Frequently Asked Questions
From conference attendees
Do I need to register to attend?
Yes. All attendees of the PJSA conference are required to register as attendees. This includes presenters, chairs, students, etc. If you are going to be present at the conference, you need to register.
Where are the printed program and other conference goodies?
Based on consistent feedback from the membership and attendees, we have strived to keep registration costs low. One way of doing this is to not purchase certain amenities which increases the cost per person. For example, beginning in 2021 we no longer print conference programs, instead utilizing a digital program. We have also reduced the amount of food provided in between sessions to reduce waste, cut costs, and pass the savings onto attendees.
Do I need to register for individual sessions (e.g., panels, workshops)?
No. Conference attendees are free to move in and out of sessions at will without preregistering or predetermining which sessions they will attend. We do ask that people are respectful of other participants and limit disruptions as much as possible.
Do I need to be present for all days of the conference?
No. While most attendees do attend for the entire conference, some many arrive late, or leave early. We do encourage folks to aim to be in attendance for the entire event as this creates the most opportunity for collaboration and interaction and ensures that sessions at the beginning and end of the conference function in a similar manner to this in the middle.
What is the dress code for the conference?
There is no formal dress code for the PJSA conferences. Dress in a way that makes you comfortable. Most people’s dress resembles business casual.
From conference presenters
What is the format for panels put together by the conference committee?
Conference panels are assembled by the conference committee, who group individual papers together based on thematic agreement. We aim for all panels to involve 3-5 presenters, and a panel chair who helps with introductions, keeping time, and facilitating the question and answer period. Panelists are seated alongside one another at a shared table, and individual speakers may present from the table, a podium, or from wherever they feel comfortable. For 2023, sessions are 75 minutes (i.e., 1 hour and 15 minutes) each. This breaks down to:
For 3-person panels: Each presenter has 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer period.
For 4-person panels: Each presenter has 12 minutes, followed by a 25-minute question-and-answer period.
For 5-person panels: Each presenter has 11 minutes , followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer period.
What is the role of a panel chair?
Panels chairs are volunteers who assist with the facilitation of a panel. Chairs help to call the session to order on time, determine/confirm the order of speakers, introduce the speakers, keep time for each presenter, and facilitate the question-and-answer period. Many chairs are Board Members or longtime members of PJSA who are familiar with the conference format. Presenters are welcome and encouraged to suggest their own chairs, and if not, a chair will be assigned by the conference committee. If you’re attending and willing to serve as a panel chair, let us know!
Are presenters required to submit a paper?
No. Traditionally we have not asked for nor required presentations to be accompanied by a paper. While some chairs have taken it upon themself to coordinate with presenters to collect and distribute the panelists’ materials, this is not required, as many of our presenters are outside of traditional academia and may not have an academic paper to accompany their presentation.
What technology is provided to panels?
Technology can vary from year-to-year and even from room to room, but generally, all presentation rooms have in-room projectors and computers. We strongly recommend presenters prepare redundant mechanisms to ensure a smooth tech setup. We suggest loading presentation materials onto a flash disk, and sending them to yourself via email.
When should I arrive at my session?
Please arrive to your session at least 10 minutes before it is set to begin. This allows us to determine if anyone is missing, to address any technology needs, establish an order of speakers, and take care of any questions. Chairs and tech support people should aim to get all presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoints) onto one computer such as an in-room PC to reduce friction and time between speakers. We do not typically provide or require microphones in classroom-sized settings.
Do presenters need to register to attend, and if so, how?
Yes. All attendees of the PJSA conference are required to register as attendees regardless if they are presenting or not. As a member-supported, member-serving association, we rely on membership fees and conference attendance fees to sustain our work. We do aim to provide financial assistance to a number of presenters such as award winners, ‘featured and invited speakers,’ student groups, and others. Unfortunately, we are typically not able to provide financial assistance to individuals upon request. Presenters who are unable to register as attendees by the presenter deadline will be removed from the schedule. Please aim to ensure you are registered before the presenter deadline to avoid being removed.