2010 Conference Research Poster Session

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is the recognized authority and the primary membership organization for people with a common interest in applied humor and laughter.  Its mission is to serve as the community of professionals who study, practice and promote healthy humor and laughter.

AATH is including a Research Poster Session during its 2010 Annual Conference, April 22-25 in Anaheim, California. 

                                  Submission Deadline for all proposals:  January 15, 2010

                                  Accepted applicants will be notified by February 15, 2010

Criteria for Application:

Applications require only an electronic document providing the following:

• Study title
• Names and affiliations of authors
• Abstract a brief description of the study’s contribution to the field
• Indication of whether or not an author will be in attendance (see #4, below)

Submit applications to: staff@aath.org.  1st author of successful submissions will be notified by February 15, 2010.  For questions regarding this poster session, contact AATH member Lenny Dave at: LennyDave1@aol.com

The purpose of this research poster session is to inform the conference’s target audience of humor-and laughter-related research.  This session also provides a venue for humor-and laughter-related research to be made visible to a uniquely interested target market.

Selection Criteria:

Successful applicants will be determined based on the following criteria:

1. Completed or emerging research specifically exploring or examining humor or laughter. Posters describing research of any ancillary topic (e.g., wellness, happiness) will be considered only if the role of humor or laughter is clearly identified in the study’s purpose and design.
   
2. May involve quantitative, qualitative, mixed method or applied (action) research.
   
3. Successful submissions will be determined by a panel of qualified reviewers.  Criteria will include: professionalism and thoroughness of the proposal; level of academic rigor within the study’s respective research design; importance of the study as it relates to relevant applied fields.  These fields include, but are not limited to: education, health care/medicine, business, faith communities/spirituality, and social sciences, e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, social work, child, adolescent or adult development; family studies, etc.
   
4. A study author is strongly encouraged to attend in person and to be present during the
   poster session.  It is important for researchers and practitioners who rely on quality scholarship to meet and be informed of each other’s relationships within the field of therapeutic humor and laughter.  Attending researchers are required to register for the conference.

FYI Regarding Presentation of Accepted Papers:

We’re asking authors of accepted applications to submit a MOUNTED summary poster AND an electronic version with greater detail provided in a PowerPoint presentation.  Please be aware that, if your proposal is selected, we expect authors to present their respective paper in the following TWO formats:

1.  PHYSICAL POSTER

            The physical posters should be eye-catching and provide the following information

• Study title
• Study authors and contact information of Principal Investigator
• Abstract
• BRIEF summary of methods
• Summary of findings

NOTE: Unattended physical posters must be shipped to us MOUNTED on foam or mount board stiff enough to displayed upright when propped against a wall, table leg, or other upright support.  Poster size: Either horizontal or vertical format may be used.  No smaller than 11” x 14” and no larger than 20” x 24.”

2. ELECTRONIC VERSION in PowerPoint format

            PowerPoint presentation may be compiled onto a single slide or may contain one or more slides for each of the sections       

                 listed below.  Regardless, this presentation must include the following:

• study title;
• authors, including current contact information for principal investigator;

• purpose statement;

• research question(s);
• population, including n;
• methods description;
• findings or status (if completed, include findings or results; if emerging, include expected completion date);
• statement as to the importance of this study related to the use of humor or laughter in an applied setting.

Both the printed version and an electronic version of your final poster will be required so all accepted submissions can be compiled onto DVDs for distribution to conference attendees.

PLEASE NOTE that the information, above, is simply to inform applicants of the final submission criteria, but are not required for submission of an application.  See page 1 for application criteria.

Further submission details will be provided with the notification that your poster has been accepted.

Unattended physical posters will be discarded at the conclusion of the conference and will not be returned.

 

Call for Presenters

Online Application Form

AATH posts opportunities on this page about submitting presentation proposals for future Conferences, Poster Sessions, TeleForums and other AATH sponsored programs.   Deadline for the 2011 conference is Friday, June 25, 2010.

We invite experts from education, health care, research, business, faith communities, social services, and government to contribute to the educational experiences offered through AATH events. We expect and encourage a wide diversity of subjects as they pertain to evidence-based information about current research and practical applications or impacts of humor and laughter.

All submissions will be reviewed by the Program Committee. Accepted presentations will be published in the Conference/Event Proceedings.

Goals of the AATH Educational Programs:

•   Provide useful information and training about current research and best practices in humor and laughter.
•   Provide networking opportunities
•   Create a sense of community among people from different areas of the world
•   Expand the humor, laughter and play community

Selection Criteria:

1. Aligned to conference theme
2. Clear goals and outcomes
3. Presenter qualifications 
4. Clarity of content and organization
5. Relevant objectives
6. Timeliness of topic for AATH audience
7. Solid research base
8. Relevant and appealing to target audience
9. Action video included
10. Aligned with AATH Mission

   

      Selection Rubric

Important Information for Presenters:

• Plenary session (keynote) speakers will be invited.
• Most communication with conference committee and office will be done by email. Please ensure that we have your current email address at all times.
• Deadlines will be specified for the handout materials.
• All handout materials must be submitted in digital format.
• Digital photographs (JPEG with 150 pixel resolution in color or B&W) will be required for website posting and printed brochure.
• Web page will be created for each presenter and posted on the AATH.org site. Presenter pages will be linked to the program schedule.
• Speaker's web page will feature their photo, bio, email link, link to the speakers' personal website.

Thank you! We look forward to reviewing your proposal.