American Society for Microbiology

Cross-Track Symposium  

This type of session focuses on interdisciplinary topics of broad interest and showcases transcendent science. Cross-Track Symposia provide an opportunity to expand scientific knowledge and better understand new trends in the field of microbiology. The format is 2-hours in length and includes 1 convener with 3 invited speakers, followed by a panel discussion or Q&A segment. 

Debate (NEW for 2023)

This type of session presents opposing views about a topic in a debate-style format. The convener acts as the moderator and 2 debate teams represent each side of a controversial topic. This is an interactive session type, and the audience will vote on which team wins points and the overall debate. The format is 1-hour in length and includes 1 convener and 2 debate teams with three panelists each. This session type does not have invited speakers as debate teams do not prepare formal presentations. 

In-Depth Symposium Information

This type of session addresses an important issue and/or research on a particular subject, with a diversity of knowledge and/or points of view presented by leading experts. Appropriate oral abstract presentations are selected by the session convener from accepted abstracts in February and scheduled in the session. The format is 2-hours in length and includes 1 convener with 2 invited speakers and 3 or 4 oral abstracts. 

Panel Discussion (NEW for 2023) 

This type of session generates spontaneous interaction among panelists and between panelists and the audience in response to questions posed by the session convener. Conveners play a very active role, serving as the moderator who facilitates discussion between panelists and the audience. The format is 1-hour in length and includes 1 convener with 3 panelists. This session type does not have invited speakers as panelists do not prepare formal presentations.  

Track Hub 

This type of session features a short, highly interactive presentation on a track-specific topic held in informal, open-space Track Hubs on the Exhibit and Poster Hall floor. The format is 45-minutes in length and includes 1 speaker. 

Mini-Conference

This session type is an extended format focusing on a specific topic area in the microbial sciences.  Mini-Conferences will be scheduled on Thursday, June 15. The program is 3.5 hours in length, and the submitter designs the format to include 1 convener and up to 4 speakers.