On this page you can find information on how we envisage the roles of panel presenters, chairs and discussants:
 

Panel Presenters

Each author presents an abbreviated version of his or her paper at the specific time in the printed programme. As described below, each author has 15 minutes for his or her presentation. Feedback and comments are provided by the discussant, followed by comments, questions, and discussion including the audience. Papers should be sent via e-mail to all the members of one's panel by May 20, 2011. 

Panel Chairs

The chair introduces the panel, each author and his or her paper, and the discussant. In addition, the chair monitors the time for each presentation, making sure that no author exceeds his or her assigned time slot on the program, and ensures that the discussion is polite and productive. If four or five papers are assigned to a 120-minute session, there is approximately 5 minutes for the chair to introduce the session, 15 minutes for each author to present, 20 minutes for feedback from the discussant(s), and 20 minutes of discussion with the audience. The chair ensures that all presenters send their papers 2 weeks prior to the conference so that the discussants can access the papers to prepare their remarks before the panel presentation.

Panel Discussants

The discussant provides feedback regarding research papers that are presented in a panel, pointing out both the strengths and areas in need of improvement. Discussants also may place the research in a broader context and discuss trends and themes.