Call for MAC Poster Presentations

The Midwest Archives Conference will convene for its annual meeting April 13-15, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois.

Poster Proposals:

The 2023 Program Committee invites poster proposal submissions on all aspects of archival practice and research, as well as from allied and related fields. The Program Committee seeks a diverse slate of presenters representing a variety of personal and institutional backgrounds, perspectives, and voices. We seek to foster a culture of inclusion in the MAC program and encourage submissions from anyone who is interested in presenting, including students, new professionals, first-time presenters, and those from allied professions. MAC membership is not required to present. Proposals are due February 3, 2023 (deadline extended). Poster presentations will be onsite only.

Proposal Evaluation:

The Program Committee will evaluate all proposals submitted by the deadline. Proposals will be evaluated in two ways: Merit and clarity of the 1750-character abstract; and completeness of the proposal, particularly having well-developed content to understand all relevant aspects of the topic. Individuals with proposals chosen for inclusion in the MAC 2023 Annual Meeting will be notified in February 2023.

To submit a proposal, please fill out the Google Form (https://forms.gle/jkGiPrPZTUAaEU7t8). The deadline for submitting poster proposals for the 2023 MAC Annual Meeting is February 3, 2023 (deadline extended). Please note that this year there will also be an opportunity to submit a pop-up session, voted upon by the MAC membership and meeting attendees. You are welcome to submit both a poster and pop-up session on the same topic; however, only one or the other will be accepted.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

Poster Prizes:

Prizes, to be determined, will be awarded for posters based on the following criteria:

  • Originality
  • Relation to Meeting Theme
  • Creativity Displayed in the Poster

Poster Session Tips:

Poster sessions are a means to communicate and exchange ideas, programs, research, and projects to fellow MAC meeting attendees. Poster sessions may present any of the following:

  • A description of an innovative archives program
  • An examination of a practical, problem-solving endeavor
  • An explanation of a research investigation
  • Novel archival projects or case studies

Posters typically include pictures, data, graphs, diagrams and narrative text on paper backing that are approximately 36x24 inches. MAC will provide easels, thumb tacks, and appropriately sized foam board.

Authors are required to present their posters in person during scheduled times during the meeting (Friday morning and afternoon breaks). These presentations are more like elevator speeches that summarize the poster content with attendees that stop by the poster to view it and ask questions. Helpful tips on creating posters are available at these links:

Poster sessions cannot be used to advertise products or to display vendor items. If you are unsure if your proposal qualifies or if you generally have questions about the poster submission process, please email Leanna Barcelona ([email protected]), Anu Kasarabada ([email protected]), and/or Jennifer Long Morehart ([email protected]), 2023 Poster Session Co-Coordinators.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Question: Will MAC pay my travel expenses and/or registration fee to attend the annual meeting if I am presenting a poster?
Answer: No, MAC cannot reimburse you for your travel or conference registration expenses.


2. Question: What if I have a conflict between my poster session presentation time and a meeting?
Answer: At least one author of the poster must be present during the poster sessions. This is the opportunity to give feedback to conference attendees who stop to ask questions. Poster sessions cannot be presented unless at least one author is present during the allotted times.
 
3. Question: What happens if I have to cancel my poster session because I can't attend the conference?
Answer: Please plan on a backup person who will be able to represent your poster if an emergency arises. If an alternate presenter is unable to be arranged, your poster will not be included in the poster session.
 
4. Question:  Can I have an internet connection or other electrical support?
Answer: If your poster session includes electrical equipment, you may need to provide your own source of power (e.g., batteries). We cannot guarantee electrical support or Internet connections in the poster session area. Audio-visual presentations that include sound are not encouraged. These can be distracting to the other presenters and attendees. If you are able to supply headphones for viewers/listeners, sound is acceptable.
 
5. Question: What about simultaneous submissions? Can I submit a poster session proposal about a project for which I've also submitted a manuscript for publication in a journal?
Answer: Yes, poster submissions for articles that have been simultaneously submitted for publication are welcomed, as long as you note the simultaneous submission in your abstract.

IMPORTANT: Please note at the end of your abstract if the project has been submitted to other conferences, for publication in a journal, or has been published or presented before.
 
6. Question: What is the difference between the MAC Exhibit area and the MAC Poster Session Area?
Answer: The poster session area is expressly not for vendors to display or promote new products, or for organizational displays.