Chair Duties

• Welcome the audience and introduce the speakers. Please see the attached Excel sheet titled "Presenter Bios" for the autobiographical blurbs presenters submitted when they registered.
• Organize and pass out handouts from the speakers, if needed. Invite the speakers to give you their handouts before the session begins.
• Keep time for the individual speakers, giving them a heads-up when they have only a few minutes left. All panels are scheduled for 90 minutes with 20 minutes reserved for each of the 3 assigned speakers, leaving a 30-minute slot for questions and answers. You can, of course, let the speaking portion of the session go a bit past the 60-minutes, but please make sure to save at least 20 minutes for the Q&A. Because fostering cross-disciplinary conversations is central to the philosophy of the conference, we designed the program to allow plenty of time for discussion.
• Facilitate the question-and-answer session (the final 20-30 minutes). Simply call on folks who raise their hands and ensure the panel ends on time so the next panel can enter and begin on time.
• Assist with technology set-up and tear-down. Some presenters will be using computers, projectors, laptops, or other technology equipment. The technology they requested should be in the room. Please offer to help them with the technology as you are able. On-site technology help will be available in the case of broken computers, burnt-out overhead bulbs, etc. I'll get you the contact info for this help closer to the conference.
• For those chairing Roundtable sessions: If you're chairing a roundtable, all the above apply except the timing and Q&A facilitation. You really just need to introduce the roundtable leaders and assist them if they need any assistance. Roundtables are only 60 minutes and are designed to be mostly discussion.