Panels

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Q: Can I get an extension deadline?

A: No unless you have negotiated the extension with the Panels Co-Chairs at the latest one week before the deadline for the call.


Q: Is a panel a mini-paper session?

A: No! A panel is a forum for stimulating ideas. Interaction between the panelists and active participation of the audience are strongly encouraged. It is recommended that a collator or a moderator sollicits questions and encourages participative argumentation. When submitting your proposal make sure to specify the format for the panel presentation. Please avoid a sequence of short talks followed by questions opened to the floor. Strive for interaction!


Q: Shall I contact the Panels Co-Chairs before submitting a panel?

A: Not necessarily but it is recommended to do so to discuss the format and content.


Q: How do I choose panelists?

A: Make sure that your panelists are experienced in the topic and confident enough to talk spontaneously about it - remember they have to respond quickly and coherently to the questions and comments of others.


Q: What makes a good panel topic?

A: There are no hard and fast rules - but past successes have been controversial topics (e.g., Agency in Interfaces), area of methodological difference (e.g., Ethnomethodology versus psychology in UI design), futuristic discussions (cyberspace, its conduct and nature), enticing technology developments (mediaspaces) or issues to do with the relations between theory and application. This year we welcome discussions of Internet issues, given the upsurge of interest in this topic. Having said this, we welcome innovative formats and topics.


Q: What is the duration of a panel?

A: A panel session is 90 minutes in length.


Q: What is the ideal number of panelists?

A: There is no ideal number. It depends on the topic. Three to five panelists is usual.


Q: Will audio/video/computer equipment be provided?

A: Yes. Make sure to clearly specify your requirements on Cover Page Three when submitting your proposal. No late requirements will be accepted.


Q: Will the proposal be published?

A: Yes. If accepted, the two-page Conference Companion Summary of the panel will be published in the CHI 96 Conference Companion. The summary should include the panel title, the names and affiliations of the panelists, an overview of the panel topic and issues, and a summary of each panelist's position. This summary must be prepared in the Conference Proceedings format.


Q: Can panelists mention particular commercial products?

A: Yes, as an illustrative support for the discussion but certainly not as a commercial promotion.


Q: What if I have additional questions?

A: Please send email or phone the panel chairs at the contact addresses provided (email to chi96-panels@acm.org is preferred).