Preparing for Your TAC Conference Session
Information for Presenters & Moderators
Applications to present at the 2026 TAC Conference & Exhibition are closed.
Information about presenting or serving as a panelist for the 2027 TACCONF will be available near the end of 2026.
If you submitted a panelist application,
the panel organizer will contact you directly. If you have not received any communication, please reach out to tp-pt@tac-atc.ca.
Have a question? Check our FAQs before reaching out to tp-pt@tac-atc.ca.
Key Dates and Deadlines
June
- Mid-June: Call for Presenters submission notifications issued
- June 25: Early bird rates deadline for:
- Conference registration
- Exhibition
- Presenters must be registered for the conference to be included in the program
July
- July 14: Technical session draft paper revisions due
- Late July: Technical session presenter schedule announced
August
- Mid-August: Technical session authors notified if papers are accepted
September
- Early September: Technical session presenter and moderator training, and information session
- September 4: Technical session presenter/author final information due
- September 23: Technical session final slide decks and papers due
October
- October 2-4: Fall Technical Meetings
- October 4-7: TAC Conference & Exhibition
Types of Conference Sessions
Typical session formats are:
Presentation Sessions
- 5-minute moderator welcome and overview
- 25-minutes per presentation (includes an introduction, the presentation and a Q&A)
- 5-minute moderator wrap-up
Lightning Sessions
- Similar format to presentation sessions, with shorter, focused presentations
Panel Discussions
- 5-minute moderator welcome and overview
- 10 to 20-minutes per presentation (includes introductions, presentations, a brief Q&A)
- 20 to 50-minutes of moderated discussion
- 5-minute moderator wrap-up
Note: The format may vary depending on the session design.
Workshops
- 5-minute moderator welcome and overview
- Presentations and/or interactive activities
- Group and/or breakout discussions
- 5-minute moderator wrap-up
Session Roles
Presenters and moderators must arrive 20 minutes before the session start time to:
- Introduce themselves to each other
- Review the room setup and technology
- Confirm that the pre-loaded slide decks are working
Session volunteers must arrive 30 minutes before the session start time.
A Presenter...
presents in a session, or participates in a panel discussion or workshop.
They are responsible for:
- Preparing and submitting final presentation materials
- Presenting in person
- Staying within the allotted time
- Participating in Q&A or discussion
- Completing their presenter profile in the Conference App
A Moderator...
is a TAC committee member.
They are responsible for:
- Opening the session and introducing the presenters
- Acknowledging sponsors (if applicable)
- Keeping the session on schedule
- Facilitating discussion and the Q&A
- Ensuring microphones are used for all questions
- Supporting bilingual participation using Wordly*
- Providing closing remarks and thanking participants
A Volunteer...
is appointed by a conference host organization to help things run smoothly.
They are responsible for:
- Welcoming session participants and attendees
- Supporting the moderator and presenters
- Assisting with session logistics
- Taking attendance and recording participation
*The Wordly platform provides real-time French and English voice and text interpretation.
Final Presentation Materials
(Due September 23)
Important: Slide decks are pre-loaded on conference laptops and cannot be changed after they are submitted.
Additional notes:
- Your session code is included in your acceptance email and will be available in the online program starting late July
- Bring a USB backup copy of your presentation (used only if needed).
Preparing Your Presentation
- Present content as described in your accepted submission
- Benefit from “Presenter Mode,” which allows you to view your notes privately on the floor monitor during your presentation
- Rehearse your presentation to stay within the time limit
- Use the microphone and speak clearly toward the audience
- Watch the floor monitor for time warnings
On-site Information
Registration and Badge Pick-up
Presenters must register by the early bird deadline of June 25th to be included in the program. Note: refunds will be available until the end of August for any technical session author whose paper is not accepted. Learn more about registration details and fees.
Pick up your badge at the on-site registration desk. Registration hours and locations will be posted in the Conference App.
Presentation Schedule
Your session date and time will be provided in your acceptance email (mid-June). View the Technical Program Sessions Schedule (PDF) for a list of sessions and their schedule.
Room Set-up and Technology
Each session room includes:
- Podium with microphone
- Screen, projector and laptop
- Slide advancer (remote clicker)
- Floor monitor (Presenter view)
- Timer
- Audience microphone
- Panel discussion: head table with microphones*
- Workshops: round tables and flipcharts
Notes for presenters:
- Presenters MUST remain at the podium or the head table when presenting to ensure their audio is captured.
- Presentations must be run from the provided laptop only.
Presenter Lounge/Ready Room
Ground Floor – Room 15
A dedicated space is available on-site for presenters and moderators to prepare before sessions. Includes:
- Light refreshments
- A computer and printer
Hours will be posted in the Conference App.
Presenter Profile (Conference App)
- Add your bio and photo
- Upload presentation materials
Withdrawals
To withdraw as a presenter, please contact srazaaq@tac-atc.ca.
Questions?
Visit the Presenter FAQ page for answers to common questions before, during, and after the conference.