Facilitators support the effective engagement of presenters and participants in a session by working with presenters to plan an equitable division of time that leaves room for robust participant interaction. They also encourage adherence to the REA’s Code of Conduct throughout the session.
Before the Annual Meeting
Contact presenter(s). (Session papers and contact information for presenters may be retrieved from the meeting schedule.) Discuss and decide issues such as order of presentations, when discussion opportunities will occur (e.g., after each paper and/or after all presentations), whether presenters wish to introduce themselves or be introduced (and information to be used in introductions if the latter), and any other plans for the session.
In the Session at the Annual Meeting
- Arrive 15 minutes early so that you can test your connection, camera, and microphone.
- Start on time, regardless of attendance.
- Welcome and orient participants to the technical workings of the session:
- In accordance with the REA code of conduct, respect each participant’s choice of turning their video on or off
- Keep audio muted when not speaking
- Chat is open for comments and questions
- Captions and a transcript are available in Zoom if desired. (If the session includes live interpretation, note this option as well.)
- Offer a brief overview of how the session will be organized. For example, “we will hear two presentations for the next 30-40 mins and then move to discussion for our remaining time.”
- Monitor time and alert presenters and participants to time limits for presentations and discussion periods. Encourage presenters and participants to share time equitably with all.
- Conclude session on time.