The CAMEX educational program consists of approximately 50 sessions. Session formats vary and the 2012 CAMEX Program Committee encourages you to consider using the most engaging format possible for your content. Taking a new approach to your session can really liven things up! Typical breakout sessions for CAMEX will be 75 minutes in length. Poster, flash, and other "alternative" formats may be shorter and will be paired into the schedule in 75-minute groupings.

Facilitated
An interactive setting, involving as many members of the group as possible, leading to information sharing. Advantages: Adults learn more quickly and retain information better if the learning is facilitated rather than presented. Limitations: Better style for groups of 50 or less.

Lecture
A prepared presentation by qualified speaker(s) used to impart new knowledge/information in an organized fashion. Advantages: Easy to organize, suitable for any size audience. Limitations: The role of the audience is passive unless a question and answer period is included.

Panel discussion
A group of several people having a focused conversation on a specific topic. Advantages: The variety in speakers, whose viewpoints will interest the audience and stimulate discussion. Limitations: All aspects of a topic/situation/problem may not be covered or one point may be over-emphasized. A skilled moderator is needed to keep the discussion on target.

Roundtable discussion
Groups who seek, identify, and explore solutions to problems and develop plans of action. Advantages: Encourages the full participation of the group. The knowledge and experience of the group is pooled to reach a common goal. Limitations: Group discussion is time consuming, particularly if the group includes people from diverse backgrounds.

Alternative formats

• World caf café: A rotating round table session with a host at each table—allowing the discussion of each topic to "build" upon the previous groups' discussion. World Café Reference Guide (PDF | 594 KB)
• Speed Dating: Use this format to provide 5-10 mini presentations in a single room. Participants move from table to table every 5-10 minutes.
• Lightening Round or Pecha Kucha: Instead of an ordinary panel presentation or idea exchange, this format allows 8-10 pre-identified presenters to share their information in 8-10 slides/minutes.
  (Learn more about Pecha Kucha from wikipedia.)
• Poster Session: Convey many ideas on various topics without taking session time. A Poster Session allows you to post your slides and other material on a cork board in a designated area throughout the education days. Participants can review your materials as their schedule permits and contact you via phone or e-mail with questions, etc.