Traditional paper posters have long been the go-to format for presenting scientific research—but as technology evolves, conference organizers and presenters are realizing the benefits of electronic posters. With ePostersLive, conference organizers and presenters can create and present e-posters that are both user-friendly and dynamic.
In recent years, ePosters have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional posters, offering a number of advantages over their paper-based counterparts. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the future of scientific poster presentations, and compare ePosters with conventional posters.
ePosters vs. Conventional Posters: What's the Difference?
While traditional posters are printed on paper or vinyl and presented on poster boards, ePosters are digital files that can be accessed on electronic devices such as large monitors, laptops, or smartphones. ePosters typically consist of a single slide and may incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, animations, or interactive features.
Advantages of ePosters
ePosters are versatile. As digital files, they can be easily edited, updated, and shared online. This makes it easier for researchers to collaborate and share their findings with a wider audience, even after a conference has ended.
One of the biggest advantages of electronic posters is their accessibility. Electronic posters can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, making it easier for researchers to showcase their work and for attendees to engage with it. This contributes to knowledge-sharing and greatly extends the longevity of research.
ePosters are also more interactive and engaging than traditional posters. They can incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, animations, or interactive features, which can help to illustrate complex concepts that may fall flat–for lack of a better phrase–on a conventional poster.
ePosters can be more cost-effective than traditional paper posters as well. With ePostersLive, there are no extra web hosting fees, making it easier for conference organizers to budget for the event. The digital format also creates opportunities for revenue generation through sponsorship and advertisement placements.
Finally, ePosters are eco-friendly. They eliminate the need for paper, ink, and other materials used in traditional poster printing. This reduces the environmental impact of poster presentations, and promotes sustainability in scientific research.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between ePosters and traditional posters will depend on the specific needs and preferences of each conference organizer and the research being presented. As the use of ePosters becomes more ubiquitous, the consensus seems to be that they are the preferred option. Because they are more versatile, engaging, and eco-friendly than paper posters, e-posters can help to promote collaboration and sustainability in scientific research without inflating event costs.
But don’t take our word for it–try hosting an eposter session at your next conference, or do a pilot session for just a fraction of posters, if you have reservations. Our guess is that you and poster authors will find that the newfound benefits outweigh the comforts of familiarity.