Preparing your Presentation

Verify Abstract:

The initial version of the detailed draft programme will be published by 6 February. This draft programme may be subject to change. If any details are incorrect, please update your abstract (via the emailed link you received when submitting your abstract) or contact FIG office at: FIG@fig.net.

  • Ensure your abstract is included in the online event APP schedule. If any details are incorrect, contact Nadean Noble co-ordinator@fig2026.org with corrections. The event APP will be available closer to the conference, and you will be provided your access individually.

Presentation formats:

Presentations will be delivered using MS PowerPoint. A template with format 16:9 will be made available here in due course. The template ensures uniformity across presentations.

  • Image types – avoid the PICT format. JPG, GIF, TIF, or BMP are suitable image formats.
  • Embedded videos – use WMV format – store the video file in the same folder as the presentation file.
  • Sessions can articulate interesting ideas, highlight new issues for discussion and debate, and connect people with each other.
  • Sessions cannot reflect the full papers thoroughly, assess results rigorously, nor discuss in-depth issues extensively.
  • The goal of presenters is to stimulate audience discussion (and desire to read the papers presented).
  • Presentations are more successful when the audience is motivated to read the full paper.

The following are some suggestions on how authors can engage audiences and excite them about the paper itself.

Description:

 DODON’T
Purpose of PresentationPresent sufficient to indicate the paper is worth a read and tells a worthwhile story.Present summaries of all sections of the paper
Format & TimingConsider starting with the conclusion and then explain why you reached it (e.g. methods/results). Plan for a short presentation – it is easier to expand on points than it is to cut things out. Use fonts larger than 28 pt & no more than 10 slides. Focus on your results.Save the punch line as a sort of surprise ending. Plan for 20 minutes in case there is extra time. Use small fonts or too many overheads. Focus on theory or methods (unless that is your contribution).
IntroductionFocus on what is interesting and new about what you have learned. Try to start off with a real-world analogy/story. Focus on why you decided to do the study. Be too conceptual.
Audience InteractionLook people in the eye and talk to them (not at them). Identify places for audience input. Ask rhetorical questions at key points and wait for responses.
For an empirical paper, ask the audience to vote for alternative explanations of the results.
Give a monologue describing your research.
TheoryState the problem, why it is of interest, and what you will add. Explain what is new as opposed to past contributions.Present a literature review of the area (cites, etc.). Explain every arrow in a complex figure.
MethodsProvide an overview of why the measures are linked to the theoretical construct. Establish face validity and assure that more rigorous methods were applied.Describe the sample measures, and validation of instruments.
ResultsPresent what was significant. Explain what the data tells you. People will read the paper to get details if it seems relevant.Present any tables with numbers
ConclusionAnswer broadly what has been learned and what needs to be done now.Review each result and summarise what was significant.
Final SlideIdentify which SDGs are most relevant to the presented content.See the identified SDGs per commission and sessions as indicated in the technical programme of FIG Congress 2026.

Presentation Timing:

Stick to the following timing guidelines:

  • Keynote: as conveyed to you by the FIG Office
  • Session Presenters: Your total time slot will be between 5 -15 minutes. The exact time will be confirmed by your Session Chair. This may only be known at the start of the session, so it is important to be flexible. The Session Chair will also structure the session to allow time for questions.
  • You will have a 1-minute grace period to wrap up if you exceed your allotted time, after which your presentation will be stopped to maintain the schedule.

Presentation times/sessions:

Allocation of presentation times/sessions will be provided by the organisers and once allocated cannot be altered. We cannot accept individual requests for specific timing due to scheduling complexities.

Saving your files:

All files, especially embedded files linked through your presentation, should be saved on a USB device in the same folder to avoid broken links.

Final slide:

Our profession, and therefore FIG, has a key role to tackle global challenges. For each session the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been defined. Additionally, we ask each presenter to showcase how their work contributes to the achievement of these SDGs. The final slide in the presentation template allows you to select which SDGs are most relevant to the presented content. For more information and inspiration see the identified SDGs per commission and sessions as indicated in the technical programme of FIG Congress 2026.

Post-Conference:

All presentations will be deleted from the conference computers after the event.

The presentations will be collected by FIG and will be available in the online proceedings on the FIG website. If you do not want your presentation to be uploaded, please email FIG@FIG.net.

At FIG2026

Speakers Preparation Room

Location: Meeting Suite 1.53 Cape Town International Convention Centre

Opening hour: to be confirmed nearer the conference.

Information for speakers

You are requested to have your presentation on an USB Memory Stick, which needs to be given to the technicians in the Speakers’ Preparation Room in advance. The technician will download your presentation to the central streaming system and stream it into the venue you are presenting in.

Please note your presentation is required in the Speakers’ Preparation Room on the day before or at least two sessions prior your session. It cannot be displayed directly from the session room, and there will be no opportunity to upload presentations directly in the session rooms. If you do not have any visual aids or special requirements, it would be advisable to still check in at the Speakers’ Preparation Room to inform the technicians thereof and that you are present.

Personal laptops will not be used to present your presentation. Your presentation must be streamed into the session room from the Speakers’ Preparation Room.  Presenters who wish to use their own laptop due to special software requirements are requested to check this possibility well in advance by contacting the local organisers prior to the conference.

If you are playing embedded media in your presentation, check that this functions properly with the technicians in the Speakers’ Preparation Room in good time.

Naming of your presentation

Please name your presentation in the following way so that it can be showed in the session:

sessionID_abstractID.pptx

OR

session room_time_abstractID.pptx

The presentation must be named with the session ID (e.g. TS01A) and abstractID. You find your abstract ID number in your abstract confirmation email and in all communications from FIG regarding your abstract and paper.

During your session

  • Arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before your session starts and introduce yourself to the Session Chair.
  • Sit near the front for easy access to the podium.
  • You will use a remote clicker with a built-in laser pointer to navigate your slides. There will be no mouse or keyboard at the podium, so ensure your slides are set up accordingly.
  • Each session room is equipped with a PC (operated by a technician), a projector, a screen, a cordless microphone, and an aisle microphone.
  • The Session Chair will inform you of any changes to your allotted speaking time depending on the final number of presenters. This may only be known at the start of the session, so it is important to be flexible.
  • There will be a timer in each room.
  • The Session Chair will also remind you not to exceed your allotted speaking time – please follow their guidance.

Poster Presentations

At FIG2026 we aim to ensure that all posters are professionally presented and effectively communicate the research they represent. Please adhere to the following guidelines when preparing your poster.

Verify Abstract:

This draft programme may be subject to change. If any details are incorrect, please update your abstract (via the emailed link you received when submitting your abstract) or contact FIG office at: FIG@fig.net.

  • Ensure your abstract is included in the online event APP schedule. If any details are incorrect, contact Nadean Noble co-ordinator@fig2026.org with corrections. The event APP will be available closer to the conference, and you will be provided your access individually.

Poster Specifications

Size and Dimensions: The standard poster size for this conference is A0 (841 x 1189 mm) or 36 x 48 inches. Posters must be in portrait orientation.

Poster Content

Title: The title should be concise and informative, accurately reflecting the content of your research. Avoid overly technical language. Include the title at the top of the poster in a large, easily readable font (minimum 85 pt).

Author Information: Include the names of all authors, along with their affiliations. The presenting author’s name should be underlined. Provide contact information for the corresponding author, typically an email address.

Design and Layout:

Font and Text Size: Use clear, legible fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri. Avoid decorative fonts. Ensure the following minimum font sizes are used:

  • Title:85 pt
  • Subheadings: 36-44 pt
  • Body Text: 24-32 pt
  • Captions/References: 18-24 pt

Colour Scheme: Use a consistent and professional colour scheme. Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the background and text to enhance readability. Limit the use of colours to avoid overwhelming the viewer. Stick to 2-3 colours.

Images and Graphics: All images, graphs, and charts should be of high quality (300 dpi) and relevant to the   content. Ensure that all visuals are clearly labelled with titles, legends, and axis labels where applicable. Use visuals to complement the text, not to replace it.

Blank Space: Maintain adequate blank space around text and images to prevent the poster from looking cluttered. This also helps direct the viewer’s attention to key areas.

Poster Printing

Professional Printing: We strongly recommend using a professional printing service to ensure the highest quality. Choose a matte finish to reduce glare under conference lighting. Posters must be printed and brought to the conference by the presenter.

Alternatively, you can contact Wilfred Schrieff – wilfredjschrieff05@gmail.com to order a poster printed. Presenters must arrange payment directly with the supplier. Kindly note the conference will not take responsibility for delivery of posters to the conference venue – you will need to make your own arrangements.

Transport: Use a poster tube to protect your poster during travel. Some poster tubes have carrying straps for convenience.

Additional Copies: You may wish to print additional smaller copies (A4 or letter size) of your poster to distribute as handouts to interested attendees.

On-Site Setup

Poster Placement: Posters should be posted in the designated poster area in Audi 1 Foyer, on the 1ST Floor of the Cape Town International Conventions Centre.

Materials: The registration desk will provide materials for you to mount your poster.

Setup and Removal Times: A poster will be given at least one full day of exposure in the exhibition area, and if possible, more than one day. Date as well as setup and dismantling time will be informed by FIG Office.

During the Poster Session

On each of the conference days 25-28 May 2026 there will be a poster session. This session will take place in the session slot at 14:00-15:15.

Presenter Presence: At least one author should be present to answer questions and engage with attendees during your allocated poster session.

You are encouraged to be around your poster in the tea/coffee breaks and during lunch on your designated day.

Engagement: Prepare a summary of your research to discuss with attendees. Be prepared to answer questions and discuss your work in more detail.

By adhering to these guidelines, you will contribute to a professional and informative poster session. We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to showcase your research at the conference.

Session Management

In the technical session there will be a Session Chair and a Rapporteur.

Session Chair

The Chair will introduce you to the audience based on the information that you have included in your paper. The Chair will ensure that all speakers in the session get their presentation time. He/she will also reserve some time for questions/discussion either after each presentation or at the end of the session. Please note that not all sessions are planned as presentation sessions. The session chair decides on the format of the session, which can be a panel, discussion session or other format. The session chair will inform speakers in advance of the type of session. The number of papers per session varies, so please follow the Chair’s instructions in your session. There may be some last-minute changes (e.g. dropouts) that may impact the time schedule. The programme will not be changed – if a speaker does not arrive that time may be used for discussion/questions.

Rapporteur

The role of the Rapporteur is to evaluate the session. The Rapporteur will observe the session and fill in a questionnaire, which will be used to evaluate the technical programme.