Share Your Work, Ideas, and Inventions at Poster Night
2019 poster session, Jared Spool and Josh Palay, c Stacy Surla
Poster Night is one of the highlights of the IA Conference experience. Attendees will browse the exhibits and chat with poster creators in a happy hour-like atmosphere, following the Thursday evening keynote on April 11.
Whether you’re a first-time presenter or an experienced practitioner, Poster Night is a fun and rewarding way to present your work and ideas at a major international conference. You’ll get to know the community and share your insights with people interested in your topic, all in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Submit your poster concept before January 31, 2024. If your poster is accepted, we’ll send you a how-to packet on preparing your poster and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
2023 poster session, c Stacy Surla
When is Poster Night? What do I do as a presenter?
On Poster Night you’ll present your poster on site at the IAC in Seattle on Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 8 PM. You’ll stand and present to anyone who passes by your space and shows interest.
Am I eligible for a conference discount?
Yes! As a poster presenter, you’ll get a discount code for conference registration, which will reduce your registration cost by $100. If your poster is a group effort, all presenters are eligible for the discount.
How complete does my poster need to be before I submit a proposal?
You don’t need a finished poster to submit. All you need is a concept. It’s easy to submit your idea. If your idea is accepted, you’ll need to send a draft of your poster for review by March 16.
I’ve never presented a poster before. How should I prepare?
If your concept is accepted, we’ll send you a how-to packet on preparing your poster and presentation.
What’s the format for poster presentations? How big can my poster be?
Each presenter gets an exhibit space in the presentation hall. You will have an easel stand and can optionally hang your poster on the wall. The area for your poster will be roughly 4 ft wide x 4 ft tall. There will also be room in front of the poster for a table or other furniture if you need it.
Exhibits should include a graphic poster describing an idea, technique, case study, or research. But you could also use your exhibit to showcase a 3D model, engage interactively with attendees, host a puppet show, or lead interpretive dances about information architecture. Your imagination and the space are about the only limits.
When do I set up my poster?
Presenters must hang their own work on Thursday April 11th. This will take place at 2:00 after lunch.
What if I need a power outlet or furniture?
If your presentation requires access to a power outlet or a table, chair, or stools, let us know in the submission form. We’ll factor in furniture and wall power requirements when we map the exhibit space.
What if I need other technology?
If you’re planning to do demos, use a robot, or display other tech, you are responsible for bringing all technology and materials with you — monitors, projectors, laptops, arts and crafts materials, all of it.
What if I need a chair or have other accessibility needs?
Please let us know in the submission form and we will accommodate your request.
Will I be listed on the website?
Yes! A list of all poster presenters will be on the website, so you can announce your participation on all your social channels.
How long is Poster Night?
Poster Night runs from 6 to 8 PM. Please plan to stay the whole time. There are usually two waves: the before-dinner crowd and the-returning-from-dinner crowd. Both are worth presenting to! Since you’ll be in front of your poster for the night, plan to ask someone to bring you food and drinks.
Do I have to attend the conference to participate?
Yes, at least one poster author must be registered for the conference and present at the location to present the poster.
What else do I need to know?
Presenters and all attendees are expected to adhere to the conference Code of Conduct.
Submit your poster concept before January 31, 2024.
Poster Night Testimonials
Hallway conversations often rank as the best part of any conference, hands down… Poster Night is like ONE BIG HALLWAY CONVERSATION to which you’re allowed to bring your own visual aid… I highly recommend Poster Night to first-timers and conference veterans alike!
— Jason Alderman, Experience Designer at Cloud Chamber
I loved presenting at Poster Night! It was a fun, relaxed environment where I had numerous, insightful conversations and made connections that lasted far beyond the [conference] week.
— Andrea Dulko, Interaction Designer, Google
Poster Night is the ultimate ice-breaker: a casual, low risk way to chat with dozens of [IAs] whose paths you might not otherwise cross – made even easier because there’s a topic right there in front of you.
— Andy Fitzgerald, UX Architecture & Design Consultant
Poster Night allowed me to truly feel like a part of the IA community – speaking to peers and industry experts, I lost my imposter syndrome as my viewpoints and techniques were respected and my frustrations were found to be universal.”
— Paige DuPont, Information Architect at Logic Department