ACS Spring & Fall Meeting Symposium Organizer Resources

Welcome to the Symposium Organizer Resources page for ACS Spring and Fall Meetings. This page brings together key resources, guides, and contacts to help symposium organizers manage abstracts, sessions, programming, and meeting logistics.

 

ACS Symposium Organizers’ Page

For comprehensive information and resources for symposium organizers, visit the ACS Symposium Organizers’ Page.

The ACS Symposium Organizers’ Page includes helpful resources and short instructional videos covering common symposium-organizer tasks, including:

• Late Abstract Submission
• Accessing the Program Viewer
• Viewing Submitted Abstracts
• ACS Spring/Fall Symposium Organizer Maps User Guide – The guide provides guidance on using MAPS (the ACS meeting abstract management application) and related programming tools.

These resources provide step-by-step guidance for navigating the ACS programming systems and completing key organizer responsibilities.

 

Programming Resources

Symposium Organizer Webinar

Watch the ACS Symposium Organizer Webinar for an overview of the symposium programming process.

Topics covered include:

• Reviewing all abstracts submitted to your symposium and communicating acceptance/rejection decisions to the Programming Co-chairs.
• Accessing Box and symposium workbook(s)
• Assigning abstracts to individual sessions
• Assigning non-paper events – introductory and closing remarks, intermission, panel discussion, etc.
• Determining paper duration (typically 20 minutes) based on your goals for your symposium, presenter needs, etc. 
• Uploading completed workbook(s) to Box

 

Programming Timelines

Symposium organizers should review the official ACS programming timelines to stay informed about important deadlines and required actions throughout the programming process.

Resources for Abstract Submitters

Please share the following resources with potential presenters who are submitting abstracts to your symposium.

How to Submit an Abstract – Provide prospective presenters with ACS guidance on submitting an abstract, including information about the submission process, requirements, and deadlines.

FAQs for Symposium Organizers

Review the Frequently Asked Questions page to get answers to common questions about abstract submission, MAPS, symposium programming, late abstracts, abstract withdrawals, session assignments, and other ACS meeting programming.

Quick Reference for Symposium Organizers

Resource	Purpose
ACS Symposium Organizers’ Page	General organizer resources, videos, and guides
Symposium Organizer Webinar	Training on abstract review, session assignments, and workbook submission
Symposium Organizer Maps User Guide	Guidance for accessing and using symposium maps
Programming Timelines	Important programming deadlines and milestones
ACS Programming Staff	Contact abstracts@acs.org for programming-related questions. Be sure to copy the Programming Co-chairs on your correspondence so we’re aware if you’re having difficulties.
MAPS Support	Contact maps@acs.org for issues accessing MAPS

 

Recommended Organizer Workflow

1. Review the ACS Symposium Organizers’ Page and familiarize yourself with the available resources.
2. Watch the symposium organizer webinar to understand the programming and abstract-management process.
3. Reach out and invite potential presenters to submit abstracts to your symposium.
4. Reach out and invite potential nominal co-sponsorship from other Divisions and Committees for your symposium. Consider developing joint programming with other Divisions/Committees.  Reach out to the Programming Co-chairs for support and guidance.
5. Share abstract-submission resources with prospective presenters in your symposium.
6. Review submitted abstracts and prepare for session assignments.
7. Access the symposium workbook(s) and Box as directed by ACS.
8. Assign abstracts to sessions according to your symposium schedule.
9. Complete and upload the workbook(s) to Box by the applicable deadline.
10. Monitor the programming timeline and ensure all required actions are completed on time.

CHAS Programming Communications

You will receive important updates and instructions from the CHAS Programming Co-Chairs via email throughout the symposium planning and programming process.

Please monitor your email regularly for announcements, deadlines, and action items. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the CHAS Programming Co-Chairs.