Session Chair Application Form

Session Format

Session Chair Responsibilities
The Session Chair is responsible for coordinating and presiding over one or more conference sessions.  Based on the session chair’s experience in BEST, they choose session(s) from the provided list. Critical to developing their session is evaluating and recommending presentation proposals for inclusion in their session(s). They also work with presenters to help develop appropriate and well-organized content. In addition to being included as Session Chair in the conference schedule, Session Chairs will be highlighted in a special section of the Conference Program.

Presenter Proposal Process
A Presenter Abstract Submission Form and session information (including the Session Chair’s name and e-mail address) will be posted on the conference website and distributed through e-mail to recruit potential presenters. Those interested in presenting in your session will be instructed to submit a brief abstract to you for your consideration.

Chair Duties Prior to the Conference

1. Help recruit  presenters who have expertise in or knowledge of a subject that would fit well with the session topic; send them the Presenter Abstract Submission Form and note the April 11th  deadline for presenter submissions.

2. Review each abstract received and select the three (3) best presentations and the two (2) best alternate presentations to fill your session by marking your decision at the end of each form.

3. Submit ALL abstract forms received along with your decision to the Conference Program Chair by April 15th. The Chair will notify all who submitted abstracts of the status of their proposal.

4. Contact presenters to obtain information that will be used in introducing them at the session.

Chair Duties During the Conference

1. Confirm their session presenters are at the conference and know their session time and location.


2. Check that the AV in the room is working and, if necessary, contact the AV Chair immediately for assistance.

3. Preside over their session and ensure that attendees and presenters are treated respectfully.


4. Call the session to order and introduce themselves and the presenters.


5. Insure the presenters finish in the allotted 20-25 minute timeframe.


6. Moderate the Q&A period at the end of the session being sure to stay within the allotted timeframe.


7. Close the session, being sure to thank both presenters and attendees.


8. Complete the Session Chair Feedback Form and return with the Participant Feedback Form to Registration immediately following session.

NOTE:  So that attendees can participate in the presentations of their choice, each presentation must start and end on time as listed in the Conference Program.  If a presenter fails to appear at the scheduled time, the Session Chair should lead a discussion of his/her choosing on the topic until the next scheduled presentation.

Choose session(s) from Overview of Conference Sessions. 
Complete/submit the Session Chair Request Form by Monday, March 21 to: Regina Halpin, Program Chair
BEST National Conference
131 SCC Building
Auburn University, AL 36849                                        
rhalpin@auburn.edu
FAX:  334-844-5740