Instructions for Session Chairs

In order to ensure the smooth running of BS2009 here is some important information for session chairs at the conference. The following instructions are intended to assist you in conducting your session. Before the session, the chair should ensure that she/he is aware of the person who will present each paper – if necessary contact the registration desk and request the name of the speakers who will present the papers. The session chair should be at the session at least 15 minutes before its start. The chair should introduce herself/himself in a few statements only (e.g. my name is X, I work at Y organisation and my main research interest is in Z). Remind the audience to completely switch off mobile phones. Announce the procedure in the event of a fire (read notice provided in presentation room). Introduce the author and paper title. A short mention of the speaker's background can be included. A key role of the chair is to ensure that speakers keep to time so that later presenters are not unfairly penalised in their time allocation and to allow participants to change rooms and attend other presentations. The time allocated to each presentation is 20 ± 0 minutes (about 15 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for questions and answers). All presentations in parallel sessions MUST start exactly at the same time (indicated in the programme). If one paper included in the program cannot be presented, then the chair should announce it, and either extend discussion of the previous paper or and/or initiate some other discussion or (as a last resort) let participants go to other parallel sessions. The chair should also prepare in advance at least one question for each paper, to fill the void if there are no questions from the audience. Every room is equipped with a laptop, a data projector computer and either a visualiser or overhead projector. Presenters are expected to upload their presentations well in advance – use of presenters laptops is not allowed. There will be one student per room to help with computers and visual aids. Please ask conference helpers if you need other assistance. There is one additional task for which we would appreciate your help. Please pass 1 or 2 key developments which you think have been presented in your session that you think may be of interest to other conference participants. Please give a written note of these (together with your name in case we need to check) to the helper – the intention is that a summary of these key points will be given at the closing ceremony and placed on the website after the conference.