There are to be some changes to the RESNA annual conference this year. Instead of "platform sessions" and "poster sessions," each topic area has been given one or more "scientific sessions." Here are the differences:

The majority of submitted papers will be presented as posters, and we're having two large poster sessions during unopposed time (the only other thing open will be the exhibit hall).

The contents of the scientific sessions does not have to come exclusively from the papers that were submitted. Each scientific session should have a specific theme (e.g., rate enhancement, voice recognition, etc.) but presentations within the session can be drawn from submitted papers, invited speakers, panels, demonstrations or anything else that seems appropriate.

We want each scientific session to have a smaller number of longer presentations (for example, three 25 minute presentations rather than five 15 minute presentations).

I want the SIGs (in this case SIG-11) to determine what topics the scientific sessions should cover.

There is no formal application process in place. Sharon Ferrell, as Topic Coordinator, has been given the task of deciding what topic each of the scientific sessions should cover, and I would like suggestions for those topics to be drawn from the SIG-11 members.

What Sharon needs to give to the RESNA office is a description of each session. We'd also like to have a list of the presenters in the session, although that can wait a little while.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Rich Simpson
ris20+@pitt.edu