2008 Graduate Student Leisure Research

Symposium

The “particulars”

• 16th annual conference: • May 8 and/or 9th, 2008

• Abstract submission deadline: • ***Feb. 22, 2008***

Objectives of the Symposium

• To offer Graduate Students the opportunity to present their research and ideas in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.

• To advance the state of knowledge about leisure, recreation, and tourism through a public forum of shared research.

• To facilitate scholarly communication among students and faculty interested in leisure research, and to create the opportunity for constructive criticism and debate.

More details…

• Oral and Poster Presentations available

• Invited Keynote: Corey Johnson, University of Georgia

• Closing speaker: John Haddock, CEO YMCA Kitchener, Waterloo, & Cambridge

What’s in it for you?

• Share new research or refine a previous presentation

• Good practice for upcoming proposals, class presentations, etc.

• Attend sessions

• Learn from your peers and faculty members in a supportive environment

Abstract Submission

• Generally speaking, your abstract may contain:

• Purpose of research• Procedures and/or methods used • Major finding, results, or new insights • Principal conclusions/summary

• But…you do not have to present a completed study. A class paper or proposal in progress is fine

Abstract Submission

• You can submit your abstract electronically to:

garls@healthy.uwaterloo.ca

An effective abstract is…from: Sharon Nancekevill

• Brief

• Self-contained

• Accurate

• Coherent and readable

• Specific

Common Problemsfrom: Sharon Nancekevill

• No purpose statement

• Too long for guidelines

• Too much background information…no more than 10% of abstract should be background

• No conclusion/summary statement

• Significance of study unclear

Why Participate?• Conference experience and a publication

• No travel or registration costs

• Showcase research in REC!

• Networking opportunities

• Meet and greet with keynote and closing speakers

• Free food!

Oral versus Poster

• Oral• Larger audience• No cost

• Poster• More intimate• Audience has more time with

information

Preparation

• Read guidelines/call for abstracts

• Know your audience

• Focus content

• Get comfortable with your material

Preparation

Oral• Practice!• Don’t read…

discuss• Simple slides

Poster• Start early!• Balance text and

figures• Use colours to

emphasize