Search
Member Login

2026 Paper Session Chair Instructions

Thank you for agreeing to serve as paper session chair. We have asked the presenters to send their papers to you no later than Wednesday, August 26; you are also free to reach out to them directly. If you need help finding email addresses, please send an email to [email protected].

Please refer to the conference program to to obtain information on the time slot for your session. 

Each session block is 90 minutes. We recommend that a paper session with 3 papers designate no more than 15-20 minutes for each paper presentation to reserve enough time for questions from the audience and comments by the paper session chair. A paper session with 4 papers should allot no more than 15 minutes total for each paper presentation.

In an effort to make these sessions engaging and thought-provoking, we are asking that the chair of each paper session also serve as a discussant. This will involve reading the papers in advance and (1) sharing some cross-cutting observations about their collective contributions and implications, along with (2) preparing some questions to start discussion with the audience. We also ask that the chair introduce the session and keep time so that each has presenter has equal presentation time and there is ample time for discussion. We do not expect you to provide written comments or referee the papers or to have slides (although you could if you would find slides useful to sharing your thoughts and motivating discussion). Beyond your cross-cutting comments, it may be helpful to have a few questions prepared in advance in case the audience does not jump in right away. Sessions will need to end at the designated time so that the next session will be able to start on time.

Paper Session Chair Responsibilities

  • Pre-Conference Contact: Please reach out to the session participants 1-2 weeks before the conference. Introduce yourself and provide guidelines on the timing of each talk. Typically, we recommend 15-20 minutes per talk for a session with 3 papers and no more than 15 minutes per talk for a session with 4 papers, leaving at least 30 minutes for discussion.
  • Prepare with the Program: Familiarize yourself with the speakers’ names and the titles of their talks, as listed in the conference program:
  • https://builder.guidebook.com/g/#/guides/sree2025/details. We recommend using the mobile app (rather than the web browser version) for the best experience.
  • Timekeeping: Ensure you have a reliable timekeeping device, such as a watch or phone.
  • Session Timing: Each session is 90 minutes long. Please be in the room 10 minutes before the session begins.

Facilitating the Session

  • Welcome: As presenters arrive, introduce yourself and confirm the correct pronunciation of their names and how they would like to be introduced.
  • Time Management: Inform the presenters of how you will manage time during the session.
  • Session Opening: At the start of the session, welcome participants and outline the session’s structure (order of presentations, time allocated for each, and how questions will be handled).
  • Handling Questions: You have the discretion to decide when questions will be taken—whether after each presentation, after a group of presentations, or at the end of the session. This may depend on the nature of the topics covered.
  • Presenter Introductions: Provide a brief introduction for each presenter.
  • Time Signals: Give clear signals to presenters as they approach the end of their time, indicating when they have 5 minutes left, 1 minute left, and when they need to conclude. A set of time cards will be available in the session room for you to use if you like.

Managing the Question Period

  • Engage the Audience: Invite the audience to share comments, feedback, or questions.
  • Prepare Backup Questions: Have a few questions or comments ready to prompt discussion, especially if the audience is slow to respond. Consider asking broader questions about the implications of the research for practice and policy.
  • Wrap-Up: Let the audience know when there is time for one final question.

Thank you once again for chairing a session! We look forward to seeing you at the conference.

If you have not done so, please register here.

If you have any questions about aspects of audiovisual and setup for onsite presentation, please contact Bonnie Nagy at [email protected]. If you have questions about the content or session format, please send an email to [email protected].