• It is important to take note of the sub-theme to which you have been assigned. Your presentation will be strengthened by emphasising how your research links/contributes to this topic.
• Please include a key message slide at end of the presentation. This should highlight the main relevance of your project and the practical application of your findings.
• We recommend that you limit the total number of slides based on the time that you are allocated. Budget approximately 1 minute per slide.
• With pictures, it is advised to put no more than 2 per slide for good visibility.
• Make sure any graphs or charts are easy to understand. Check that the captions are large enough read from a distance.
• Avoid animations and videos unless they are essential to the presentation.
• If you must include a video, it is up to you to make sure that it is set up correctly to play. Please inform VetLink if there is a video in your presentation, upload it on ConfTool in addition to your presentation by 31 July 2025.
• Referencing, consent for images or tables should be available on request.

Text and Layout Recommendations

• Plain white background and black text for presentations

• Font sizes: Title 40, Subtitle 30, Text 28.

• A large font is recommended so all text is legible.

• Use the same font throughout the presentation.

• Maximum of 7 lines of text per slide. Preferably bullet lists with short sentences.

• Use italics or bold to emphasise certain words or phrases.

• Remember to check the spelling before sending in the final version.

LOCAL SUCCESS STORY (LSS) ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

This sub-theme is aimed at para-veterinarians or newly qualified veterinarians who may not be able to contribute a piece of research but can share successful approaches to their local problems and how overcoming these obstacles has had a positive impact on animal health. These stories can be aligned to any of the main themes or stand apart. 

We are specifically looking for local success stories that highlight successful epidemiological interventions or provide unique insights and experiences which we can learn from to translate success into practice in a real-world, African setting. Only oral presentations will be considered and limited to 10 minutes, with a few minutes for questions at the end. Creative presentations are encouraged.

Abstract requirements

• Abstract format (only for LSS) should be a short descriptive paragraph not exceeding 250 words. 
• Scientific format headings (introduction, methods etc.) are not required.
• Use single line spacing.
• Tables, figures or images are permitted.
• Use Arial, font size 12 throughout the abstract. Abstracts must be fully justified, free of typographical and grammatical errors.
• Standard abbreviations may be used for common terms only. Otherwise, any abbreviation should be given in brackets after the first full use of the word. Abbreviations may be used in the title, provided the name in full is outlined in the body of the abstract.
• It is the author’s responsibility to ensure the title, author and affiliation details entered in the paper submission site are correct and exactly as they should be published on the abstract and all congress materials.
• It is the presenter’s responsibility to ensure that all necessary consent/permission to present the research has been received from any additional authors, prior to the congress.

Presentation

• The time given for oral presentation is 10 minutes only, then 3 minutes for questions.
• Note that the audience usually reads the text on a slide before they listen to the speaker. We advise that you:
  • Minimise the text on the slides to essential information only.
  • Keep it simple.
  • Avoid reading out loud the text as it is on the slides.
• Practice your oral presentation thoroughly before hand to make sure the timing is correct.
• All finalised presentations must be uploaded through the link provided on your ConfTool profile under the correct abstract by no later than 31 July 2025. Please name your file as follows: “AbstractID_Surname_Initial” (e.g. “321_Smith_J”).
• Presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint format or pdf (if there are no animations).

Content

• Your presentation must emphasise why this is a success story. What positive effects have the events described had on health and the community? See the description in Scientific Programme Sub-theme descriptions above for more details.
• We recommend that you limit the total number of slides based on the time that you are allocated. Budget approximately 1 minute per slide, i.e. no more than 10 slides.
• Be creative and positive!
• We recommend having lots of pictures to enhance the narrative.
• With pictures, it is advised to put no more than 2 per slide for good visibility.
• Make sure any graphs or charts are easy to understand if they are included. Check that the captions are large enough read from a distance.
• If you must include a video, it is up to you to make sure that it is set up correctly to play. Please inform VetLink if there is a video in your presentation, upload it on ConfTool in addition to your presentation by 31 July 2025.
• Referencing, consent for images or tables should be available on request if any are included.

Text and Layout Recommendations

• Plain white background and black text for presentations
• Font sizes: Title 40, Subtitle 30, Text 28.
• A large font is recommended so all text is legible.
• Use the same font throughout the presentation.
• Maximum of 7 lines of text per slide. Preferably bullet lists with short sentences.
• Use italics or bold to emphasise certain words or phrases.
• Remember to check the spelling before sending in the final version.

POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

• Poster presenters must print their own posters and bring them to the congress.
• The maximum poster size allowable is A1 (420mm x 595mm).
• Orientation: portrait only
• Posters must be printed on 170-200 gsm paper.
• Posters may be laminated, but this is not required.
• Poster should not be printed on material.
• Poster boards and the means to attach them will be provided by SASVEPM.
• Presenters must ensure that all text is large enough and clearly legible. Images, tables, and graphs should be high resolution, and quality must be sufficient for the size of poster selected.
• Each poster will be on display for one day during the congress.
• Presenters will be notified of which poster presentation day they are allocated. 
• Presenters must ensure that their poster is put up by no later than 7:15 on the morning of their allocated presentation day.
• Each poster presenter must stand by their poster and present it to interested audience members during the 30-minute poster session of their allocated day in the program. 
• If a presenter is not there during their allocated poster session, then they will not be considered for the “Best Poster Presentation” prize.
• SASVEPM does not specify poster presentation formats, but templates are available online (click here for examples).

If you have any questions regarding the abstract or presentation guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact the SASVEPM Secretary, Dr. Oonagh Pretorius, secretary@savepm.org. 

If you have any questions or problems regarding congress registration, payments, acceptance letters, abstract or presentation submissions please do not hesitate to contact our Vetlink event manager,  Ms Katlego Legodi, support@vetlink.co.za .

In the event that an abstract is accepted, the presenter will be given the opportunity to apply for a SASVEPM Congress Bursary 2025 to attend and present at the event. Bursary applications will open on 15 May 2025 via a link provided in the abstract outcome notification letter. Please note that priority will be given to applicants who have been accepted for oral presentations.