Panels stimulate thought and discussion about ideas and issues of interest to the human-computer interaction community. They typically focus on controversial or emerging topics and are designed to explore a range of different viewpoints. Domain experts conduct an interactive discussion with the overall goal of helping audience members to broaden their understanding of the issues and perhaps even to modify their views. Panels last 90 minutes and typically include three to five panelists plus a moderator. A discussant may be used, but is not required.

Types of Panels

Panels should focus on controversial, emerging, or unresolved issues. Panels are an especially appropriate format for discussing pressing questions in HCI practice and theory, emerging trends and technologies, and social issues associated with technology.

Panels may take many approaches. Some are analytic; they analyze and synthesize current practices in the various fields of HCI. Some are comparative; they compare distinct approaches, techniques, and models to a particular problem including evaluation, design, and implementation. They may focus attention on the theme of the conference or special areas and tracks within the conference. Other panels are historic; they revisit the past as a means to inform the present. Panels should target a specific audience, and submissions need to identify this audience (e.g. newcomers to HCI, practitioners, researchers, etc.). We encourage the submission of new types of panels and innovation in the format of presentation, particularly those that stimulate a high degree of interaction among the panelists and between the panelists and the audience, and that create a compelling and effective audience experience.

We are also encouraging innovation around the conference theme of interactive communication. Submitters should consider how to use communication before the conference to improve the panel's effectiveness, and how to use interactive communication to extend the impact of the panel beyond the conference. Innovative ideas about using interactive communication during the conference and the panel itself to enhance the audience experience are also encouraged.

Panel Formats

Panels must enable spontaneous, interactive discussion. One approach is to limit each panelist to an initial 5-minute position statement. Then the panel takes questions posed by the moderator, and later by the audience. Another format, one that has been quite successful in past CHI conferences, is a formal debate with position statements and rebuttals, all on a strict time schedule. Casual but carefully structured interviews with articulate and interesting experts have also been successful. You are strongly encouraged to be creative and suggest other formats that will stimulate interaction and discussion and engage the audience, especially those taking advantage of interactive communication before, during, and after the conference.

A multidisciplinary group drawn from industry and academia will independently review each proposal. We are looking for stimulating and timely issues debated by well-informed and engaging panelists, and a program that represents the diversity and current issues in our field. Controversy is encouraged, as are unique and diverse topics, and topics related to the unique character of the conference (e.g., the theme, and special topics and tracks). We are especially interested in formats that generate interaction and discussion among panelists and with the audience; this is not the place for a series of prepared presentations.

CHI 2003 provides assistance in preparing submissions. For panels, mentoring is provided via submission of a vision statement. If you require support prior to submitting a vision statement, please contact the panels co-chairs.

Panels will have a two-step review process. The (optional) first review will address the organizer's vision for the panel and the separate (required) second review will evaluate the panel's feasibility, overall quality, and fit with the program.

Step 1: Vision Statement Review (Optional)

We urge you to submit a vision statement as early as possible to increase the quality of your submission prior to final review. A member of the Panels review committee will work with you to further develop the vision (if necessary) and identify appropriate panelists for your final submission. You will be contacted with further information by late July.

If you do not submit a vision statement, you may still submit a final proposal, but you will not receive the benefits of early feedback about how to better match your submission to the final review requirements. The vision statement will be used to assess the panel's importance to the HCI community, its relevance to CHI 2003 theme and use of interactive communication to improve the audience's experience and the value they will receive, and likelihood of generating interesting and thought-provoking discussion. It can identify potential panelists without confirming their participation. If there are panelists who you feel are particularly critical to your panel, you may wish to confirm them in advance, but we encourage you to leave slots open to allow changes as a result of the vision review.

The vision statement is one to two pages long and contains the following information:

• A description of the issues to be addressed by the panel.
• Controversial aspects of the panel and its relevance to HCI and CHI 2003 themes.
• The intended audience.
• A description of the panel format. Be clear about how you will ensure interactive, spontaneous discussion among panelists rather than a series of presentations. Also, describe how you will incorporate discussion with the audience.
• A description of innovations in the use of interactive communiations before, during, or after CHI 2003 that will enhance the effectiveness and impact of the panel.
• A list of confirmed or potential panelists, as well as a summary of the points of view you would like to see represented in the panel (we can help you identify additional panelists). If you have specific panelists in mind, indicate who they are and what perspectives they can bring to he discussion. We recommend you leave at least one slot open so that you can adjust the composition of your panel in response to vision review feedback.
• Any special needs for technology or physical arrangements for the stage that you anticipate.

The vision statement submission is optional, but recommended. If you are submitting a vision statement, it must be received by 23 July 2002. The earlier it is received the more help it will be possible to provide.

Step 2: Final Submission Review

The final submission is the only document that will be used to determine acceptance of the panel to the conference. If you did not submit a vision statement, you may still enter a final submission. The final submission must be received by 23 September 2002 at 5PM (17:00) your local time.

Final submissions for CHI 2003 Panels must include a two-page extended abstract and a panel proposal of no more than six pages.

Extended Abstract

The two-page extended abstract of the panel should be suitable for publication in the CHI 2003 Extended Abstracts. It should include the title of the panel, names and affiliations of the panelists, an abstract, keywords, an overview of the panel topic and format, and a summary of each panelist's position. The extended abstract must be in the CHI Conference Publications Format.

Panel Proposal

Prepare a four- to six-page panel proposal that includes:

• A final vision statement that covers the topics outlined in the Vision Statement section above, except that all panelists must be committed for this final proposal.
• A list of all panel members including names, affiliations, phone numbers, and email addresses. You should identify the panel organizer. Each person listed must have agreed to be a member of the panel.
• A compilation of position statements. The panelists should each provide a position statement outlining their views on the panel topic and the issues it raises, as well as their qualifications to talk about the topic. These statements can be longer than those in the extended abstract, but each participant's comments should be no more than half a page in length.

Panel organizers will be notified by 11 November 2002 of acceptance. If the final submission is accepted, the organizer will receive instructions for producing a camera-ready extended abstract for publication. The extended abstract is due by 17 January 2003. This abstract should include the title of the panel, the names and affiliations of the panelists, keywords, panel vision, and a summary of each panelist's position.

The default panel arrangement will consist of chairs and wireless microphones arranged on a stage to suggest a casual conversation between the panel chair and the panelists. A projection system to which laptops can be connected will be available. An internet connection will be available. If you would like a different arrangement in order to have an effective panel (e.g., if you need a table), these requirements should be noted in your Final Submission.

• Your submission must be in English.
• Submissions will not be accepted by fax.
• Submissions that arrive after the deadline will not be considered.
• Your submission should contain no proprietary or confidential material and should cite no proprietary or confidential publications.
• Responsibility for permissions to use video, audio, or pictures of identifiable people rests with you, not CHI 2003.

Please perform the activities in this checklist to ensure completeness in your vision statement submission.

• Read the Conference Overview and Submitting to CHI.
• Prepare a one- to two-page Vision Statement.
• Send the electronic version of the Vision Statement with your contact information by email If electronic submission is a problem, please telephone Eric Bergman (+1 408 276 7362) or Arnie Lund (+1 303 390 3366) during Pacific Time Zone business hours.
• You will receive email notification upon receipt of your submission. If this is a problem, you must provide the Panel Chairs with an alternate contact method.

Please perform the activities in this checklist to ensure completeness in your final submission.

• Read the Conference Overview and Submitting to CHI.
• Prepare a two-page extended abstract in the Conference Publications Format.
• Prepare a four- to six-page panel proposal.
• Read the Technology Support Information section, and list any non-standard technology support or physical arrangements for the stage that your presentation absolutely requires.
• Create a PDF version of your extended abstract, proposal, and (if relevant) technology support request, if possible.
• Send the electronic version of the extended abstract and proposal by email to the Send To address. You will find it helpful to set the return receipt option on your mailer. If electronic submission is a problem, please telephone Eric Bergman (+1 408 276 7362) or Arnie Lund (+1 303 390 3366) during Pacific Time Zone business hours.
• You will receive email notification upon receipt of your submission from the panels co-chairs. If this is a problem, you must provide the Panel Chairs with an alternate contact method. You will receive email confirmation of the status of your proposal after 23 October 2002.