Theme: speaking ​with, not at

The Symposium's theme reflects speaking “with” individuals vs. talking “at” them.  The focus is on discussion – speaking with others  – about research in, the teaching of, and applications of visual communication and visual literacy in different contexts.  This approach differs from the presenter speaking for a set time and allowing discussion only after the presentation is over.

Structure: Conversation and Collaboration  

​To foster “with, not at” discussion, the program is organized into sessions that focus on interaction.  In these sessions, a presentere, co-presenters, or  panel share(s) ideas with attendees.  The objective is to help individuals plan the next steps of a project, share ideas about future research options, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and ask questions about approaches.  During these sessions, attendees should feel free to interact with presenters via asking questions, making suggestions, or noting areas for collaboration.

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The timing for presentations will work as follows:

-- Individual presentation session (single presenter) will will be 30 minutes long and consist of 15-20 minutes for the presentation followed by 10-15 minutes dedicated to questions and to discussion.

-- Joint presentation sessions (2 or more presenters on a single topic) will be 45 minutes long and consist of 25-35 minutes for the  presentation followed by 10-20 minutes for questions and discussion.

-- Panel sessions (multiple persons each presenting on a topic relating to a theme) will be 60 minutes long and consist of 40-45 for presentations followed by 15-20 minutes for questions and discussion. 

A session moderator will then capture the results of these discussions to share with attendees later.