How to create an eye catching poster
Congratulations, your abstract submission has been accepted as a poster!
Now you just have to design it, print it and get it to the conference. This might be quite daunting, especially if it’s your first time creating a conference poster.
Conferences often have rows and rows of posters so you will want yours to be striking enough to draw in your audience on first glance. Have a read below for our top tips on creating an impactful poster that will help your work stand out.
Get your requirements right
Make sure you are completely clear on the instructions you have been given by the conference organisers:
- Are you required to make a printed poster, or electronic poster (ePoster), or both?
- Confirm your deadlines and understand whether you need to upload in advance, or just bring your poster with you on the day.
- Check the conference specifications for orientation (portrait or landscape).
- Check the size requirements to ensure your poster fits on the poster boards provided. We normally ask for A0.
- Take into account printing time before your event.
Designing your poster
Your poster should be impactful at first glance and invite the reader to look closer and prompt discussion.
Consider your poster as an introduction to your work from which you can deliver depth through conversation and networking (either during the event or afterwards).
Draft the layout of your poster in PowerPoint or a similar programme, and don’t be afraid to try a few different versions to find the best fit. There are various websites with poster templates that you can download or buy, this may be a good starting point if you are stuck.
Content
- Reduce your word count, only include information that is necessary.
- Make sure any lines or arrows you use are an appropriate thickness and still readable from 1.5 metres away.
- Make use of graphics (drawings, diagrams, and photos) but make sure you have the relevant permissions to use them and be careful not to violate patient privacy.
- Include your author list, affiliations, and institutional logos (if you have permission).
- Add your contact information to enable post-event networking.
- Consider using QR codes to add in more information. You can link readers to websites, surveys, videos, your full abstract text etc.
Layout
- Consider using headings, a numbering system of arrows to help guide your reader.
Colours and fonts
- Keep a consistent style throughout – stick to one or two fonts.
- Choose fonts that are clear and easy to read.
- Neutrals often work better as a background than bright colours.
- Consider limiting your colour palette to five colours or fewer.
Your poster should be easily readable from 1.5 metres away
Printing
- Investigate your printing options early so you know what costs and lead times you can expect.
- Your institution may offer printing for a subsidised fee.
- If you are travelling to the event, look for a print shop near the venue and pick up the poster when you arrive to take straight to the event.
- If using paper, use a thickness of paper to which double-sided tape or Velcro dots will attach well to, but will not be so heavy that it will fall off the poster board – we have found that 120-140gsm paper is ideal for this.
- If using fabric posters, which are great for travelling, please be aware that they often fall off poster boards as the fixings slip. One solution to this is to bring a stapler, and staple the fixings to your poster.
ePosters
- Ensure your ePoster is the correct size, orientation, and format specified. Any deviation may mean your ePoster will not display correctly.
- You can still use QR codes to link out to more information, but you may also be able to use hyperlinks, confirm with the conference organisers.
If in doubt, ask!
If you have any queries regarding the poster submission process, don’t be afraid to reach out to the conference team - they are there to help you!
