Poster Session

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention features a poster session running throughout the 2 day show. All poster submissions are displayed for viewing in a high traffic area allowing growers and members of the ag-industry to see the excellent work that is done to support of the commodities that they grow!

The OFVC poster session is an effective venue for researchers, industry and extension specialists to present new information pertinent to Ontario’s horticultural industry. Posters that present results from research trials, including pest management, crop production, new cultivars, and opportunities for marketing Ontario horticulture are welcomed. Keep in mind that the audience is predominantly comprised of growers and consultants. Avoid technical language or jargon so that everyone can make the most of the information. Both student and regular submissions are welcome in this category.

2012 Student Poster Competition
The long-standing Student Poster Competition features student research conducted in the field of horticulture. The event offers students an opportunity to showcase their work to their target audience and compete for cash awards.

1st Prize - $500.00
2nd Prize - $300.00
3rd Prize - $200.00

Students interested in participating in the competition are required to complete and submit a Student Poster Competition Application by January 27, 2012 the Student Poster Chair. Competition rules and eligibility are as follows:

Eligibility
The competition is primarily directed at students currently enrolled at a college or university that are conducting research on horticulture crops or related production/marketing practices relevant to Ontario. Students enrolled in advanced secondary school programs will be considered on a case by case basis at the discretion of the competition organizer. The research must be novel and the student must have performed the majority of the work. Students are not required to stand with the posters during judging.

Poster Format and Judging Criteria
While there is no formal format for posters, students are encouraged to describe the problem being addressed or technology being evaluated, what was done to solve the problem or with the technology during the evaluation, what happened (results) during the evaluation and a discussion on the importance of this work to the Horticulture industry.

Posters will be judged by an impartial panel including at least one research scientist, one OMAFRA extension worker and a representative from the horticulture industry. Judges will rank the posters based on the following criteria:

Introduction (problem or issue described, reason for undertaking work) - 10 points
Body of Presentation - 10 points
Summary/Conclusion (future directions, field application) - 20 points
Research (originality, impact on target or industry, good science) - 10 points
Organization (flow, logical progression) - 10 points
Visual Impact (creative message, appealing balance) - 20 points
Grower Friendly - 20 points

Poster Dimensions, Delivery and Pick-Up
Posters should measure approximately 120 cm x 90 cm (48” x 36”) in either portrait or landscape orientation. Students are required to have velcro on the posters when submitted. All authors are responsible for printing, delivery and pick-up. Posters should arrive at Scotiabank Convention Centre no later than 8 am on February 22. Posters can be sent in advance to either of the OFVC Poster Chairs. Posters must be collected by the authors by 4 pm on February 23. The OFVC is not responsible for any posters not picked up by the author.

For more information
Dr. Jason S.T. Deveau – Chair, Student Poster Session
Application Technology Specialist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1283 Blue Line Road, Simcoe Research Station
Simcoe, Ontario, N3Y 4N5
(p): 519.426.8934
(f): 519.428.1142
(e): jason.deveau@ontario.ca

Hannah Fraser – Chair, Regular Poster Session
Entomology Program lead – Horticulture Crops
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
4890 Victoria Avenue North, Box 8000
Vineland Station, L0R 2E0
(p): 905.562.1674
(f): 905.562.5933
(e): hannah.fraser@ontario.ca