Demystifying the Abstract Submission and Conference Presentation Process

The exchange of information regarding research and programming is vital to the profession and practice of health education. Sessions at national, regional, and state professional meetings provide opportunities for conference attendees to share and acquire information related to health and health education. Students and novice professionals, however, often require guidance in submitting an abstract for presentation and, if it is accepted for inclusion in a conference program, help in preparing and making the presentation. This paper includes guidance on how to successfully prepare and submit an abstract related to research or programmatic initiatives for presentation at a health education conference. Additionally, the paper includes advice for the preparation and delivery of an effective oral presentation, poster session, and roundtable discussion at a professional meeting.