PRESENTER INFORMATION & GUIDELINES
Welcome, presenters! We’re excited to feature your research at Sharks International 2026. To ensure a smooth experience, please review the following guidelines carefully.
Standard Presentations (12 Minutes)
Standard presentations will be 12 minutes long, followed by 3 minutes for Q&A. To keep sessions running smoothly, moderators will strictly enforce time limits.
Session Procedures:
Arrive 15 minutes early to meet your moderator, check your name pronunciation, and confirm the audiovisual setup. Your moderator will introduce you before your talk.
Time signals:
10-minute warning
12-minute wrap-up signal
14-minute cutoff – the moderator will turn off your microphone if needed.
Talks must end on time to keep the conference schedule running smoothly, especially with parallel sessions taking place. Please be mindful of this to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.
Presentation Requirements:
Only PowerPoint (16:9 format) is supported – other formats will not be accommodated.
Use the microphone for clarity - it is a giant hall.
Ensure video files are embedded into your slides and are set to play automatically.
Keep slides concise and visually engaging – avoid excessive text.
Speed Talks (3 Minutes)
Speed talks follow a similar format as standard presentations but are only 3 minutes long, with 1 minute for Q&A. We suggest focusing on a single key finding, question, or message, and restricting yourself to a maximum of 6 slides. Keep your introduction brief, present your main point clearly, and end with a strong takeaway to leave a lasting impact.
Presentation Upload Guidelines
Upload your PowerPoint via the following form at least one day before your session: PRESENTATION UPLOAD
In case of any issues, save it on a USB drive and bring it to the Information Desk (Entrance Hall).
File format: LASTNAME_FirstName_SessionNumber.ppt (e.g., PERERAShanika_3207.ppt).
Personal laptops cannot be used – all presentations must run on the venue’s system. Confidence monitors will be available.
If your presentation contains videos, bring them as separate files as a backup.
Backup your presentation via cloud storage or email to avoid technical issues.
Poster Presentations
Poster Format:
Size: A0 or smaller.
Orientation: Portrait (landscape posters will not fit).
Language: English.
Content: Clear, concise, and easy to read from a distance.
Printing & Setup:
Bring your printed poster – on-site printing is not available.
If you prefer to print your poster in Sri Lanka, we recommend contacting companies like Leaf Digital Printing [email: quotations@leafd.lk] no later than 10th April 2026 due to national holidays that month. Please note that we are NOT responsible for print quality, any delays in production, or collection/delivery of your poster.
Set up your poster during the morning coffee break on the first day of your assigned session.
Find your poster panel number and attach it using the provided tape.
If a previous poster is still in your spot, ask a volunteer for assistance.
During the Poster Session:
Stand by your poster during each scheduled poster session to engage with attendees.
Prepare a brief 60-second summary for quick introductions.
Expect in-depth questions from interested delegates.
Tips
Oral & Speed Talks:
Rehearse your talk, including timings!
Recommended structure:
Title slide – include your title, name, coauthors, and affiliations.
Introduction – only provide essential background, noting that your audience is knowledgeable of sharks, rays, and chimaeras.
Methods – What did you do?
Results – What did you find out? Keep it clear and visual.
Discussion & conclusions – explain key takeaways.
Acknowledgements – recognise funders, collaborators, and supporters.
Posters:
Use large, readable text (minimum size 24pt).
Prioritise graphs and visuals over excessive text.
Add contact details for follow-ups.
General
Presenters can use the “No Tweet” symbol on slides or posters to discourage social media sharing. However, this does not guarantee compliance, and Sharks International 2026 is not responsible for any unauthorised sharing.
Presenters are solely responsible for their content; Sharks International 2026 organisers, affiliated partners, and sponsors are not liable for any presentation material.
Please ensure your language and visuals are professional and respectful to all colleagues. Avoid offensive language, lewd or suggestive jokes, and inappropriate images.
Carefully proofread your abstract before the submission deadline, as edits will not be permitted after that.
We look forward to your presentations and posters at Sharks International 2026, May 4–8 in Colombo, Sri Lanka!
MODERATOR INFORMATION & GUIDELINES
Thank you for volunteering as a session moderator for Sharks International 2026! Your role is essential in ensuring sessions run smoothly by introducing speakers, keeping time, and managing audience Q&A.
Before the Session
Confirm the sessions you are moderating and arrive 15 minutes early.
Ensure all speakers are present and confirm name pronunciations.
Explain to speakers how you will signal time warnings.
Introduce yourself to the technical team, who will manage AV and sound.
Time Management - Keeping to the Schedule
Start each talk exactly at the scheduled time to maintain the flow between sessions.
Use your smartphone stopwatch to track time.
Regular talks should be 12 minutes long, with 3 minutes for brief audience Q&A (total of 15 minutes).
10 minutes: Raise your hand.
12 minutes: Stand.
13 minutes: Walk toward the podium.
14 minutes: End the talk, even if unfinished. You will have the option to turn off the microphone.
Speed talks should be 3 minutes long, with time for 1 question (total of 5 minutes).
2 minutes: Raise your hand.
3 minutes: Stand.
4 minutes: End the talk, even if unfinished. You will have the option to turn off the microphone.
Managing Q&A
Announce when there is time for questions and call on attendees.
Step in if a question is inappropriate.
If there are no questions, you may ask one but are not required to.
Additional Guidelines
Do not start talks early, even if a session runs ahead of schedule.
If a talk is cancelled, announce: "The next talk is cancelled; we will resume in 15 minutes" (or in the case of speed talks, “in 5 minutes”).
Nominate outstanding student presentations for the conference prize (further details will be provided in due course to selected moderators).
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Pronunciation matters: Confirm and correctly pronounce names, showing respect for all presenters. If you are unsure, ask them beforehand!
Cultural awareness: Be mindful of diverse backgrounds and avoid assumptions about speakers based on their name, appearance, or accent. Treat all presenters with professionalism and respect.
Inclusive language: Use culturally sensitive language and address presenters by their preferred titles or pronouns when applicable.
Active listening: Pay attention to each presentation, acknowledging key points to foster a supportive environment.
Encourage engagement: Facilitate an inclusive Q&A.
Maintain a safe and welcoming space: Step in if any interactions become inappropriate, ensuring that all attendees feel valued and respected throughout the session.
If you have questions, contact us at moderator@si2026.org.
Thank you for your support!
The Sharks International 2026 Team