New Format “Flash-Talk Sessions”

Introducing a New Format “Flash-Talk Sessions” at SSWR 2025!

SSWR is excited to announce a new pilot, presentation format “Flash-Talk Sessions” at SSWR 2025 in Seattle, WA.  We’re pleased to report that for the 2025 Conference we received a 12.5% increase in the overall abstract submissions.  SSWR is implementing the “Flash-Talk Sessions” and expanding our capacity for poster presentations to maintain the same acceptance rate as the 2024 conference.

For more details on this new format, here are Flash-Talk resources:

  1. Watch this Flash-Talk Orientation Video (YouTube)
  2. Download Flash-Talk Orientation PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
  3. Read Flash-Talk Orientation Video Transcript (PDF)

Here’s a brief overview:

  • In the same manner that cluster chairs create the grouped paper sessions of 4 to 5 oral papers, the cluster chairs created Flash-Talk sessions with 6 to 7 oral papers.
  • Flash-talk sessions will be 90 minutes long and will run concurrently with abstract-based sessions and posters.
  • Each 90 minute Flash-talk session includes:
    • 5 minute introduction by volunteer moderator
    • will feature seven (7) individual oral presentations, with each presentation lasting up to eight (8) minutes
    • 20 minute Q & A
    • 2 minutes closing remarks by volunteer moderator

The Flash-Talks provide a dynamic alternative to traditional presentations:

  • Increased opportunities for researchers to share their work
  • Diversifies presentation options
  • Increased opportunities to engage scholarly ideas
  • Develop clear succinct communication tailored to diverse audiences
  • Fostering vibrant exchange of ideas
  • Enhance academic discourse

Additionally, a webinar Q&A session will be available for Flash-Talk presenting authors and session moderators mid-October.

A special thank you to SSWR Board Members Kirk Foster (past vice president), Justin Harty (early-career director-at-large), and Fatima Mabrouk (doctoral student director-at-large) for producing the video.

For any questions, please contact A. DeeJay Hastings, CAE, SSWR Program Director, at dj@sswr.org.

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