[private] :: Blog :: Role of session chair

Today, I acted as session chair at the International Conference on Mechanical Engineering that is a part of WCE2010.

 

My main duties included the following during the conference session period:

 

1. I arranged the session participants to upload their presentation files onto the notebook/PC before the start of the session.

 

2. I introduced the invited speakers, the participants and their paper titles.

 

3. I delivered the certificate of invited speech to the invited speaker and certificates of participation – to the participants after their presentations.

 

4. I completed the scored sheets. I was invited to do the scoring for the best paper award and the best student paper award.

 

My role was to ensure the smooth running of the conference session. I was awarded the certificate of participation as session chair.

 Nine speakers presented their work during my session (which lasted about 2.5 hours). The presentations were focused on different topics related to fundamental and applied problems of mechanical engineering – from computational fluid dynamics (this topic is close to my area of expertise) to design of machine and mechanisms (I am far from this topic). 

This was my first experience as session chair. I believe I did well. All tasks mentioned above were performed successfully. The session ran smoothly. All participants seemed to be satisfied with my performance as session chair and my introduction of the participants and invited speakers. It was easier than I expected. This experience was useful for my future career as well my potential collaboration with other participants. My role also helped me to establish a close relationship with the local organising committee at the Imperial College and the international advisory board.