Specific suggestions on preventing overlap and contradictory information . Pooling slides and presentation outlines early in the planning process helps prevent overlapping content. If you choose to have speakers provide articles associated with their topic, it is important not to overwhelm symposium participants with too many articles. Ask speakers for 1-2 articles or other reference materials on their subject for use in the symposium syllabus or educational packet. As with other materials, ask for articles soon enough to allow time for copyright clearance, copying, and assembly of the educational packet.
Some moderators struggle with how to introduce each speaker.
Make their job easier by simply asking each speaker how he or she would like to be introduced. Group meetings are often good times to ask speakers about their introduction preference. Each one of us likes to be appreciated, so it is a nice gesture to give your speakers some token of your gratitude for their work. Anything from a simple thank you letter to a gift or an honorarium may be appropriate. If you choose to offer your speakers honoraria, you can either compare what similar conferences give their speakers or you can simply ask each speaker how much he or she is accustomed to receiving.