ICAA Conference 2016
November 17-19, 2016
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

International Council on Active Aging offers a poster session as part of the annual ICAA Conference to increase the amount of quality education and networking. Accepted presenters attend the conference so they can answer questions and facilitate discussions about their results during the scheduled time for the poster session.

Poster categories

There are three categories of posters:

• Programs. Evidence-based, evidence-informed and proven programs that have a structure and defined goals are included. This category is open to programs that are not based on a research study but do meet a need of older adults and have demonstrated outcomes.
• Promising and best practices. A proven approach that has worked successfully in meeting a need of older adults, the practice can be adopted by other organizations seeking positive results. Given the range of responsibilities of the ICAA delegates, a promising/best practice could be, for example, an organizational structure, age-friendly design, or a method to disseminate a program.
• Research. This category is aimed at applied and translational research, although basic and clinical research is also considered. Research studies must be completed, with final results relevant to work with older adults.

Posters should present an overview of the research, program or promising practice, including the rationale, population, brief description, the results and the value and applicability of the material. Photos and graphics in addition to text are encouraged. Availability of program resources and contact information are appropriate. Advertising or product/brand promotion is not permitted.

Advantages of poster presentations

Presenting a poster at the ICAA Conference is an excellent way to meet others, share information and enhance career development.

• Professionals working in the field spotlight their successful program, initiatives or best practice and demonstrate their ability to report on these. This ability is needed for writing grants, collaborating with management and colleagues, and building potential for career growth.
• Students and professors share their research results so the information can be used by the people in the field who will most benefit.
• Presenters have the opportunity to meet others and engage with them, and build networks. They receive compliments and answer questions that may lead to new insights.
• A poster presenter has plenty of practice in professional speaking skills.
• It’s fun to meet so many people and share your work.

Considerations for successful poster proposals

When preparing proposals, keep in mind the following points.

• What happened? The critical element is the result of the program, practice or research. Both positive and negative results are welcome. Outcomes might include participation numbers, retention of participants, ratings of satisfaction, changes in behavior, changes in older adults or employee health status or knowledge, utilization of spaces and facilities, or observed behaviors. Research results must be available at the time of the conference in November.
• Clear descriptions. Reviewers should be able to understand immediately what the poster will cover.

Selection process

Poster applications are reviewed by peers in a blinded process where reviewers do not see the name or affiliation of the author. The review board is composed of ICAA advisors and members, including at least two reviewers from academia.

Poster applications are evaluated on multiple criteria.

Overall
• Clarity of the proposal, relevance to the active-aging industry; relevant to the dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, professional/vocational, environmental, social).

Category
• Research is original and complete with final (not preliminary) results. Research findings present new or essential information, results/outcomes are significant and conclusions are justified by the data.
• Program meets a need of older adults and has been delivered and evaluated. Measured outcomes are available; program met or exceeded goals.
• Promising practice uses an innovative approach with practical application. Measured outcomes are available.

Information for poster presenters

Application deadline: April 1, 2016
All submissions accepted online: http://www.icaa.cc/conferenceandevents/postersession/application.asp

Accepted and confirmed poster presenters will be notified by June 10, 2016.
Poster presenters must register for the ICAA Conference 2016 at the lowest registration rate of $319.
Poster Presenters will not be provided a stipend of any kind by ICAA.

How to submit proposals

• The application sections DO NOT SAVE as you move from one step to the next. We recommend drafting all components of your proposal in advance and then copy and paste once you are ready to submit. This will also ensure you have a copy on hand.
• Use one application per proposal, limit of three proposals.
• Please complete the application according to the instructions.
• Use the ICAA online application form. Applications will ONLY be accepted online.
• You will be sent an email confirming we have received your application.

Poster specifications

• ICAA will provide cork boards with push pins.
• Posters must fit within a 45 inch by 45 inch (1.1 by 1.1 m) space. There will be 2 presentations sharing one side of a 4x8 foot board.
• Posters are a combination of text and graphics. Plan on information that can be seen from at least 3 feet (.9 meters) away. Consider a headline that will grab the attention of colleagues who are walking by.
• Text should be large, no smaller than 18 point. Graphics should have captions.

Useful information on preparing posters is available at this organization: