• Know when and where you need to arrive and install the poster
• Know what materials are being provided and what you have to bring
• Consider bringing some backup pins, tape, etc. in case of emergency
• Prepare any handouts and/or create a QR code so your viewers can take away copies of your poster and related information 
• Arrange for business cards if you plan to distribute them to viewers
• Prepare an envelope to collect business cards left by viewers
• Practice your presentation
• Take a copy of your poster on a flash drive as a back-up in case of an emergency
• Know when the poster must be taken down

• Arrive and install your poster on time
• Have paper and pen/pencil ready to make notes, get contact information, etc.
• Dress appropriately. Generally, it's better to err on the side of looking more professional than less.
• Take a photo of you with your poster
• Remove your poster on time

Although many poster sessions only involve informal oral presentation and conversation with your viewers, some sessions may involve a more formal presentation to an audience. Be sure you know which you need to prepare, although some tips for preparing a regular talk will also be useful for an informal presentation.

Preparing for an informal poster presentation:

• Allow plenty of preparation and rehearsal time
• Identify the main points you want your viewers to take away
• Prepare a brief (1-2 min.) standard talk that explains your poster and the take-away message
• Anticipate questions and prepare answers
• Understand the background behind your work, the methodology, how calculations were made, etc.
• Rrehearse your presentation

During the poster session:

• Stand by your poster, but avoid blocking a view of it
• Be ready to engage with interested viewers; don't get lost in other activities
• Speak to passers-by, but don't corral them into spending time
• Ask an introductory question to gauge how much interest or background the viewer has in your subject
• Don't monopolize viewers' time going into details when they really want the big picture
• Don't allow one viewer to monopolize your time and exclude other interested viewers