Session Types

Types of Sessions

Symposia (SYMP) are the scientific centerpiece of the meeting. These sessions consist of 4 invited talks, each 20 minutes long. Together these talks provide an integrated synthesis of a topic with broad appeal. Each session ends with a 10 minute discussion period.

Organized Oral Sessions (OOS) consist of 6 invited talks, each 15 minute long, that focus on a common theme. Compared to symposia, there is less emphasis on synthesis and breadth of appeal. These sessions do not include a discussion period.

Inspire Sessions (INS) are fast paced and engaging sessions that consist of 6-10 invited talks, each 5 minutes long and accompanied by slides that automatically advance. These sessions are meant to stimulate dialogue on the subjects presented. Each session ends with a discussion period.

Four meeting attendees chat outside a session location.Contributed Oral Sessions (COS) consist of up to 6 individually submitted abstracts that have been sorted into thematic sessions based on topics ranked by each speaker during abstract submission. Each talk is 15 minutes long. These sessions do not include a discussion period.

Contributed Poster Sessions (PS) consist of individually submitted abstracts that have been sorted into thematic sessions based on topics ranked by each speaker during abstract submission. Poster sessions are 90 minutes long to provide an opportunity for extended discussion. A cash bar and light food will be available.

A group of ecologists explore a poster presentation and discuss with the author.Special Sessions (SS) are similar to workshops but are more flexible in their approach to a topic and tend to emphasize discussion. A special session may include, for example, a panel discussion, open discussion, a series of informal talks, or a film screening. Special sessions can permit more extended dialogue than other session types. No advance signup is required to attend special sessions.