Instructions for session chairs
Thank you for chairing a technical session at INALCO 2026.
The main responsibility of the session chair is to keep the session on time. The parallel sessions must stay synchronized so participants can move between rooms according to the programme.
15:00 — one bell — 2 minutes left
17:00 — double bell — time is up
Presentation timing
Each presentation slot is 22 minutes:
| Time | Chair action |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | Start the talk timer when the speaker begins |
| 15:00 | Ring the bell once: 2 minutes left |
| 17:00 | Ring the bell twice: presentation time is up |
| 17:00-22:00 | Questions and presenter changeover |
| 22:00 | Start the next presentation |
The presentation time is 17 minutes. The remaining time is for questions and changeover.
Do not extend individual presentations, even if the session has fewer talks than planned. Use any remaining time for discussion at the end, or finish the session early.
Before the session
Arrive in the room at least 10 minutes before the session starts.
Check that:
- The first presenter is present and ready.
- The technical assistant is present.
- The presentations are available on the room PC, USB stick, or presenter laptop.
- You have the programme, a timer, and the bell.
- You know the order of the presentations.
Before the session starts, remind the speakers:
“Each presentation is 17 minutes. I will ring the bell once when 2 minutes remain, and twice when the presentation time is up. Please finish promptly at the double bell so that we keep the parallel programme synchronized.”
Opening the session
Start on time.
Suggested opening:
“Welcome to this INALCO 2026 technical session. My name is [name], and I will chair this session. Each presentation is 17 minutes, followed by up to 5 minutes for questions and changeover. I will ring the bell once when 2 minutes remain, and twice when the presentation time is up. Please help us keep the programme on schedule.”
Then introduce the first presenter with contribution number, title, and speaker name.
During presentations
Start the timer when the speaker begins.
At 15 minutes, ring the bell once.
At 17 minutes, ring the bell twice.
If the speaker continues after the double bell, allow only a short sentence to close. If needed, interrupt politely:
“I am sorry, but we need to stop here to keep the programme on time.”
Do not let one presentation continue into the next speaker’s slot.
Questions
Use the remaining time in the 22-minute slot for questions and changeover.
Keep questions short and focused. If there are no questions from the audience, the chair may ask one question.
When time is nearly over, say:
“We have time for one final question.”
End the questions in time for the next presentation to start on schedule.
If a speaker is missing
Do not move later presentations earlier unless the organizing committee has asked you to do so. Keep the published order and timing.
Use the empty slot for a short break or general discussion. This allows participants to move between parallel rooms according to the programme.
If there are technical problems
Ask the technical assistant for help.
Try to solve the issue quickly, but do not let one technical problem delay the full session. If needed, move to the next presenter while the issue is being resolved.
Closing the session
At the end, thank the speakers, the audience, and the technical assistant.
Please report missing presenters, major delays, or technical problems to the conference reception or organizing committee.