An Interactive Session is designed to engage participants actively and in an interdisciplinary. These 60 to 90-minute sessions are ideal for exploring complex topics in a more dynamic and participatory format, whether through panels, interviews, idea pitches, or workshops. 

This submission type encourages approaches to knowledge sharing on cutting-edge topics on microbiology. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to foster interactive learning and create a memorable experience for attendees.

Submissions open 7 October.  

Interactive Sessions

Interactive Session proposal deadline: 15 November 2024

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Interactive Session proposal deadline: 15 November 2024 |

Interactive Session guidelines

We invite you to submit your proposal for a session, designed to actively engage participants rather than simply present information. These 60 to 90-minute sessions can address a range of theoretical, educational, or research-based topics. We suggest the session content should relate the conference theme or our main topics, but need not be limited by them.

Whether you’re an experienced professional, an early career researcher with fresh insights, or a team of professionals tackling complex issues, we welcome proposals from all backgrounds. We encourage submitters to design sessions that are fully thought through with all speakers involved, and that actively engage participants to foster dialogue, interaction, and new perspectives. While traditional formats are accepted, we strongly encourage proposals that promote interactive and innovative approaches.

Your session proposal should contain the following: 

  • Session title: title should be succinct and clearly reflect the specific topic of the session (avoid use of copyrighted terms) (24 words limit)  

  • Session description: provide a brief description that could be used in promotional materials. It should identify who will benefit. (200 words limit) 

  • Share at least two discussion questions or themes describing what the session intends to cover. (200 words limit) 

  • Session format - select from the drop down menu when submitting: 

  1. How-to session: Tutorials for novices or experts with 1 – 2 speakers. Addresses a specific topic or issue and provides practical lessons learned. Also, group or solo exercises (e.g., writing examples, brainstorming) may be applicable here.   

  2. Interactive panel: Panellists (maximum of 4 plus one moderator) present case studies from multiple perspectives facilitated by a moderator. Moderator will facilitate formal Q&A or polling with the audience and panellists for a minimum of 15 minutes. 

  3. Fishbowl: A dynamic discussion format where a small group engages in conversation while the audience observes, and participants from the audience can join the conversation as it progresses. 

  4. Idea Pitch Session: Participants pitch ideas or solutions to a problem, followed by audience feedback and discussion. 

  5. Workshop: A hands-on session where participants engage in activities or group work, focused on skill-building or problem-solving. 

  • Justification for Session Format - Explain why you selected this format and how it will enhance audience engagement and achieve your session objectives. (100 words limit)

  • Audience type - knowledge level base, select from the drop down menu when submitting:

  1. ECR – Early career researcher 

  2. Intermediate - Intended for individuals who already have a basic knowledge of the topic/subject area, and are looking to further their understanding of the subject matter. 

  3. Advanced - Appropriate for seasoned professionals and experts, this level assumes the audience already grasps the intermediate elements of the topic and is seeking to explore the topic/subject matter with a more in-depth perspective. 

  • Experience with Session Format - provide details on your experience with the proposed format. Have you organized or participated in similar sessions? If so, describe the outcomes and any lessons learned. (100 words limit) 

  • List the key takeaways that you want the audience to have during the session. (100 words limit) 

  • List of suggested session contributors and roles:

  1. Session Moderator: Responsible for the overall flow and moderation of the session, including managing speakers and keeping time. 

  2. Speakers & Panellists: Should represent diverse perspectives and expertise, ideally blending experienced and early-career speakers.

  • List any references that are relevant to the content of your session submission. 

  • Topics : refer to the topics listed and select up to two that best fit your submission. This will help the review committee place your abstract in the appropriate session.

  • Describe any creative tools which would help foster participation and dialogue with the audience. For example: live polling, Q&A, session survey, icebreaker, group exercises.  

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