Chairpersons and Discussants Guidelines

Please consult your Agreement Form for detailed information on your session(s).

Chairpersons Guidelines

Chairpersons will ensure the smooth progress of the session and effective time management. They will foster active engagement encouraging discussions and interactions between faculty and the audience allowing adequate time for audience questions.

Speakers will be asked to send their slides in advance to allow the Chairpersons to prepare the session. 
Session preparation emails will be sent early August 2026 by the ESC Team.
Speaker presentations can be viewed or reviewed in the lecture room on the Chairperson Interface before the session starts.

Chairpersons:

• Must be available for the entire duration of the session,
• Introduce the session and Faculty involved,
• Moderate the session and animate the Q&A after each presentation,
• Ensure timekeeping,
• Initiate and actively participate in the session discussion - animate the discussion if no discussant involved,
• Provide a concluding summary and close the session,
• Complete the evaluation at the end of the session on the Chairperson Interface.

Chairperson Interface

A dedicated computer is installed in the lecture room, at the Chairperson table to enhance visibility on the progress of the session and assist in its management, as well as collect evaluation and comments at the end of the session.

You are invited to test this service on the Practice Stage at the Speaker Service Centre.

The lecture room hostess will be available to assist you with the Chairperson Interface if needed.

Discussant Guidelines

Discussants will lead and animate the dedicated discussion time of the session involving all Faculty on stage and by taking incoming questions from the audience.

Speakers will be asked to send their slides in advance to allow the Discussants to prepare the session. 
Session preparation emails will be sent early August 2026 by the ESC Team.
Speaker presentations can be viewed or reviewed in the lecture room on the Chairperson Interface before the session starts.

Discussants:

• Must be available for the entire duration of the session,
• Sit on stage with all Faculty,
• No slides are required from the discussant, the discussion is intended to be engaging and dynamic,  
• Highlight key points related to the topic covered, address controversies and identify gaps where relevant,
• Take and moderate questions from the audience during the discussion.

Stage Set-Up

All Faculty involved in the session will sit on stage for the entire duration of the session to facilitate discussions and encourage interaction.
Please arrive early - so you can be placed on stage by the hostess.
All faculty are expected to remain in the session for its entire duration to participate in discussions and concluding comments as may be required.

Speaker Service Centre

A faculty lounge will allow you to relax, meet with colleagues and exchange on your session(s).

Opening Hours

• Thursday 27 August - 14:00 - 19:00
• Friday 28 August - 07:00 - 19:00
• Saturday 29 August - 07:00 - 19:00
• Sunday 30 August - 07:00 - 19:00
• Monday 31 August - 07:00 – 17:00

The Practice Stage: a lecture room stage has been recreated to familiarise yourself with all available functionalities. You will be able to test the Presentation Management System at the lectern as well as the Chairperson Interface to ensure you are fully comfortable before your session. If you want to practice before showtime - ask our hostess onsite.

Photo Booth: a photographer is available to take your professional portrait which you can then transfer to your Speaker Profile or for your personal use.