The following guidelines should help you prepare effective and successful posters.

The Abstract
It should be informative and even speculative.

Preparing the Poster
You need to design your poster to be as eye-catching and attractive as possible. The basic rule is to keep it simple, do not clutter, do not include unnecessary data, make every thing bold and large, and try and get your message even to the non-experts in your field.

Figures and Photographs
The larger the better. Cut the number to the minimum, but make sure that they are really good quality. Labels or arrows should be bold and easily seen. Use contrasting letters as it is frustrating for the viewers to search for letters that appear camouflaged.

Enlarged colored prints are extremely attractive in posters. The mounting card should contrast well with the print; a colored background is an eye-catching asset. A mixture of different colored backgrounds can also be very effective; however, too many colors or too many type styles can be confusing to those reading the poster information.

The Title
The title must be large and clear to be read from about 5 m. The title should be short and the letters should be bold, preferably solid-block and at least 5 cm high. The title can be provocative, for example, ending in a question mark. You can use the title to grab the attention of the viewer.

Some authors include the logo of their institution or organization and their own photo, which can be very helpful if the author is to be identified at the poster session.

The Text
The text should be concise, legible and easily comprehended. Traditionally, the poster should include an abstract, short introduction, aims of the study, results and discussion. These can be presented as short 'bullet' lists. Do not overwhelm the viewer with masses of tables and data. Quantitative data can be presented as histograms or linegraphs. The lettering of the text must be large and legible at up to 2 m.

The overall format and display of the poster: title, abstract, text and figures.

Transporting the Poster
If you prepare your poster in the final form, you will just need to come and hang it up. This, however, may mean 'lugging' a gigantic package of unwieldy and uncomfortable dimensions. It is much easier, to prepare your poster on cards that fit into an oversized envelope that you can place at the bottom of your suitcase and pin up on arrival. It is vital that they are well mounted on cards to ensure that they lie flat. By far the best means of mounting involves use of a dry-mounting spray; these give the most professional finish. However, a simpler option is to use double-sided tape; this is rapid and permits removal later. A further option is to use glue or gum. Be careful with glue so that it does not spread onto the figures or text. You may wish to put your name on the reverse of each card as well as an order number.

Some poster presenters prefer to have their poster laminated and transport it in a plastic or other sturdy tube.

If you are transporting your poster in your luggage, be aware that luggage has been known to get lost. It might be a good idea to make a duplicate poster and leave it in the care of someone who you can be in touch with easily and who can ship it to you via overnight delivery.

Poster Space
Poster boards at EF conferences typically measure 8'(wide) x 4 (high)'. Tacks are provided to hang posters. Normally one poster board is sufficient for one presentation.

Frequently poster presenters attach an envelope to the board containing their business cards or other information they wish to provide.

The Poster Session(s)
The authors are requested to stand by their posters during the poster session for discussion and questions.

You might wish to bring a camera. While your poster is still hanging and in pristine condition, get somebody to take a photograph of you in front of your masterpiece to show your colleagues as proof of your scientific presentation in an exotic environment.

Conclusion
Poster preparation should not be regarded as an ordeal, but should be fun and provide a sense of creativity and satisfaction. Do not leave the planning and preparation of your poster till the last minute.

Adapted from "A Personal Guide to Improving Microscopy Posters" by R. Coleman, Royal Microscopical Society Proceedings, Vol. 29, Part I, January 1994, pp. 18-19.

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