Prepare a Poster

Prepare a poster for the Marketplace of Ideas and Opportunities Session:

1. Every conference participant is invited to prepare a poster for the Marketplace of Ideas and Opportunities that will take place on Friday morning. This doesn’t have to be highly polished or professionally done. The essential thing is to have a visual representation of what you would like to share and collaborate around.
2. The purpose of the Marketplace is to provide a venue for all conference participants to share information about an innovative idea or solution to a complex social problem that they are working on. Innovations can be at any stage from an existing program to an idea that is in formative design. Posters will also be welcome from organizations/programs that provide linking and support services or resources to innovators. Individuals from the same organization or project should collaborate to make one poster unless they are working on different solutions and therefore in need of forming different collaborative relationships.
3. Categories for posters:
   • Idea Posters — Present ideas that are in the formative design stage.
   • Opportunity Posters — Share best practices and seek help.
   • Service and Resource Posters — Offer classes, workshops, consulting, research databases, and other services.
4. Poster Content: Please remember that the focus of the conference is on Innovation and Collaboration. You are not merely making a pitch for your work or organization, but you are presenting innovative ideas and opportunities to collaborate with others to extend the potential of solving complex social problems more effectively. Your poster should consider the following questions:
   • What is the problem you are trying to solve?
   • What are you doing that is truly creative — that is moving you to a different level and strategy to solve complex problems?
   • How are you adapting a proven strategy to a unique cultural context?
   • Where are you working?
   • What stage are you at? What have you accomplished so far?
   • What kind of collaboration resources are you looking for? (partners, interns, research, evaluation, volunteers, employees, donors, clients, etc)
   • What are your obstacles?
   • What services, information or resources do you have to offer others?
5. Guidelines for poster dimensions and materials:
   • Posters can be created on a computer or hand made.
   • Mount posters on foam core or other light-weight, rigid material. (no flimsy posters)
   • Dimensions: maximum size — 18" wide X 27" high
   • Display holders will be provided at the conference.
6. Poster Preparation Workshops are available to provide an opportunity to share your thoughts, organize your ideas, and learn some tips for creating your poster.
   • Friday, February 25 at 3:00 – 5:00 a.m. in 374 TNRB.
   • Friday, March 4 at 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. in 374 TNRB.
7. Submission.
   • Bring the hard copy of your poster to Conference Registration starting at 7:45 on March 11, 2011.