will be available for further reading at the event’s platform site or your company’s digital business card , and proceed to your closure phase for the presentation.

It is better to miss some of the components of the conference than to get kicked out after several warnings for exceeding the allotted time.

Tailoring your conference presentation to suit your audience is crucial to delivering an impactful talk. Different audiences have varying levels of expertise, interests, and expectations. By customizing your content, tone, and examples, you can enhance the relevance and engagement of your presentation.

Understanding Audience Backgrounds and Expectations

Before crafting your presentation, research your audience’s backgrounds and interests. Are they professionals in your field, students, or a mix of both? Are they familiar with the topic, or must you provide more context? Understanding these factors will help you pitch your content correctly and avoid overwhelming or boring your audience.

Adapting Language and Tone for Relevance

Use language that resonates with your audience. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse those unfamiliar with your field. Conversely, don’t oversimplify if your audience consists of experts. Adjust your tone to match the event’s formality and your listeners’ preferences.

Customizing Examples and Case Studies

Incorporate case studies, examples, and anecdotes that your audience can relate to. If you’re speaking to professionals, use real-world scenarios from their industry. For a more general audience, choose examples that are universally relatable. This personal touch makes your content relatable and memorable.

Effectively presenting data is essential for conveying complex information to your audience. Visualizations can help simplify intricate concepts and make your points more digestible.

Choosing the Right Data Representation

Select the appropriate type of graph or chart to illustrate your data. Bar graphs, pie charts, line charts, and scatter plots each serve specific purposes. Choose the one that best supports your message and ensures clarity.

Designing Graphs and Charts for Clarity

Ensure your graphs and charts are easily read. Use clear labels, appropriate color contrasts, and consistent scales. Avoid clutter and simplify the design to highlight the most important data points.

Incorporating Annotations and Explanations

Add annotations or callouts to your graphs to emphasize key findings. Explain the significance of each data point to guide your audience’s understanding. Utilize visual cues, such as arrows and labels, to direct attention.

Engaging your audience is a fundamental skill for a successful presentation for conference. Captivate their attention, encourage participation, and foster a positive connection.

Establishing Eye Contact and Body Language

Maintain eye contact with different audience parts to create a sense of connection. Effective body language, such as confident posture and expressive gestures, enhances your presence on stage.

Encouraging Participation and Interaction

Involve your audience through questions, polls, or interactive activities. Encourage them to share their thoughts or experiences related to your topic. This engagement fosters a more dynamic and memorable presentation.

Using Humor and Engaging Stories

Incorporate humor and relatable anecdotes to make your presentation more enjoyable. Well-timed jokes or personal stories can create a rapport with your audience and make your content more memorable.

The design of your conference presentation slides plays a crucial role in capturing and retaining your audience’s attention. Thoughtful design can amplify your message and reinforce key points. Take a look at these suggestions to boost the performance of your conference presentation slides, or create an entire slide deck in minutes by using SlideModel’s AI Presentation Maker from text .

Creating Memorable Opening Slides

Craft an opening slide that piques the audience’s curiosity and sets the tone for your presentation. Use an engaging visual, thought-provoking quote, or intriguing question to grab their attention from the start.

Using Visual Hierarchy for Emphasis

Employ visual hierarchy to guide your audience’s focus. Highlight key points with larger fonts, bold colors, or strategic placement. Organize information logically to enhance comprehension.

Designing a Powerful Closing Slide

End your presentation with a compelling closing slide that reinforces your main message. Summarize your key points, offer a memorable takeaway, or invite the audience to take action. Use visuals that resonate and leave a lasting impression.

Slide transitions and animations can enhance the flow of your presentation and emphasize important content. However, their use requires careful consideration to avoid distractions or confusion.

Enhancing Flow with Transitions

Select slide transitions that smoothly guide the audience from one point to the next. Avoid overly flashy transitions that detract from your content. Choose options that enhance, rather than disrupt, the presentation’s rhythm.

Using Animation to Highlight Points

Animate elements on your slides to draw attention to specific information. Animate text, images, or graphs to appear as you discuss them, helping the audience follow your narrative more effectively.

Avoiding Overuse of Effects

While animation can be engaging, avoid excessive use that might overwhelm or distract the audience. Maintain a balance between animated elements and static content for a polished presentation.

Effective time management is crucial for delivering a concise and impactful conference presentation within the allocated time frame.

Structuring for Short vs. Long Presentations

Adapt your content and pacing based on the duration of your presentation. Clearly outline the main points for shorter talks, and delve into more depth for longer sessions. Ensure your message aligns with the time available.

Prioritizing Key Information

Identify the core information you want your audience to take away. Focus on conveying these essential points, and be prepared to trim or elaborate on supporting details based on the available time.

Practicing Time Management

Rehearse your presentation while timing yourself to ensure you stay within the allocated time. Adjust your delivery speed to match your time limit, allowing for smooth transitions and adequate Q&A time.

Multimedia elements, such as videos, audio clips, and live demonstrations, can enrich your presentation and provide a dynamic experience for your audience.

Integrating Videos and Audio Clips

Use videos and audio clips strategically to reinforce your points or provide real-world examples. Ensure that the multimedia content is of high quality and directly supports your narrative.

Showcasing Live Demonstrations

Live demonstrations can engage the audience by showcasing practical applications of your topic. Practice the demonstration beforehand to ensure it runs smoothly and aligns with your message.

Using Hyperlinks for Additional Resources

Incorporate hyperlinks into your presentation to direct the audience to additional resources, references, or related content. This allows interested attendees to explore the topic further after the presentation.

Engaging with your audience after your presentation can extend the impact of your talk and foster valuable connections.

Leveraging Post-Presentation Materials

Make your presentation slides and related materials available to attendees after the event. Share them through email, a website, or a conference platform, allowing interested individuals to review the content.

Sharing Slides and Handouts

Provide downloadable versions of your slides and any handouts you used during the presentation. This helps attendees revisit key points and share the information with colleagues.

Networking and Following Up

Utilize networking opportunities during and after the conference to connect with attendees who are interested in your topic. Exchange contact information and follow up with personalized messages to continue the conversation.

Preparing for unexpected challenges during your presenting at a conference can help you maintain professionalism and composure, ensuring a seamless delivery.

Dealing with Technical Glitches

Technical issues can occur, from projector malfunctions to software crashes. Stay calm and have a backup plan, such as having your slides available on multiple devices or using printed handouts.

Handling Unexpected Interruptions

Interruptions, such as questions from the audience or unforeseen disruptions, are a normal part of live presentations. Address them politely, stay adaptable, and seamlessly return to your prepared content.

Staying Calm and Professional

Maintain a composed demeanor regardless of unexpected situations. Your ability to handle challenges gracefully reflects your professionalism and dedication to delivering a successful presentation.

Creating environmentally friendly presentations demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Designing Eco-Friendly Slides

Minimize the use of resources by designing slides with efficient layouts, avoiding unnecessary graphics or animations, and using eco-friendly color schemes.

Reducing Paper and Material Waste

Promote a paperless approach by encouraging attendees to access digital materials rather than printing handouts. If print materials are necessary, consider using recycled paper.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Advocate for sustainability during your presentation by discussing relevant initiatives, practices, or innovations that align with environmentally conscious values.

Measuring the success of your conference presentation goes beyond the applause and immediate feedback. It involves assessing the impact of your presentation on your audience, goals, and growth as a presenter.

Collecting Audience Feedback

After presenting at a conference, gather feedback from attendees. Provide feedback forms or online surveys to capture their thoughts on the content, delivery, and visuals. Analyzing their feedback can reveal areas for improvement and give insights into audience preferences.

Evaluating Key Performance Metrics

Consider objective metrics such as audience engagement, participation, and post-presentation interactions. Did attendees ask questions? Did your content spark discussions? Tracking these metrics can help you gauge the effectiveness of your presentation in conveying your message.

Continuous Improvement Strategies

Use the feedback and insights gathered to enhance your future presentations. Identify strengths to build upon and weaknesses to address. Continuously refine your presentation skills , design choices, and content to create even more impactful presentations in the future.

Tip #1 – Exhibit a single idea per slide

Just one slide per concept, avoiding large text blocks. If you can compile the idea with an image, it’s better that way.

Research shows that people’s attention span is limited ; therefore, redirect your efforts in what concerns presentation slides so your ideas become crystal clear for the spectators.

Tip #2 – Avoid jargon whenever possible

Using complex terms does not directly imply you fully understand the concept you are about to discuss. In spite of your work being presented to a knowledgeable audience, avoid jargon as much as possible because you run the risk of people not understanding what you are saying.

Instead, opt to rehearse your presentation in front of a not-knowledgeable audience to measure the jargon volume you are adding to it. Technical terms are obviously expected in a conference situation, but archaic terms or purely jargon can be easily trimmed this way.

Tip #3 – Replace bulleted listings with structured layouts or diagrams

Bullet points are attention grabbers for the audience. People tend to instantly check what’s written in them, in contrast to waiting for you to introduce the point itself. 

Using bullet points as a way to expose elements of your presentation should be restricted. Opt for limiting the bullet points to non-avoidable facts to list or crucial information. 

Tip #4 – Customize presentation templates

Using presentation templates is a great idea to save time in design decisions. These pre-made slide decks are entirely customizable; however, many users fall into using them as they come, exposing themselves to design inconsistencies (especially with images) or that another presenter had the same idea (it is extremely rare, but it can happen).

Learning how to properly change color themes in PowerPoint is an advantageous asset. We also recommend you use your own images or royalty-free images selected by you rather than sticking to the ones included in a template.

Tip #5 – Displaying charts

Graphs and charts comprise around 80% of the information in most business and academic conferences. Since data visualization is important, avoid common pitfalls such as using 3D effects in bar charts. Depending on the audience’s point of view, those 3D effects can make the data hard to read or get an accurate interpretation of what it represents.

Tip #6 – Using images in the background

Use some of the images you were planning to expose as background for the slides – again, not all of them but relevant slides.

Be careful when placing text above the slides if they have a background image, as accessibility problems may arise due to contrast. Instead, apply an extra color layer above the image with reduced opacity – black or white, depending on the image and text requirements. This makes the text more legible for the audience, and you can use your images without any inconvenience.

Tip #7 – Embrace negative space

Negative space is a concept seen in design situations. If we consider positive space as the designed area, meaning the objects, shapes, etc., that are “your design,” negative space can be defined as the surrounding area. If we work on a white canvas, negative space is the remaining white area surrounding your design.

The main advantage of using negative space appropriately is to let your designs breathe. Stuffing charts, images and text makes it hard to get a proper understanding of what’s going on in the slide. Apply the “less is more” motto to your conference presentation slides, and embrace negative space as your new design asset.

Tip #8 – Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation

You would be surprised to see how many typos can be seen in slides at professional gatherings. Whereas typos can often pass by as a humor-relief moment, grammatical or awful spelling mistakes make you look unprofessional. 

Take 5 extra minutes before submitting your slide deck to proofread the grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If in doubt, browse dictionaries for complex technical words.

Tip #10 – Use an appropriate presentation style

The format of the conference will undoubtedly require its own presentation style. By this we mean that it is different from delivering a conference presentation in front of a live audience as a webinar conference. The interaction with the audience is different, the demands for the Q&A session will be different, and also during webinars the audience is closely looking at your slides.

Tip #11 – Control your speaking tone

Another huge mistake when delivering a conference presentation is to speak with a monotonous tone. The message you transmit to your attendees is that you simply do not care about your work. If you believe you fall into this category, get feedback from others: try pitching to them, and afterward, consider how you talk. 

Practicing breathing exercises can help to articulate your speech skills, especially if anxiety hinders your presentation performance.

Tip #12 – On eye contact and note reading

In order to connect with your audience, it is imperative to make eye contact. Not stare, but look at your spectators from time to time as the talk is directed at them.

If you struggle on this point, a good tip we can provide is to act like you’re looking at your viewers. Pick a good point a few centimeters above your viewer and direct your speech there. They will believe you are communicating directly with them. Shift your head slightly on the upcoming slide or bullet and choose a new location.

Regarding note reading, while it is an acceptable practice to check your notes, do not make the entire talk a lecture in which you simply read your notes to the audience. This goes hand-by-hand with the speaking tone in terms of demonstrating interest in the work you do. Practice as often as you need before the event to avoid constantly reading your notes. Reading a paragraph or two is okay, but not the entire presentation.

Tip #13 – Be ready for the Q&A session

Despite it being a requirement in most conference events, not all presenters get ready for the Q&A session. It is a part of the conference presentation itself, so you should pace your speech to give enough time for the audience to ask 1-3 questions and get a proper answer.

Don’t be lengthy or overbearing in replying to each question, as you may run out of time. It is preferable to give a general opinion and then reach the interested person with your contact information to discuss the topic in detail.

Observing what others do at conference events is good practice for learning a tip or two for improving your own work. As we have seen throughout this article, conference presentation slides have specific requirements to become a tool in your presentation rather than a mixture of information without order.

Employ these tips and suggestions to craft your upcoming conference presentation without any hurdles. Best of luck!

1. Conference PowerPoint Template

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2. Free Conference Presentation Template

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Conference Presentation: A comprehensive guide

In this guide learn how to choose a topic, develop content, deliver with confidence, and more.

Raja Bothra

Building presentations

Welcome to the world of conference presentations!

Whether you're an academic, a professional, or simply someone eager to share your knowledge, the art of delivering an effective conference presentation is a skill worth mastering.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the ins and outs of conference presentations, from understanding what they are to mastering the key elements that make them successful.

So, grab your "presentation slide" of inspiration and let's dive into the world of conference presentations.

What is a conference presentation?

A conference presentation is a means of conveying information, research findings, or ideas to an audience in a structured and engaging manner. It's a platform for individuals to showcase their expertise, share their insights, and foster discussions on topics ranging from academic research to professional insights. Whether you're presenting at an "academic conference" or a corporate gathering, the goal remains the same: to effectively communicate your message.

Types of Conference Presentations

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty details, let's explore the different types of conference presentations you might encounter:

Oral presentation

The quintessential "oral presentation" remains one of the most prominent formats across conferences, be it academic or professional. These presentations typically span a concise 15-20 minutes, providing a platform for presenters to delve into a wide array of topics:

• Research findings : Share your latest research discoveries.
• Completed works : Showcase your completed projects and their outcomes.
• Innovative concepts : Introduce groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries.
• Theoretical Applications : Explore the theoretical underpinnings of your field.
• Methodologies : Explain the methodologies you've employed in your work.

The structure of an oral presentation allows for a systematic exploration of these topics, followed by a brief Q&A session, providing valuable interactions with the audience.

Poster presentation

On the flip side, "poster presentations" offer a more relaxed and interactive avenue to convey your work. This format involves creating a visual "poster presentation" that succinctly highlights your key points. Here's why poster presentations are worth considering:

• Concise and visually appealing : Posters condense your work into a visually engaging format.
• Informal interaction : Presenters stand by their posters in a common area, ready to engage with curious attendees.
• Networking opportunity : It's an excellent way to network with fellow researchers and gain valuable feedback on your work.

Poster presentations bridge the gap between the visual and the informative, making them an excellent choice for those looking to engage their audience in a more relaxed setting.

Beyond the basics

While oral and poster presentations are the cornerstone of many conferences, there are other presentation formats that cater to diverse objectives and preferences:

• Panel discussions : Experts gather to discuss a specific topic in front of an audience, offering varied perspectives and insights.
• Roundtables : In a more informal setting, a small group of individuals engage in in-depth discussions on a particular topic.
• Workshops : Attendees immerse themselves in hands-on activities to acquire new skills or knowledge.
• Keynote speeches : Prominent speakers take the stage to deliver inspiring talks on topics of paramount importance to the conference audience.
• Lightning talks : These brief, high-impact presentations, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, cover a wide array of topics in a succinct manner.

Selecting the most appropriate presentation format depends on the nature of the conference and your personal preferences. If you're unsure about which format aligns best with your objectives, don't hesitate to reach out to the conference organizers for guidance. After all, the key to a successful conference presentation is choosing the format that allows you to shine and effectively convey your message.

How to structure an effective conference presentation

A well-structured presentation is like a well-composed symphony - it captures the audience's attention and leaves a lasting impression. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a harmonious presentation:

1. Begin with a clear introduction

The beginning of your presentation is your chance to make a memorable first impression. Start by introducing yourself and your topic. Use a "clear outline" to provide a roadmap for your presentation. For instance, you can say, "Today, I'll discuss the key elements of a successful conference presentation, including effective structure, engaging visuals, and impactful delivery."

2. Create an engaging body

The body of your presentation should contain the main points you want to convey. Here's where your "slide deck" comes into play. Each slide should emphasize a single point, keeping it concise and visually appealing. Remember the "good rule of thumb" - one slide per key idea.

3. Emphasize with visuals

Visual aids, such as graphs and images, can help "emphasize" your message and make complex information easily understood. However, don't overload your slides with visuals; use them strategically to "get the message across."

4. Maintain audience engagement

Your "presentation style" plays a vital role in keeping your audience engaged. Practice "body language" that conveys confidence and enthusiasm. Maintain "eye contact with your audience" to establish a connection. Utilize gestures to "emphasize" key points and establish a rapport with your audience.

5. Summarize key takeaways

As you approach the "end of your presentation," allocate some time to summarize the key takeaways. This reinforces the main points and ensures your audience leaves with a clear understanding of your message.

Do’s and don'ts of a conference presentation

Now that you know how to structure your presentation effectively, let's explore some do's and don'ts that can make or break your presentation.

• Rehearse : "Rehearse your presentation" practise multiple times to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Use visuals : Incorporate visuals, but don't let them "distract the audience."
• Maintain eye contact : "Maintain eye contact with your audience" to establish a connection.
• Engage the audience : "Give your audience" opportunities to participate, ask questions, or share their thoughts.
• Time management : Stick to the allotted time. "Conference organizers" appreciate punctuality.

Don'ts:

• Overwhelm with text : Avoid adding slide after slide filled with font text. Remember, less is often more.
• Lack of preparation : Don't "rehearse" just once. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
• Reading slides : Don't simply "read your paper" or slides. Your audience can do that themselves.
• Ignoring questions : Always address "questions from the audience" respectfully and thoughtfully. Avoid being unprofessional.
• Going off topic : Stay on track. "Unrelated tangents" can confuse your audience.

Summarizing Key Takeaways

In this comprehensive guide, we've covered the essentials of crafting an "effective conference presentation." From structuring your presentation to engaging your audience, you now have the tools to shine at your next conference.

• Conference Presentations are a means to share information or research effectively.
• Types include oral (concise talks) and poster (visual presentations).
• Other formats like panels, roundtables, workshops, keynotes, and lightning talks cater to different objectives.
• Structure your presentation with a clear intro, engaging body, visuals, audience engagement, and key takeaways.
• Do's: Rehearse, use visuals wisely, maintain eye contact, engage the audience, and manage time.
• Don'ts: Avoid overwhelming text, lack of preparation, reading slides, ignoring questions, and going off-topic.

Remember, a great presentation is not just about delivering information; it's about creating a memorable experience for your audience. Whether you're "presenting at a conference" for the first time or you're a seasoned pro, these tips for presenting will help you make a lasting impression.

1. How can I create the best presentation for my conference talk?

To craft an impactful presentation for your conference talk, consider beginning with a PowerPoint template tailored to the theme of the event. The right template, such as a specialized conference strategy presentation template , can provide a solid foundation for organizing your content. Ensure your presentation flows seamlessly, incorporating bullet points strategically to highlight key information. Moreover, delivering an effective conference paper necessitates practicing in front of a mirror and employing gestures to underscore essential points.

‍ 2. What is the typical length of a conference presentation?

The length of your effective presentation may vary depending on the conference committee's guidelines, but most conferences allocate around 15-20 minutes for each presentation. It's important to remember to keep track of time as you present, as you may run out of time if you're not careful.

3. Do I need to submit an abstract before presenting a paper at a conference?

Yes, you typically need to submit an abstract related to your topic before being accepted to present at a conference. The conference committee reviews these abstracts to determine which presentations are most suitable and interesting to the audience members interested in your research.

4. How can I make my conference presentation memorable?

To make your memorable presentation, use slide decks effectively, and consider the presentation technology available on the conference platform. Emphasize key points and use gestures to engage your audience. Also, e.g., include relevant images and graphs in your slides to help the audience understand your research paper.

5. What should I do if I'm presenting at a conference where the audience is unfamiliar with my field?

If you're presenting at a conference where the audience is unfamiliar with your field, make sure to use simple language and avoid jargon. Provide enough context and background information related to your topic to help the audience understand. Additionally, be prepared to ask a question or two to engage the audience and familiarize them with your work during the Q&A session.

Create your conference presentation with prezent

Before we conclude, here's a valuable tip: Consider using presentation software like Prezent to streamline your conference presentation creation process. Prezent offers:

• Time savings: Prezent can save you up to 70% of the time typically spent on crafting presentations, allowing you to focus on other critical conference preparations.
• Brand consistency: Access to brand-approved designs from Fortune companies ensures that your conference presentation maintains a professional and consistent look.
• Audience engagement: Prezent helps you understand your audience's preferences, enabling you to create presentations that resonate and engage effectively.
• Cost efficiency: By standardizing presentations and streamlining communication, Prezent can cut communication costs by up to 60%, a valuable advantage for conference budgets.
• Overnight service: Take advantage of Prezent's overnight presentation service for tight deadlines, ensuring you receive a polished presentation by the next business day.

In conclusion, a successful conference presentation is all about striking the right balance between structure, visuals, and engagement. Mastering these elements will not only boost your "presentation skills" but also ensure that your audience leaves with a deeper understanding of your work.

So, go ahead, "present your paper" with confidence, captivate your audience, and leave a lasting impression on the conference stage.

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Create better conference slides and presentations

Do you want to start a journey in public speaking , but are no designers ? You’re in the right place! Today, I am showing you the ropes and basics to help you craft slides that look professional. Slides that will help catch the audience’s attention, while still keeping them focused on your talk. No magic; mostly planing, typography, content layout, images, audio, video and content tips. And a few extra tips on rhythm, notes, technical checks, rehearsals. You know, all those small details to make sure you are and feel prepared . As bonus, I bundled this all quick checklist to help you not forget anything. So here we go, let’s start your slides journey together 🙂

This article is a transcript of the tips I gave for Women Talk Design’s next cohort of “ Present yourself with confidence ” workshops that starts soon. And this year, I am one of their guest speaker .

Inspiration, Planing, Preparation & Rehearsal

The first tip I can give you about slides, is actually to not start with the slides, but with a plan and a structure.

Start with understanding what type of “ conference style ” you want to go with. Take a look at other talks and slides for inspiration : technical ones, inspirational ones (like keynotes), case studies, etc. What style do you enjoy? What would YOU be comfortable with?

Some people have 125 slides for a 45min talk and go super fast from slide to slide. Some people have 25 slides for 45 minutes and talk a lot on each slide. I’m usually a 90slides for 45min kind of gurl. Up to you to see what you are more comfortable with. It comes with practise and might change over time.

Have a plan

** Xayha and Rakan’s voices “ We have a plan? We always have a plan ” **

I always start with a plan , not the slides. I like to write my talk like articles, it helps with storytelling. Some people write a plan with a few bullet points. Some people use mind mapping tools. Whatever works for you.

For anything topic and plan related, I recommend you read Lara Hogan’s excellent “ Demystifying public speaking ” book. I prepare my plan in Gdocs, with a LOT of bullet points and titles. But, again, that’s me. Whatever tool helps YOU organise your structure. Then, I don’t want to invest too much time in the slide design until I have the structure and timing right.

If this is a “non remote talk” (yes, remote is the new normal haha), I also plan for “ OMG I can’t share the computer’s audio and there’s no internet connection in the room ” worse case scenarios. Because this might happen. Can you still give your talk from a PDF version of those slides? If you planned a live demo, record it in advance. Just in case. And have the recording as a backup in case wifi is dead. Be prepared for a “lower” version of those slides and talk if necessary.

Rehearse the structure with “skeleton slides”.

So I start with basic slide structure (titles + text), kind of like a skeleton of future slides.. I rehearse them once or twice to get the timing, storytelling and content right . Then I do the design (this way I avoid designing slides I won’t use).

I also sometimes rehearse that basic structure in front of an external observer to get feedback about the rhythm, the flow. If also helps me see if the order of the slides make sense. I don’t need super detailed designed slides for this, it’s about structure.

This is what my skeleton usually looks like: the main titles, the slides with mostly just some text and some notes

Once I have the slides finished, I still rehearse a lot. Usually, if it’s the first time I give a talk, I am up to 4 or 5 rehearsal sessions. This is important for me to get the timing right. I know that I’m stressed out and tend to speak faster, but still. You don’t want to be the speaker who messed up the whole organization because your 20 min talk took 35 min (I saw that happen). I have friends who can finish their slides 1h before the talk and pull it of. Goof for them. BUT, if this is your first talk, don’t do that. It will be even more stressful for you. Be prepared 🙂

Section titles or no titles?

Having clear sections with titles work well for technical talks and talks where each part digs into a specific topic. Titles also help transition from one idea to the other and let you have a small “breathing” (even water) break. If you have titles, having a summary of what you’ll talk about at the beginning can help the audience project into the talk. Some other talks are following more of a storytelling inspirational path. For those, it might be strange to have titles in the middle of the story. But, it could still work.

Slides Content and Design

A quick note: those are generic advice for people who give their first talk, want to improve their presentation and slide skills and might not be designers. I speak and talk in English and French, so those advice is for LtR (Left to Right) languages. You could reverse the tips for RtL (Right to Left). I honestly have no idea if this would apply for TtB (Top to Bottom) languages (like Chinese).

Here comes my main advice: your conference slides are a visual support to help the audience follow what you are saying. It is NOT here replace you . You want them to listen to you, not read your slides. So, all the tips here will try to focus on that idea. Non visual distraction.

Which means that those tips apply mostly to conference slides . Workshop and teaching slides are a little bit different. Because they are also used as support students and workshop attendees refer back to. So, if you are teaching classes or presenting a workshop, your slides might contain more content that what I advice here.

Slides basics for a good start

Gslide Explore layout offers multiple layouts for an image and text combination

Let’s cover a few basics first:

• Slides ratio : 16:9 works on most projectors those days and is ideal for online presentation. 4:3 is still an option since most projectors can switch between one or the other. I prefer 16:9 because it gives more space for nice visuals.
• You can always ask the organizer about the format of the projector if they know it.
• There’s NO SHAME in using a generic theme when you start. Most themes come with a lot of options and layout.
• Use a consistent theme : colors, consistent font-size, etc. The best way to achieve this is to use slide templates/ master. If you don’t use a generic template, you can start from scratch. Most tools have blank starter themes. Or modify an existing theme to adapt to your colors / fonts.
• GSlides even has some machine learning suggestions to try to find the best layout based on your content .
• Avoid too many ideas on one slide . If you have a lot of ideas and content, it’s better to split “one idea by slide ” so the audience can follow.

Choosing your color scheme wisely

When it comes to colors, be careful with text/background contrast and follow main accessibility guidelines. Especially if the slides might be displayed on old projectors. I am not going to detail how to pick colors here, I wrote about it in “ Tips to Create an Accessible and Contrasted Color Palette “. Also check “ Color accessibility: tools and resources to help you design inclusive products ” for more details and tools to help you. Also Geoffrey Crofte has an awesome article on “ Pantone 2021: Working on an Accessible Color Palette “.

One question I have often is the “do you recommend light or dark theme”. It is an interesting debate. It depends.

• Dark themes work for dark rooms. If you know you will present in a theatre or cinema for example.
• If you are not a designer it can be hard to make some good readable dark mode slides that work nicely with pictures .
• Dark themes work nicely with code, and “non images just text” kind of slides.
• Some colors tend to “bleed” or “move” on a dark background. If you put some levels of blue on dark themes for example I will have a headache after 10 minutes in your talk. So, again, it might be complicated.
• So, if this is your first talk and you are not a designer, unless you found a template that works, stick to light themes.
• If you go for a dark theme, avoid pure white text on pure black color . The contrast might be too high for some people (like me, yes there’s such things as too high contrast).
• Also if you are doing more of a workshop, some people like to print the slides to have a physical handout. In that case, dark mode is going to cost a LOT of ink.

Fonts and typography

Font hierarchy and ratio : usually you need a font-size for some “big section titles”, then a “header in the slides” size and some body and bullet font-size. You can use mathematique ratio to create balance here (or tools like https://type-scale.com/ ). But again, most templates usually are well built, so use the template font hierarchy

Also, you want to keep consistency . Try to use the same font-size for “big slides titles”, “header title on a slide” and “body copy” all the way through your presentation. Again, designers who master font and visual hierarchy will play with this rule. But if you are a beginner with no design background, stick to the rules ^^

Now, here are a 2 tips on font choice and pairing : fonts convey meaning. Be careful with those (a cursive is nice for weddings, but hard to read on slides for example). When in double, stick to the basics , even if they look boring. Same for font pairing: if you are not a designer, stick to one font and multiple weight . Or use one of those tools:

• Some examples of good Google Font pairings
• A curated list of (google fonts) pairings that work well together
• Another curated list of nice pairings
• Okay, one last list of fonts that work well together
• Font pairing generated with deep learning
• Font Combination by Bold

Last but not least: don’t use vertical writing (again, this applies to LtR languages). And yes, I know some templates offer the option. But it’s annoying for the audience to have to turn their head to read something.

Caps and alignments

Avoid all caps on super long titles / text . It is harder to read for some people. But you could use caps it to emphasize some words.

You can use bold to emphasize some important elements . Remember that if everything is bold, nothing is emphasized anymore. So, use this carefully.

For the alignment:

• For LtR audience, avoid right aligning copy text. And the other way around for RtL. This is not true for graphs thought you might need to right align legends.
• Also centered text is hard to read. So keep centered text for titles , avoid on body copy, avoid at all costs on bullet points!
• Same for justification: it usually creates “ justification rivers ” that make it hard to read. Stick to left aligned text (or right if you are in a RtL language).

Structure your content with bullet point lists

Bullet point lists is a good way to structure some heavy content. Here are a few tips:

• Use a bullet list , but not too many bullets.
• I mentioned before you want to have one idea by slide . You could have multiple ideas with bullet points but… They need to be all related to the same topic. And after 4/5 bullets it’s hard to follow .
• Try to keep each bullet content short . Unless it’s teaching slides that you will give to students after. But for conference talk slides, again, you don’t want people to read it .
• So, put the main idea in the bullet in a few words, then develop it in your speech.
• Tools like keynote let you play the bullets one by one . It’s a nice trick to help people focus on the current bullet.
• Another trick is to gray out any bullets that are not the current topic

Structure your content with layout and composition

The human eye loves structures. And things that are aligned. Slides should also follow basic “aligning design elements” rules:

• Use guides to make sure everything is aligned properly.
• Sometimes the guides are hidden, you usually find those options under “view” of the main tools/
• Also use the alignment tools in your presentation software to align content with each other. They usually “appear” when you select multiple elements. They are under things called “align” or “arrange” It’s amazing how just a few alignment can change some slides.
• Same tips for distribution. Use the horizontal / vertical distribution options when you have multiple elements and want them to be equally spaces.
• Don’t put important information in the edges in case it might get cropped. Or you might have your webcam on top of it with certain tools (Skype I hate you).

You should also follow some rules of composition to make your slides more balanced when you have multiple elements (like text + image)

• Vertical splits work well : content left + image right or the other way around.
• You could also use math ratio: 1/3 – 2/3 . Explore different options depending on your content density and image sizes.
• Top / bottom composition might work in some cases. But it depends on the image.

Here are some visual examples of different compositions using the same image and text. It depends what you want to put more emphasis on. Note the blue and red lines: those are my guides/rules.

Using images in slides

How to chose the right images for your slides is out of the scope of this article. But most tips I give in “ How to make your blog images stand out & reflect your identity ” also apply to slides. So be sure to check it out.

Now, let’s talk about how to use those images and what you need to be careful about:

• Keep the ratio of images when scaling . ALWAYS. This is the number one deadly sin of images in slides. Horrible stretched images make me want to cry. And make YOU look unprofessional and amateurish.
• If you have a portrait image, it is easier to use a left / right composition (see tips above). You don’t think you need to center everything 🙂
• Be careful about how the image is cropped , what the focus of the image is. For example: avoid chopping someone’s head of with your image cropping
• If you scale up images, make sure they are not pixelated (especially for high def projectors).
• On that note SVGs are awesome for images that scale without pixelation (but Keynote doesn’t like them).
• Accessibility : if you have images that bring information like graphs, tell the audience what’s on the image . Some people might be blind, some people might listen to your talk in audio only. You could put the description in the notes to help you remember to describe it (this doesn’t apply if you have decorative images that are here to fill the space and make the slides look nice).
• Looping gifs might look fun, but they are quite annoying if they stay on screen for a long time.
• Also, anything moving is distracting to our reptilian brain and draws attention. So, be careful with looping videos, gif or animations (more on that in the video section).
• Diversity is important . Try to avoid having only images of white men in your presentations. Especially for a quite diverse audience. Same for different body types, different disabilities, etc. The best talks have inclusive images.
• Also, if you quote people, it would be nice to not only quote the same white men everyone is quoting #stevejobs
• Drawing illustrations for your slides is an awesome idea if you draw, but, this takes a LOT of time. You are warned. (still I love the illustration slides style).

You can also have fun with full screen images. But then how do you deal with the text? Here’s a few ideas:

• If you use background images and text on top of those, again, be careful with contrast and accessibility. You can have a dark (or dark colored) overlay on top of them to enhance contrast
• Instead of having a whole overlay, you can have a background only on your text (like put the text in a box).
• That background can be a rectangle like the example below. But you could have fun with shapes . I use a lot of text on full yellow circules in my talks . Just be careful because text might be more complex to read if it follows a complex shape

Graphs and chart

I’m not a big fan of graphs and charts because they bring a lot of cognitive load to the audience. And again, you want people to listen to you. Not to try to understand the graph on the slides. So, here are a few tips:

• It’s hard to keep the audience engaged with complex graphs. Extract the main idea , one number and don’t show graphs at all.
• If you really need a graph, try to make it simple. Avoid gradients and visual noise. Remove unnecessary information. Keep in mind that it’s supposed to be a visual help for your talk , not the other way around.
• Also if you use graph, be careful about accessibility : don’t use color as the way to convey information.

Last but not least, it’s not always easy to find the “right” visual representation for the data. Should you go with a pie chart? An histogram? Here are a few resources to help:

• From Data to Viz
• Data Visualization – How to Pick the Right Chart Type?
• An intro to designing accessible data visualizations
• How to pick more beautiful colors for your data visualizations

Multimedia content (videos, audio, animations)

This is a personal preference, but I am not a big fan of animations and things moving around. Prezi’s zoom in/out makes me nauseous, literally. They are distracting at best. So, I tend to avoid eye candy animations between slides . Or to stick to smooth fadein/out.

It’s even worse if you present remotely. There’s a chance that people will not even see your animation anyway if there’s a latency with your bandwidth. Or frame drops.

As I explain in my talk “ Enhancing User Experience with CSS Animations “, animations are a good candidate for storytelling. They can help explain complex concepts, like graphs or flows. So, I would use animations in those cases: when moving things around on the screen helps people understand the concept.

When it comes to audio and videos with sound, here are a few tips:

• If you have sound, test audio before the talk . Make sure it’s not too loud for the audience.
• If you are presenting remotely, it’s a whole other mess. By default, most video conference tools only route the audio of your microphone . Some tools like zoom have a checkbox that lets you also share the audio of your computer. But most tools don’t. If you have audio in your slides and want to play it remotely, depending on the tool, you need to reroute the audio of your computer to the microphone. You need some virtual cable software to do so. I use loopback for that on mac.
• Based on your bandwidth, your videos might be super poor quality, or have some frames that drop . Be prepared to describe what’s happening on the video if you are speaking remotely.
• Usually webcams use a lot of bandwidth. If you want to keep the quality of the audio and your screen sharing, it’s sad, but sometimes it’s better to turn off your webcam .

Most presentation tools now also let you embed videos. A short video can be a nice way to help get your message accross to your audience. It’s also a life saver for demos. I’ve seen so many demos backfire, that now, I don’t do them live anymore, I pre-record them instead and play the video during the talk. It takes a little bit of time to record, prepare and cut, but there’s plenty of tools online, like FlexClip , that can help you with that. Also, if you have some sound in your video, don’t forget to have some caption so that the audience can follow. It will also save you in case the sound doesn’t work.

Announce triggering content

Some multimedia content might be triggered for different reasons. I usually try to announce when some content might be triggering at the beginning of the talk, and then, just before the triggering slide comes. For example: I have a talk on UX design where I use a campaign for safety vests where the person is drowning. This is a horrible (yet effective) image, and drowning might trigger some people. So I announce this at the beginning of the talk, and just before I play that video.

This is also true for animations . I have a whole talk on CSS animations and I know some of those might trigger motion sickness so I announce them before playing them, and only play them once.

It’s also true for sound. I once almost left a conference room because the speaker was playing samples of ASMR and the audio was so loud and it created some cognitive overload for me. I covered my ears, the friend next to me left. Announce that kind of audio content before.

Giving the Talk: rhythm, speaker notes, pausing, breathing and drinking water

My notes on the right with the “breath” written (in French) and Marie’s “don’t forget to drink” slide

Okay, we tackled the part of the slides people can see. I got a few more tips for the part people don’t see.

• I put a lot of notes in the slides, even full sentences. This helps me because English is not my native language.
• Stress can make you forget what you wanted to say. I don’t want to read those notes (but you can totally read them if this is your style), but I want to have them around if I am lost . It’s one of those “I am prepared I won’t panic” things.
• Those notes have words in bold. This way, even if I do not read them, my eye still has words to focus on if I need them.
• Notes also help me with timing . I found out that if I don’t have notes or script, I tend to talk way much more on specific slides. It’s usually okay in a meetup when you are the only speaker. But, if you are talking at a conference and you have a specific amount of time, going off topic means you have to go quicker through some other slides later.
• I write “BREATH” or “RESPIRE” in purple on my notes . It’s strange, but it helps. I know speakers who have a “breath post it” on the screen. It’s just one of those reminders.
• Talking will dry your mouth and it’s actually a big brain activity, your brain needs water. Have a few slides where you know you can drink some water . It can be a title slide. Or you could have a cute slide with your pet on it, that works too. My friend Marie Guillaumet does that and the audience loves it. Here’s her cute cat.

Technical check and room setting

You have nice slides, you are prepared. You rehearsed. Everything is fine. There’s still a few extra things you can check and do to make sure everything runs smoothly for your talk.

• If you can visit and take a look at the room you will be presenting into (or ask pictures) to adapt , it’s nice. It also helps me be less nervous.
• Be careful about stage and room layout . I presented in a flat room where all the participants were on the same level, super low screen. It meant that any text at the bottom of the slides would not be seen by some people. It’s okay if I read that text, but still it might be frustrating for the audience.
• Check the air , is it cold on stage? Warn ? This way you can dress to be at ease.
• Try to know where the notes will be displayed . Do you need to be close to your computer? Are there some small screens at the bottom of the stage? Are your notes big enough?
• If you speak remotely: ask to see the template. I have seen conferences that cover part of the left of the slides with a speaker webcam. They should not, but you never know. Try to see the remote setting and plan accordingly.
• Some conferences have live captions (online and in person). Those captions take space on the screen. So maybe your slides will be smaller than expected because of the caption. Again, ask.
• Ask for a technical check before. Check audio , check the wifi if you need it, check the slides format. If you have videos, check if they are smooth (especially if it’s a remote online conference).
• If it’s a remote conference, ask to use the tool before to test how it works. Try to know how it will work. Do you have to share your screen and unmute yourself at a specific time or does a technical person do it for you? I once spoke at a conference in Russia and the tool was in Russian. I was glad that we did some technical checks so that I knew where to press to share my screen and webcam.

Most conferences are used to all of that. So they will usually come to you for technical checks and all. But, you can never be too prepared.

A few other final tips

This was a looong list of tips. So, just a few last things before you go

• Enjoy yourself . The audience is rooting FOR you. They are usually just a bunch of nice people eager to learn and listen to you.
• The audience doesn’t see your notes, your plan. If you miss something, they might not even notice 😉
• If it’s possible (and it doesn’t pose any issues with NDAs and such), giving access to the slides to the audience before or during the talk can be useful.
• If there’s someone who will introduce you, you could drop the “me presenting myself” slide. This is good advice if you are on a tight schedule and need to remove slides haha, like me.

And if you present online and remotely:

• Check with the organizers if you will take the questions during the talk or after . Some speakers are comfortable chatting with the chat audience while going through the slides. While some other speakers don’t like their flow to be broken and prefer the questions at the end. Both are okay, know what makes YOU comfortable and communicate with the organizers.
• For remote conferences, what’s important is your voice and slides. I think it’s okay to switch off the camera if this causes bandwidth issues . You want to keep the audio and screen sharing quality as high as possible.
• Live caption: Powerpoint has some built in live captioning tools. It’s not perfect but it’s a start to try to make your content more accessible if the conference doesn’t provide any (I wish Keynote had that). For me it’s okay in English. French is a mess though.

We all love a good checklist. Well, at least I do. So, to help you not forget any of those tips, I prepared a small checklist in PDF that you can download a go trough when you’ll design your first slides.

Download the Slides Checklist in .PDF

Resources and more tips from other people

And here comes the usual list of other tips you could check on that topic:

• My friend Morgane Peng wrote a nice article to help you start with public speaking . Also thank you Morgane for the proof reading of this article ^^
• Again, check Lara Hogan’s book
• Accessible Speaking Best Practices

Other articles you might enjoy:

• There is an app, NO, a web API for that – conference talk
• Designing for Accessibility: Creating Inclusive and User-Centric Products
• Mind over Matter: Optimize Performance Without Code – CSSCamp 2019

Published on 4 May 2021

in UX Research & Design

By Stéphanie Walter

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11 Tips To Make Your Conference Presentation Outstanding

Table of contents.

The world of conferences are great opportunities for like-minded individuals to come together and share their common denominator interest with one another.

Conferences provide attendees with an opportunity to learn and share with others who share similar experiences or interests all under one roof. Conferences are usually large in nature bringing people from across the country, or even across the world, together.

If you find yourself presenting at an upcoming conference, the honest truth is the stakes are high. Oftentimes, conferences have a lot of people in attendance. When you have your moment to shine to share your presentation with a large crowd of audience members, you want it to go flawlessly.

Truthfully, so do we.

That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth blog post to help you navigate the world of conferences and how to master your conference presentation with 11 actionable tips.

Are You Presenting At An Upcoming Conference? We Should Talk

What are conference presentations.

First, let’s get an understanding of what a conference presentation is.

A conference presentation is an opportunity for people to communicate with a large audience of like-minded individuals typically congregating around a common interest or topic.

A conference can vary in length from a one, full day event, all the way up to a week-long program. Conferences are usually a great opportunity for these like-minded individuals to network and learn from one another on new topics, research or major events.

Now that we know what a conference is, there are several common types of conferences you might encounter during your professional career.

Let’s take a look at the common types of conferences below.

Common Types Of Conferences

Although these are some of the common types of conferences you’ll encounter, this isn’t a fully finalized list. There are more types of conferences than simply what’s mentioned below.

However, you’re more than likely to encounter one of the following whether you’re just entering the industry, a student who’s networking or even if you’re passionate on a certain topic and like to be involved in the community.

Academic Conferences

Academic conferences are opportunities for researchers to present their work with fellow peers and colleagues. They’re important because they provide an opportunity for academics from multiple institutions to connect at a single location and network.

Academic conferences can be divided further into professional conferences . Professional academic conferences are geared more towards professors and academics who have spent more time in their field of study such as social sciences or medicine.

On the other hand, undergraduate programs may still hold conferences for academia but these are more geared towards undergraduate students who might just be sharing their semester research presentation.

You might be thinking to yourself, “This just sounds like a research presentation .”

Although you’re not wrong, you’re only partly right.

Research presentations are only one part of the overall academic conference. An academic conference is a combination of multiple research presentations combined into one event. You might have multiple academics speaking at a conference sharing their research presentations, but one does not equal the other.

Annual General Meetings

Shifting gears to the more business side of things, another form of conferences are annual general meetings.

Annual general meetings, or AGM for short, are typically mandatory, yearly gatherings of a company’s interested shareholders which might consist of investors and employees.

At an AGM, directors of a company share with the shareholders the annual report which covers key topics of interest to the shareholders. These key points might include the company’s financial performance, quarterly reports, upcoming yearly vision, plans for expansion, the company’s performance and strategy.

Shareholders who have voting rights often vote on current issues facing the company and which direction the company should pursue. Some of these decisions might include who is to be appointed onto the board of directors, what executive compensation will be, dividend payments and the selection of auditors.

Conventions

Like most conferences, conventions are large meetings consisting of people with a share ideology or profession. You often hear of conventions in terms of entertainment or politics.

On the entertainment side of things, conventions are gatherings where people of the same interest come together to network and immerse themselves in the unifying experience of enjoying the same things as those around you. Some notable conventions you might’ve heard of are Comic Con, Fan Expo and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Here, you’ll find people sharing a mutual enjoyment of entertainment indulgences.

Political conventions or Party Conferences are the other form of conventions you’ll often hear about.

These are often held by the respective political party where members of said political party come together to network and most importantly, vote on a party leader or delegate.

Press Conferences

The smallest form of a conference you’ll encounter is a press conference.

A press conference is an organized event to officially distribute information from a specified spokesperson. Unlike other public relation tactics such as a press release which is still a tool to disseminate information to the public, a press conference is an alternate public relation tactic where media is selectively invited to attend the event to get the information.

Press conferences are often smaller in size due to the shrinking landscape of media outlets. Additionally, press conferences are usually high-stake events usually having highly notable individuals in attendance or presenting. To limit the risk and maximize the safety of these VIPs, press conferences are usually more exclusive.

This is why press conferences are often reserved for bigger news stories and why journalists who are new to the industry try very hard to get on the good side of these conference organizers. Due to the sheer exclusivity of the event, the opportunity to get a unique news story is greater.

Product Launches

The last conference we’ll go over is a product launch.

A product launch, much like a press conference, is another great public relations tactic used to build anticipation and gain the buy-in of the public. They are a coordinated effort to demonstrate new products soon to be released to the general public.

Famous product launches can be seen executed by the world’s top companies such as Apple, Tesla and Disney.

These companies often use product launches to garner attention for an upcoming line of products that will soon be available to the public. The main goal of product launches in recent years is to drive pre-order sales which help raise capital to bring the product development over the finish line without needing to expend any further owned-capital of the company.

Conference Presentation Tips

No matter the conference you find yourself attending and more than likely presenting at, conference presentation tips remain the same. You can apply the following 11 important points to any conference.

With some slight adjustments to each, you’ll soon be a master of conference talk, being able to command any large room of people and retain the audience’s attention with ease.

1 - Do Your Homework

Before you begin putting together your conference presentation slide deck, you need to first do your homework. With any good finalized product, it got that way thanks to the preparation which went into it ahead of time and your presentation is no exception.

What you might want to consider doing before you begin putting together your slide deck is answering the following questions and drafting an outline.

What key message do you want the audience to take away after the presentation?

What do you want them to feel?

How do you want them to act?

Can I achieve these results with the information I already have?

By asking yourself these questions and acting appropriately based on the answer, you’ll be setting yourself up for a good presentation.

2 - Understand Your Audience

Knowing your audience isn’t just about who they are, it’s about understanding what they’re interested in, how they retain information and what motivates them.

Understanding your audience is the first step of mastering presentation psychology and without it, you won’t have a strong foundation for your presentation. You could have the most visually appealing presentation but if it doesn’t resonate with the audience, it won’t matter.

So before you go ahead and start building a presentation based on what you think your audience is interested in, you should really come to a solidified conclusion and know what your audience is interested in.

3 - Know Your Timing

Presentations range in different lengths. You’ll encounter presentations as short as one minute to others that last over an hour. Start preparing your presentation by knowing what your time limit is.

You can typically find this information out by contacting an organizer of the conference.

4 - Use Visual Aids

Visual aids are tools to help you communicate visually.

Some presentation visual aids you might want to consider using are graphs, tables, pictures and videos. If you really want to be seen as an expert presenter, you should even be focusing on the colors you use for your slides.

Now, it might seem like you need a creative degree to master all this, but the reality is you don’t. Luckily, you can outsource your presentation design to a presentation design agency like Presentation Geeks who not only create top-tier presentation slide decks used by Fortune 500 companies, they also can provide presentation consulting services .

Don’t forget, you yourself are a visual communication tool as well. Be sure to dress appropriately for your upcoming conference presentations because you want to make a good impression. Let’s take a political convention as an example. If you’re running as a candidate to be the leader of a major political party, you want to make sure you peak the audience’s interest and gain their trust by dressing appropriately as superficial as that sounds.

5 - Keep It Simple

Don’t overcomplicate your presentation, especially the slide deck.

It’s crucial to keep your presentation, especially the visual aids portion as simple as possible because too much information will confuse the audience and they will likely forget what you’ve said.

Focus on the key details in your slides and use them as supplementary tools. Many presenters will think they need to have a grand conference presentation with fancy technology, transitional devices and other outlandish tactics. The reality is, you want your information to be easily understood by keeping it simple.

6 - Practice, Practice, Practice

The way to become a better presenter is through practice.

You want to ensure you command the room with your confidence. You won’t be doing that if you’re reading from a paper aloud.

You need to ensure you’re confident. Practice your conference presentation multiple times and consider recording yourself as you do. You’ll pick up on your body language and analyze how well you’re using your body language to communicate what you’re saying. Scan the audience and share your eye contact with everyone. Don’t forget to speak clearly and slowly

7 - Prepare For The Worst

Murphy’s Law states that what can go wrong, will go wrong. You should keep this theory in the back of your mind and expect the worst to happen.

Just because the worst can and probably will happen, doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution. That is why you need to prepare for the worst.

You should be able to present all your conference presentations if the venue changes at the last minute, if you don’t have the technology you were expecting to use, if you forgot your handouts like a conference paper. You should be prepared for the worst but have a solution.

8 - Know Your Space

Let’s say your fortunate, which you probably will be, and the venue doesn’t change last minute. That’s great! Use this to your advantage and get familiar with your space.

Ahead of your conference presentations, you should go and scope out the area you will be presenting to get an idea of how you can walk around, what technology will be present, what the lighting will be light, etc.

There are so many areas of concerns and unknowns that can be addressed by doing a little bit of field assignment homework ahead of time.

9 - Go Beyond The Slides - Engage Your Audience

An audience will more likely remember what you have to say and feel connected by being engaged.

You can engage your audience by targeting more senses of the human body. If you only target their auditory and visual senses, you’ll eventually lose them. Walk through the crowd if you can. Have the audience move their necks, stretch and move!

10 - Get The Audience To Participate By Encouraging Questions

Good presenting is one-way communication.

Excellent presenting is two-way communication.

Another way to go beyond the slides and your one-way presentation speech by giving an opportunity for the audience to ask further questions.

This is not only beneficial to the audience to help them get a better understanding of your topic, but it will also help you to answer questions.

It gets you to reflect on your presentation from an angle you might not have thought of before. Out of all the questions audience members will ask, there is usually one or two awe-inspiring questions that get even the presenter to take a moment to reflect.

Use these moments to better your presentation for the future.

11 - Evaluate & Refine

Speaking of making your presentation better for the future, remember to evaluate and refine your presentation and presentation skills.

A true master of any profession or skill knows they truly aren’t a master because learning never stops. You should take the same ideology and apply it to your own presentation skills.

Whether it’s self-reflection or a survey of the audience after your conference presentation, try and evaluate how well you presented and refine your future presentation based on the presentation feedback you received.

The summary of everything mentioned above if applied correctly will result in your being a master of conference presentations. The great thing about these techniques is they can be applied to any type of conference presentation.

Not only that, but if you understand the basic fundamentals of presenting, you can begin exploring other realms of presentations. To really take your presentation skills to the next level, enlisting the help of a presentation design agency such as Presentation Geeks will help you surpass the competition.

Author:  Content Team

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Field in Focus: Attention Grabbing Presentations for Conference Success

Delve into the world of visual abstracts and unlock the art of making complex research simpler, more captivating, and accessible to a broader audience.

Join us for an exciting webinar exclusively for AcademyHealth members, where we delve into the world of visual abstracts and unlock the art of making complex research simpler, more captivating, and accessible to a broader audience. In this session, Dr. Andrew Ibrahim will guide you through the transformative power of visual abstracts, showcasing how they can enhance the impact of your research. Discover effective techniques, best practices, and practical tips to create abstracts that engage and resonate with diverse stakeholders.

Learning Objectives

Participants of this webinar will:

• Understand the concept and importance of visual abstracts in simplifying complex research and increasing its accessibility to diverse audiences.
• Learn effective techniques and best practices for creating visually captivating abstracts that enhance the impact and reach of research findings.
• Acquire practical skills and tips from Dr. Andrew Ibrahim to confidently design and implement visual abstracts that engage and resonate with a broad range of stakeholders.

Speaker List

Kristin Rosengren

Kristin Rosengren is Vice President, Strategic Communications, and co-director of the AcademyHealth Translation and Dissemination Institute. Read Bio

Andrew M. Ibrahim, M.D., M.Sc.

Andrew M. Ibrahim MD, MSc is the Maud T. Lane Research Professor of Surgery, Architecture & Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. Read Bio

May 8, 2024

Ieee icc 2024 conference highlights expert panels and presentations with lead cablelabs technologists.

The 2024 IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) is gearing up to host a myriad of industry experts and thought leaders in communications technology. With a focus on cutting-edge research and innovation, the conference promises to be a hub of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

David Debrecht, CableLabs VP of Wireless Technologies, will sit in on the Executive Forum panel, adding his expertise to the discussions around  OPEN RAN: Now and in the Future  on Wednesday, June 12, 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET.

Dr. Steve Jia, Fellow and Director of Advanced Optical Technologies at CableLabs, will moderate Industry Panel 7:  Evolving PON to a Converged Multi-service Network at the Edge  on Wednesday, June 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET. Steve will also be chairing Industry Presentation 1 on  Multicarrier waveforms — a success story on the way towards 6G  on Wednesday, June 12, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. ET.

Distinguished Technologist for Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM), reliability and network operations at CableLabs, Dr. Jason Rupe, will moderate Panel 9: Service and Network Reliability in Access Networks  on Tuesday, June 11, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET.

Jason will also chair Industry Presentation 4 on  Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS): on its Way to Wide Deployments  on Monday, June 10, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. ET.

Additionally, CableLabs’ Director of Wireless Technologies, Mark Poletti, will lend his expertise as a panelist on Industry Panel 12, enriching the discourse with his wealth of experience on Optimizing Spectrum Sharing in Terrestrial and Non-terrestrial Wireless Communication Networks Using Machine Learning: New Frontiers and Applications  on Wednesday, June 12, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET.

Attendees can expect a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives as these industry stalwarts converge at the ICC 2024 conference. For more details about the conference agenda and panelists, visit  here .

About CableLabs

As the leading innovation and R&D lab for the cable industry, CableLabs creates global impact through its member companies around the world and its subsidiary, Kyrio. With a state-of-the art research and innovation facility and collaborative ecosystem with thousands of vendors, CableLabs delivers impactful network technologies for the entire industry.

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2024 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference: Keynote Presentations

The 2024 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference opened on 29 January in San Francisco, California, with a series of six keynote presentations on innovations that are leading to advanced manufacturing facilities. Thomas Hartman, President and CEO of ISPE, introduced each of the keynote speakers.

Keynote Speakers

The first speaker, Karl Kogelmueller, Takeda Manufacturing Austria AG, described the ways Takeda is embarking on a digital transformation journey to meet its goals of creating an uninterrupted supply chain, taking care of its internal resources, and ensuring sustainability.

Carlos Santiago, of GlaxoSmithKline, outlined the design of his company’s first integrated vaccines and research and development (R&D) building. Because almost three-quarters of the retrofit will be dedicated to lab space, the design was optimized for efficiency and includes offsite storage and service delivery.

Carla J. Lundi, Office of Quality Surveillance, FDA/CDER, described the work of her office in supporting quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing to counteract shortages of essential medicines. Key to this work is CDER’s quality management maturity program.

Patricia Martin, Martin Equity, LLC, spoke about the value of the human resources that are essential to the workforce of the future. She spoke about worker dissatisfaction and aspects of a work situation that can be controlled to mitigate this by factors that are under the control of management.

Christian Randecker, Genentech, described the design of a new clinical supply center, which is flexible, uses innovative technologies, and can be replicated for clinical or commercial production.

Deborah Donovan, Moderna, shared her company’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030, mostly by reducing energy use onsite, relying on renewable energy production, and offsetting emissions with renewable energy certificates.

End-To-End Supply Chain Digital Transformation

Karl Kogelmueller

Kogelmueller outlined the ways Takeda, as a data-driven organization, intends to use digitalization and automation for cost management in its manufacturing operations and supply chain. He listed the external challenges impacting biopharmaceutical supply chains, focusing on increased economic, financial, and geopolitical risks as a result of the war in Ukraine. Kogelmueller then spoke of the four phases in a digital transformation: building insights with pilot projects, capturing value through scaling, achieving scale, and becoming a fully data-driven organization. Unfortunately, he noted, half of companies are stalled during the second phase.

Takeda has a strategy to link aspects of its digitalization journey to its business goals, which include an uninterrupted supply chain, investments in upskilling its people, and environmental stewardship. Everything is wrapped up in roadmaps the company can refer to along its journey, not only at individual sites but throughout the organization.

This is coordinated by an upgraded continuous improvement program that starts with an architect workstream. It designs blueprints for the future-ready areas in the sites. A builder workstream follows, in which engineers and manufacturing science staff determine what technologies to use. The other two builder workstreams focus on enterprise excellence and organizational learning, ensuring continuous improvements and organizational change management and learning. Kogelmueller stressed that continuous improvement is the baseline for transformational changes.

Despite its momentum, Takeda faces challenges. One of these is the enterprise-wide complexity of having large numbers of operating units in plasma biologics, molecules, and small molecules; multiple sites; and thousands of SKUs. To overcome this, it understands the need to systematically use its strategy and value creation, and combine both, to prioritize initiatives. Digital transformation requires a strong governance body—such as a top-level steering committee—capable of making tough decisions. By using all this, it can deal with that complexity and implement the transformation as planned. Such a transformation also requires training employees in new competencies, developing new ways of engaging workers, and ensuring their well-being.

Building a Workplace of the Future Within a Research Site

Carlos Santiago, MBA, PE

Santiago described the creation of a workplace of the future for GSK’s research scientists based on what the company had previously applied to its headquarters and some commercial facilities. This is a retrofit designed for a roughly 200,000-square-foot building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to be used as the company’s first integrated vaccines and infectious disease R&D center. Almost three-quarters of the building will be dedicated to lab space. To meet corporate sustainability goals, this retrofit will leverage heat recovery systems, use of sustainable materials, waste diversion, and water reduction.

To accomplish this, vaccines R&D will be moved from an existing facility—which will be decommissioned—into this building. The transition requires change management to avoid disrupting the existing pipeline by having two teams, integrated plans, and redundancy in some equipment and science.

Employee Well-Being Is Imperative

Knowing talent is tough to attract and retain, GSK aims to foster an engaged workplace, using a design that focuses on worker well-being and health. The space is designed to meet WELL Gold standards, incorporating active design principles, integrating lab spaces with the natural surroundings, ensuring good air quality, and providing attractive amenities. Accessibility is ensured by overcoming physical barriers, adding assistive equipment, and including ergonomic workstations. Technology is used to simplify the work environment, such as a comprehensive app for wayfinding and other logistics.

The design encourages collaboration and is flexible to meet contingencies of geography and culture of this, or any, location. With the advent of more remote work, the design builds in allowance for partial attendance to optimize the size of the space. The design is flexible and, upon review, can be revamped over time to meet different conditions.

Offsite Provisioning Hub

Working with service partners, GSK will create an offsite provisioning hub to manage material storage and services that aren’t required for just-in-time delivery. This optimizes the use of prime real estate, improving efficiency in the lab.

Beyond CGMP: Proactive Quality Principles Today for Facilities of Tomorrow

Carla J. Lundi

Lundi talked about the work of the OQS to promote and support quality among pharmaceutical manufacturers. Currently, the OQS is most concerned with the global shortfall of critical drugs, particularly sterile injectables. The main reasons for new shortages are quality issues and manufacturing delays. She highlighted disruptions in the supply chain resulting in recalls and shortages, such as manufacturing reliability, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and key component availability, aging facilities, natural disaster and public health emergencies, economic upheaval, manufacturing site closures, and geopolitical issues. The top manufacturing compliance concerns contributing to shortages include microbial contamination, poor excipient quality, lack of data integrity, and inadequate controls.

A 2019 FDA report identified the root cause of drug shortages as the lack of quality management that focuses on continuous improvement and early detection of supply chain issues.

FRAME Supports Viable Solutions

A possible solution to shortages is the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. CDER applies the FDA Framework for Regulatory Advanced Manufacturing Evaluation (FRAME) to support industry by issuing guidance on emerging technologies, clarifying regulatory and data requirements to support applications, and publishing discussion papers on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. FRAME priority technologies are distributed manufacturing, end-to-end continuous manufacturing, point-of-care manufacturing, and AI. Guidance documents are designed to address regulatory concerns, including batch definition, process dynamics, change in production output, and continuous process verification.

The OQS currently focuses on opportunities for senior management oversight and manufacturing modernization, including automation, isolator and barrier technologies to improve the aseptic manufacturing of sterile injectables, and advanced quality management system approaches.

The FDA Quality Management Maturity (QMM) Program

A 2019 FDA report identified the root cause of drug shortages as the lack of quality management that focuses on continuous improvement and early detection of supply chain issues. CDER has defined QMM, which is a potential solution to drug shortages, as “the extent to which drug manufacturing establishments implement quality management practices that prioritize patients, drive continual improvement, and enhance the supply chain reliability through the strategic integration of business decisions and manufacturing operations with quality practices and technological advancements.” 1

The goals of the QMM program are to:

• Foster a strong quality culture mindset
• Recognize establishments that advance and continually improve quality management
• Identify areas where quality management can be enhanced
• Minimize risks to product availability to ensure reliable market supply

A Federal Register notification published January 2024 announced that the FDA is soliciting drug manufacturing sites to voluntarily participate in a QMM program at CDER. 1

Lundi concluded by saying that quality assurance requires everyone’s collaboration to protect the interests of patients through proactive management of supply chain complexities to ensure the availability of essential medicines.

Workforce of the Future: The Influence and Importance of People

Patricia Martin

Martin divided her presentation about the current state of workers and what they might need to evolve into the workforce of the future into concerns, conundrums, and control. She began by listing the most pressing employee concerns, which include the fear that automation is putting their jobs at risk, that they’re ready to be retrained, and that few will have stable, long-term employment.

Martin shared survey results showing that, although only 11% of people work remotely, they report being the most satisfied with their jobs, particularly when they get to make the decision to work remotely. Results also showed that more than one-third of those working onsite or hybrid are dissatisfied with their jobs. Many don’t have a choice to work remotely, including those in construction, labs, and manufacturing. This dissatisfaction could be due to several factors, but employers should consider what their workforce needs for their companies to deliver.

What Can They Control?

This level of job dissatisfaction matters to those in the pharmaceutical industry who are delivering the facilities that make essential medicines. Having a motivated and satisfied workforce can make or break a project and can directly impact the delivery of medicines to the people who need them most.

Martin used The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey, to show what can be controlled to impact employee satisfaction. She talked about the need for people managers to focus on three things related to their workforce: concern, influence, and control. What are employee concerns? What influence does a manager have? What is under their control? She shared two tools to provide some control over the outcome.

The first is trust. Martin has found that trust depends on high credibility, reliability, and intimacy. Just as importantly, it relies on a low level of self-interest—a worker interested in the good of their team and their company is easier to trust. Trust is more difficult to establish for remote workers because they have fewer opportunities to interact in person.

The other tool she shared, called “getting the cow out of the ditch,” was a humorous, three-step process for problem-solving. Martin uses this to resolve critical problems, such as the time when her former employer was faced with an inability to make an essential portfolio drug product. The process involves the following steps.

• Get the cow out of the ditch, i.e., find an immediate solution
• Then, figure out how the cow got there
• Only then, determine how to keep the cow out of the ditch the next time

These tools work together. Trust is important because relationships with people are one-on-one, and a team can get out of a “ditch” if they give each other a hand.

Facility of the Future Design Philosophy Tensions for Genentech’s New Clinical Supply Center

Christian J. Randecker

Randecker shared the design of Genentech’s new clinical supply center, which ran its first current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) batch in 2022. Genentech bucked its history of using stainless steel equipment for large-scale production. This allowed the transition in this facility to products for much smaller patient populations and more potent products with improved titers and yields. The mission was to build an agile, small-volume facility, leveraging new technologies, at unprecedented speed. The template design can be copied anywhere for commercial production.

Can Single Use Be Sustainable?

The facility relies fully on single-use technology (SUT), meaning nothing related to process or product is reused and, with no stainless steel, there is no need for clean-in-place, a parts washer, steam, or autoclaves. A life cycle assessment demonstrated that, although SUT generates considerably more solid waste, it has significant reductions in the use of energy and water, as well as aqueous waste, which tips the sustainability scale in its favor.

Flexible Design for Clinical and Commercial Production

The constraint of needing one design for both clinical and commercial production led to innovation. Utilities requirements were tweaked so clinical processes in one workcell could operate successfully at 50- to 2,000-liter capacities, with the option to reconfigure the layout without restrictions. By reconfiguring the layout, a consistent layout for commercial production was produced.

This design can be replicated identically in a new facility, including standard automation, equipment, consumables, procedures, and training. At the highest level is a single enterprise risk management (ERM) tool for taking in all process definition data, then pushing it out to execution and control sys-tems. This gives a common feel for operators in this or any copy facility and provides modular components, a flexible and adaptable system, and a more efficient and scalable network.

An Inspection-Ready Ballroom Design

Closed processing allowed an ISO 9 ballroom design, which maintains flexibility, optimizes material flow into and waste out of the facility, and improves sight lines. Compliance concerns, particularly about the lack of a wall between pre- and post-viral steps, were overcome by developing a lay-ers-of-protection approach, with multiple layers of controls to prevent failures, followed by continuous improvement.

Expanding Globally While Achieving Net Zero

Deborah Donovan

Donovan outlined Moderna’s plan to meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2030 while expanding globally. Although its overall emissions have increased since 2021, mostly due to expansion of its existing facility, the global expansion—four manufacturing facilities under construction, two laboratories, corporate headquarters, and R&D headquarters—has contributed little to this increase due to sustainability initiatives incorporated into the new buildings.

Moderna’s strategy encompasses sustainability by design, natural resource conservation, and decarbonization of the value chain. It has the benefit, as a platform company, of needing a limited number of materials and suppliers, most of which already have science-based targets and are committed to net zero themselves. The sustainability strategy depends on data to assess the current state, quantify carbon emissions, and monitor, manage, and control emissions to continuously improve.

All the company’s scope 2 emissions (i.e., from purchased energy, including electricity) are offset by purchasing renewable energy certificates. Scope 3 emissions are more than 90% of Moderna’s emissions, the largest of which is purchased goods and services, including from contract research and manufacturing organizations and clinical activities.

Over the next two years, Moderna will focus on energy efficiency projects at its existing site. This will then allow it to transition from natural gas-fired equipment to heat pumps, having determined electricity needs and sized the necessary equipment. This gives the local utility company time to upgrade its equipment to meet the facility’s future electricity demands.

The 2025 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference will be held in San Francisco, California, 27–28 January.

Sustainability and LEED standards were incorporated into the design of the new buildings. There is one design for three of the facilities, all of which are electric. Its corporate headquarters is slated to be the most energy-efficient building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Sustainability measures will be built in, including a focus on embodied carbon, design for resilience in case of a natural disaster, and aims for Fitwel and WELL certification, as well as LEED Platinum and LEED Zero once in operation. It will have heat pumps to provide both heating and cooling throughout the lab building, solar panels on the roof, harvested rainwater to supply the chiller plant, and electric vehicle charging. Electricity will be supplied by onsite and offsite renewables.

The roadmap to net zero includes starting up the new facilities, gathering baseline information, submitting a greenhouse gas roadmap for validation by the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi), and continuing to enhance energy programs and greenhouse gas management programs.

Executive Forum Panel

Supported by ISPE’s Women in Pharma ® , this panel of six industry leaders was moderated by James Breen, ISPE Foundation Board Liaison and Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines. Martin, Lundi, and Donovan, who also gave keynote presentations at the conference, participated in the panel. The other speakers were Melody Spradlin, Vice President, Global Workplace Services, KLA; Katrina Moseley Journey, Vice President of Commercial, Luminopia Inc.; and Muriel Campbell, Senior Director of External API Manufacturing, Eli Lilly & Co.

In a wide-ranging and lively discussion that lasted more than an hour, the speakers provided a range of viewpoints based on their expertise in sustainability, engineering, regulations, marketing, and investing. They shared insights into the ways in which the transition to facilities of the future has impacted their careers and how they have responded to it, the ways others can prepare for an increasingly uncertain future, and how the industry can ensure sustainability is achieved. Here are a few of the many highlights from this discussion.

When Martin was asked how she thought people should prepare themselves for the coming changes, she joked that they should get a crystal ball. Then, seriously, she recommended gathering as wide a range of information as possible, and not limiting it to what is fed to us or what we already know.

Campbell, who was trained in Puerto Rico and raised her young family there, shared a pivotal moment in her career when she was recommended for an assignment in Indianapolis. It meant moving her three school-age daughters to a new place, but the move took her out of her comfort zone and expanded what she knew. She said it had been a big leap but is working out for the best for her family and her career.

Given the uptick of remote work, there is a concern about maintaining engagement for older workers who may prefer remote work and younger workers who may struggle networking when they aren’t with their colleagues in person. Moseley Journey, who works for a healthcare tech company with a multigenerational workforce, said she makes a point of meeting with others to give them a connection to the company and help them get more comfortable expressing themselves. She believes it’s incumbent upon the leadership team to reach out to younger or new staff to ask questions that are not about their core job such as, “What do you want to do with your life?” and “How are you thinking about the world around you?”

Many panelists wanted to answer what the biggest thing is that they’ve learned from being involved in ISPE. Spradlin credited ISPE as one of the reasons she was able to move ahead in her career. She referred to the network of women who were leaders across the country and who were involved in supporting everything from childcare when members had to attend meetings to career advice.

Wrapping up the forum, each panelist was asked to provide one word to define the facility of the future. The words chosen were resilient, connected, flexible, human, people-oriented, and resource—words that could easily be used to describe these panelists.

Disclaimer:

This article contains an unabridged, unofficial summary of regulators and industry panelists’ presentations and discussion during a panel dialogue at an ISPE conference that has not been vetted by any agency or organization. The responses are an informal and brief synopsis of the panel’s views and do not represent official guidance or policy of any agency or organization.

• 1 a b Federal Register. FDA. “Voluntary Quality Management Maturity Prototype Assessment Protocol Evaluation Program.” 25 January 2024. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/25/2024-01423/voluntary-quality-management-maturity-prototype-assessment-protocol-evaluation-program
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