AUCD 2026 Conference

November 8-11 | Washington, D.C.

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Presenter Corner

Image of a woman with long brown hair wearing a floral print shirt presenting in front of a poster.The AUCD Conference provides opportunities for attendees to expand their knowledge, strengthen and enhance their skills, and build meaningful connecting with colleagues and peers from across the network and beyond. With a theme of Impact Through Innovation and Partnership, this year's Conference focuses on sharing ideas, learning from one another, and working together to make a REAL difference in our communities. Through innovative approaches and strong partnerships, we can improve services, research, and support for people with disabilities, their families, and our communities.

Tools and Information

Each session is designed differently to allow attendees flexibility in learning and presenting styles during their time at the Conference.  Prepare for your role as a Conference presenter with key information, resources, and guidance for a successful presentation below. Review participation expectations, submit your presentation materials, and learn about shipping materials to the hotel.

Attendees sitting together during the Conference.

Session Types

Concurrent: 75 minute panel presentation: all panelists are identified

A panel is a group of thematically linked presentations and a designated moderator. Each panelist will present for 20 minutes as one of two or three presenters who are submitting this proposal with you.

Standard room setup will include microphones, a podium, a head table, an LCD projector, and a screen. Presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptop, or may request one from AUCD (rented through the hotel) and be invoiced for the cost.

Concurrent: 75 minute interactive "discussion" presentation

An individual or small group will lead an interactive discussion or exercise for 75 minutes. Presenters should not "present" or lecture at the participants for more than 20% of the session. 

Standard room setup will include microphones, a podium, a head table, an LCD projector, and a screen. Presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptop, or may request one from AUCD (rented through the hotel) at their own cost.

Poster Symposia

All posters for the AUCD Conference will be presented in a series where 12-15 posters on a similar theme will be grouped together in a room. Posters will be displayed on large boards and have a table underneath for accompanying materials. The session will be introduced by a moderator, poster authors will be asked to provide a very brief two-minute introduction of their poster, and then attendees will be free to move about the room to speak with poster presenters directly for the remainder of the session. Attendees are also welcome to move between symposia rooms and view posters on other topics.

Presentations accepted in this format are expected to create and hang a poster (see the below requirements), and accompany said poster and discuss it with individuals as they explore posters in more depth, then remove the poster at the conclusion of the event. Electronic versions of posters, in PowerPoint or PDF format, are required to be received by AUCD before the conference and will be posted on the public AUCD Conference website for full accessibility and attendee reference.

All poster presenters will be provided with a poster board (dimensions below), push pins for hanging the poster, a 6' skirted table for displaying materials, and a single chair. Presenters requiring electricity, internet, or any other items should request them through AUCD and will be invoiced for the cost.

Poster Requirements

Physical Poster

  • Create it: Print on heavy duty paper or fabric, not larger than 44" tall by 90" wide, or 3.75'x 7.5'. Many presenters create their poster in PowerPoint at the maximum PPT width of 52" wide x 44" tall, or create their poster in a design program like InDesign or Photoshop that allows for custom sizes.
  • Print it: Almost any print shop (ie the university printer, a local business, Fed-Ex, or MakeSigns.com) should be able to print your poster. Some will offer shipping directly to the conference, while others will require you to check the poster as luggage on your flight or make separate shipping arrangements. AUCD has a partnership with Poster Nerd. If you print a paper or fabric poster at Poster Nerd, you can receive a 10% Discount. Learn more.
  • Hang it: A fabric poster board and table underneath for materials are provided by AUCD. Push pins and other equipment to hang your poster is also provided by AUCD.
  • Ship it: View the Shipping to the Hotel page for important information about shipping your poster to the hotel if you're unable to bring it during your travels.

E-Poster

  • Create it: A single PPT slide or PDF of your poster.
  • Submit it: E-posters must be submitted by Friday, October 4. View instructions on how to submit a digital poster.
  • Display it: E-posters will be posted and publicly available on the AUCD Conference website both before and after the Conference.
AUCD Association of University centers on disabilities

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Copyright 2026 Association of University Centers on Disabilities

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Copyright 2026 Association of University Centers on Disabilities