To encourage connection, discussion, and a deeper knowledge exchange, all session formats have a social engagement component that extends over the duration of the conference. Presenters are asked to not only commit to giving their formal session but also to be available and participate in social engagement over the entire conference.

The following table shows the virtual synchronous, asynchronous, and social engagement aspects of the session formats.

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Format	Description	Synchronous	Asynchronous	Social Engagement
Presentation Duration: 20 minutes (including Q&A)	Conference presentations delivered synchronously or asynchronously by one or more authors. Presentations must provide an in-depth examination of the topic(s) of interest. Presentation proposals should include a full description of what will be presented.	Presentation conducted in real time followed by Q&A.	Video, audio or other digital presentation materials need to be supplied in advance of the conference. Due to possible infrastructural challenges (connectivity or cost of data) when using a video, please limit its length to 5 min maximum. This will make it easier for others around the world to participate. During the conference, presenters need to allocate some time for answering questions and engaging with participants about the content of their presentation asynchronously.	Discussion forum and chat room.
Poster/Exhibition	The purpose of these sessions is to provide an opportunity to share ideas and insights. Presenters and targeted audiences are encouraged to interact with each other using designated digital tools. Conducted only asynchronously.	NA	Poster graphics must be supplied in advance of the conference. Optional description using video/audio can also be provided. Due to possible infrastructural challenges (connectivity or cost of data) when using a video, please limit its length to 5 min maximum. This will make it easier for others around the world to participate. During the conference, presenters need to allocate some time for answering questions and engaging with participants about the content of their presentation asynchronously.	Discussion forum.
Lightning Talk Duration: 9 minutes (including Q&A)	Short, speedy conference presentation conducted in real time. Based on 22 slides x 22 seconds for each, by one or more authors.	Short presentation conducted in real time followed by Q&A.	NA	Chat room.
Panel Duration: 60 minutes	Panels are conducted in real time and are moderated by 3-5 experts discussing a topic, designed to give the audience different perspectives. Panels will focus on interactive discussion between the panel members and the audience. Panel proposals should include the topics to be discussed, how the audience will be engaged in the discussion, and expected outcomes for the session.	Discussion conducted in real time with Q&A	NA	Discussion forum or chat room.
Workshop/Tutorial/Action Lab Duration: 60 – 120 minutes	These are action-oriented, hands-on sessions conducted in real time. These sessions could take the form of a workshop, a brainstorming collaboration, or a participatory how-to session. These are intended to train participants, engage them in thoughtful discussion, provide the opportunities for feedback, and incubate new projects and ideas. Proposals must describe the intended content, goals of the session, and hands-on components of the session.	Session participants will be engaged in real time in the online space. Proposals need to clearly demonstrate how participants will be engaged during the session.	Video, audio or other digital presentation materials need to be supplied in advance of the conference. Due to possible infrastructural challenges (connectivity or cost of data) when using a video, please limit its length to 5 min maximum. This will make it easier for others around the world to participate. During the conference, presenters need to allocate time for answering questions and engaging with participants about the content of their session asynchronously.	Discussion forum and chat room.