Presenting Author and Moderator FAQs
Last Updated: March 6, 2024
What do I do if my question is not listed below?
Please contact [email protected] with any questions. We thank you for you participation in the 2024 CSTE Annual Conference and look forward to welcoming you in Pittsburgh!
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions specifically for presenting authors and moderators at the 2024 CSTE Annual Conference. We are currently planning for all conference sessions to be held in-person. The conference website will be updated on an ongoing basis, so check back often for new information.
Do I need to register for the conference in order to present or moderate?
Yes, all presenting authors and moderators must register for the conference and pay related fees in order to present or moderate at the conference, as well as access the online agenda and app. CSTE does not provide a travel allowance, honorarium, or reimbursement for presenting authors or moderators attending the conference.
When and how will I be notified of my abstract status?
Formal letters of invitation are sent by e-mail from the CSTE National Office by Thursday, March 7, 2024. All authors receive a formal communication regarding the Program Planning Committee’s determination; however, only presenting authors will have system access to accept or decline an invitation. Presenting authors should respond to the invitation online in their Speaker Center no later than 11:59PM EDT on Thursday, April 11, 2024. A direct link to your personal Speaker Center can be found in your acceptance e-mail.
If I am not able to accept the invitation to present, what should I do?
Submission of an abstract implies that presenting authors are committed to making the presentation at the conference. Should circumstances change and a presenting author is unable to attend, then the author is responsible for finding a substitute presenting author.
Withdrawal or decline to present an accepted abstract must be made no later than 11:59PM EDT on Thursday, April 11, 2024 in your Speaker Center. You will receive an email confirming your received response. Withdrawals made after this date or failure to present an accepted abstract could result in disqualification from presenting an abstract at future conferences. Presenting authors that fail to respond by 11:59PM EDT on Thursday, April 11, 2024 will be considered accepted and expected to present.
Speaker Center & Presentation Upload
What email should I use to access the Speaker Center?
The same email and password that was used for the online abstract system should be used to access your Speaker Center. Speakers must use the same email address for abstract submission, Speaker Center, and conference registration! Only presenting authors and moderators will receive access to their Speaker Center.
What is the deadline for presentation upload?
PowerPoint slide presentations should be uploaded by the advance deadline in your Speaker Center no later than 11:59PM EDT on Friday, May 24, 2024. Pre-recording of your presentation is not allowed or required. After the advance deadline, PowerPoint slides may only be uploaded or updated on site in the speaker ready room no later than 24 hours prior to the start of your session.
What are acceptable file formats for presentation slides?
The acceptable file formats are .ppt, .pptx, or .pdf of compatibility with the presentation management and recording software, “Podium”. If you are uploading in Speaker Center before arriving onsite, the file size limit is 200mb. If your file is larger than 200mb, please upload your presentation file onsite in the Speaker Ready Room (Room 313 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center).
How should I upload by presentation if I need to make changes after the upload deadline?
After the advance deadline of May 24, 2024, presentations may only be uploaded or updated on-site in the Speaker Ready Room, no later than 24 hours prior to the start of your session. Do not upload or update a presentation in the meeting room. You may preview your presentation in Speaker Center if it is uploaded by the advance deadline. Presenters should plan and prepare their presentation according to upload deadlines. Save a copy of your presentation on a USB/flash drive to bring with you to the conference in event of technical difficulties or should you have changes to a previously submitted presentation.
How can I share handouts with attendees?
Handouts are not a requirement; however if you want to distribute handouts during your session, we recommend you bring plenty of copies with you. Additionally, any handouts uploaded by the advance deadline of May 24, 2024 will be visible to other registered conference attendees through the conference online agenda and/or mobile app.
What should I do if I forgot my password?
The same email and password that was used for the online abstract submission should be used to access your Speaker Center. If you forgot your password, use the Reset Password link on the portal. CSTE staff do not have access to your password, so you will be required to utilize that link if needed.
Whom can I contact for technical assistance with the online abstract system?
For system support, technical support can be provided through the contact form linked in the Speaker Center.
If I am a workshop presenter, should I upload my presentation in Speaker Center?
No, workshop presenters do not upload their presentation in Speaker Center as workshops are not abstract driven sessions. Please see your CSTE staff workshop lead for questions on workshop presentations.
Changes to Accepted Abstract
How do I change the presenting author?
You may edit the presenting author in your Speaker Center no later than 11:59PM EDT on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
If I would like to withdraw my abstract, what should I do?
Withdrawal or decline to present an accepted abstract must be made no later than 11:59PM EDT on Thursday, April 11, 2024 in your Speaker Center. You will receive an email confirming your received response. Withdrawals made after this date or failure to present an accepted abstract could result in disqualification from presenting an abstract at future conferences.
How do I make corrections to my abstract?
If your abstract is accepted for presentation, minor content any author changes may be made in the online abstract system no later than 11:59PM EDT on Friday, May 24, 2024.
General FAQs
What breakout sessions will be recorded?
All breakout presentations will be recorded for registered attendee post-conference viewing, so ensure that your presentation has been approved by your agency, as CSTE is not able to modify session recordings.
Will networking and discussion sessions be recorded?
No, networking and discussion sessions are not recorded as they are intended for live discussion.
How much time do I have for my presentation in the breakout session?
Breakout presentation times are based on your presentation format for the breakout session. Standard breakout sessions consist of five (5) to six (6) 10-minute presentations. Lightning sessions consist of up to eleven (11) 5-minute presentations. Specific presentation times can be found in your Speaker Center. Once available, presentation times will also be available on the online agenda and mobile app.
Can more than one author present an abstract in a session?
For Breakout and Poster sessions, no, only one (1) presenting author may present the abstract. For Discussion sessions, yes, up to two (2) presenting authors can present an abstract. Co-authors who contributed substantially to the study design, statistical analysis, or interpretation of the abstract may be listed within the abstract, but these should be limited to no more than fifteen (15) people.
Will presenters receive any trainings?
There will not be live hosted presenter trainings. CSTE will make recorded trainings covering the Speaker Center, session types, presentation types, and how to prepare for live presentations available soon.
What dimensions should my poster be?
Poster presentation materials must fit within the poster board display area of 4ft tall x 8ft wide. The board is oriented in the landscape position (long dimension is horizontal).
Will there be any virtual sessions?
No, all conference sessions will be held in-person.
Can I present virtually if I have an emergency or schedule change?
No, presenters and moderators may not participate virtually in any breakout, roundtable, or poster session, including workshops as all sessions are planned for in-person attendance.
