Participation Formats

Paper Panels Are Created in Two Ways

1. Individuals submit papers, which if accepted, are grouped thematically by the Conference Program Review Committee to form a panel.
2. Organizers submit papers from 4-5 scholars, which are reviewed by the Conference Program Review Committee, and if accepted, are scheduled as pre-organized panels.

Session Time Structure & Presenter Responsibilities

Paper panels are 80 minutes long. Individual presentations are allotted 10 minutes each. Within each session, approximately 15-20 minutes should be reserved for open discussion.

• In sessions with five speakers, each speaker is allotted 10 minutes.
• In sessions with three or four speakers, each speaker is allocated 12 minutes.
• It is best to plan on 10 minutes regardless of the number of speakers since last minute changes in the session could affect your allotted time.

Research Briefs (5-minute Oral Presentation) are the best option for researchers at early stages of their work. Submissions are welcome on any topic that has urban policy or conceptual/theoretical implications within urban affairs. Presenters are grouped thematically with up to three (3) other presenters. Each presenter is allotted 5 minutes to deliver their research brief. 

A colloquy is a structured, formal discussion of a topic by a few individuals (typically four or five speakers) who have developed a discussion plan. Each individual speaker makes prepared comments. After all speakers have spoken, they then engage in an open discussion with the audience. Colloquy speakers do not, however, present written papers or in-depth research findings. Instead, speakers draw upon their general knowledge, background, and experience of the subject being discussed.

Session Time Structure & Presenter Responsibilities

Colloquy sessions are 80 minutes long. Within each session, approximately 15-20 minutes should be reserved for open discussion.

• In sessions with five speakers, each speaker is allotted 10 minutes.
• In sessions with three or four speakers, each speaker is allocated 12 minutes.
• It is best to plan on 10 minutes regardless of the number of speakers since last minute changes in the colloquy could affect your allotted time.

A roundtable session is an informal discussion of a topic. The discussion is led by one or more persons but open to anyone who wishes to join in and share their views. Leading a roundtable is a good way to meet people who share your interests.

Roundtable sessions are scheduled for a 50-minute period. If you are leading the discussion, plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time to ensure that interested persons are greeted.

An individual who is not involved in any other form of participation, but would like to play a limited role as a moderator. Their primary role is to make introductions and manage time. Complete Moderator Guidelines