Presentation formats
The Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration (HMC) Conference 2025 in Cologne will provide a stage for different formats of presentation and interaction:
1. TALK
Wide-spreading. The TALK format is used to present a topic to a larger audience. The presentation time is between 10 and 15 minutes. Each presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session. This format therefore primarily serves the purpose of presenting a topic to a larger audience, while personal interaction and exchange are limited.
The best format for disseminating new ideas or presenting recent results.
2. POSTER&PITCH
Short and crisp. The POSTER&PITCH format combines two formats: The poster will be accessible to all participants for the entire duration of the conference. It should be self-explanatory and easy to grasp. In a targeted poster session, the author will be with the poster and answer questions from interested parties and engage directly. Additionally, prior to the poster sessions, each author will have the opportunity to briefly present their poster topic in a 1-minute pitch in the plenary, thus drawing the audience's attention to their poster and inviting them to a personal exchange during the poster session.
The best format for explaining and discussing results, ideas, and strategies on a 1:1 basis.
3. DEMO
Live show. A DEMO session is an interactive session where participants showcase innovative implementations, tools, web services, or prototypes related to their work as live demonstrations or hands-on presentations rather than just slides or posters.
Demo submissions should align with the conference themes, offering attendees a chance to directly engage with your work. Submitted demos should emphasize how they advance FAIR principles by improving metadata creation, validation, and usage. Examples of demos could include a visualisation dashboard, a tool for FAIRness assessment, or a metadata generator.
The authors of accepted demos are required to demonstrate functional and live-interaction demos during demo sessions in person at the conference location.
The best format for demonstrating live and in colour.
4. WORKSHOP & TUTORIAL
Together. The WORKSHOP & TUTORIAL format applies to all activities that require a personal exchange on several levels on a very specific topic other than demonstration of implementations, tools, web services, or prototypes. Examples of such activities include discussion rounds, workshops, tutorials etc., but also hands-on training on how to apply a tool, method, or technology.
This format is by far the most interactive format, focusing on productivity and further development. One or more organizers provide insight into a specific topic and work together with the participants towards a specific goal that is clearly defined in advance. An interaction can last between 1-3 hours. The length needs to be specified in the abstract.
The best format for exchanging different approaches and perspectives, working on a problem with a lot of manpower, gaining hands-on experience with new tools, or developing joint strategies
