A. Duties Of Session Moderators


1. The Session Moderators are selected at an organizational meeting of the Program Committee. The Session Moderators report to the Program Committee Chair. Based on present program format, the moderators will be selected based on the following:

•  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - Selected from VA Section membership.

•  DISTRIBUTION SESSION – Chair (or their designated representative) from the Distribution Committee.

•  INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES - Chair (or their designated representative) from the Research Committee.

•  UTILITY MANAGEMENT SESSION - Chair (or their designated representative) from the Customer Service Activities Committee.

•  INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - Chair (or their designated representative) from the Information Technology Committee.

•  ADVANCED TREATMENT - Chair (or their designated representative) from the Plant Operations Committee.

•  WATER RESOURCES - Chair (or their designated representative) from the Water Resources Committee.

•  SECURITY & SAFETY - Chair (or their designated representative) from either the Security or the Accident Prevention and Safety Committees.

2.  The Session Moderator shall review, along with the Program Committee any abstracts received relevant to topic area. The program should include 2-3 alternate papers for consideration by the Program Committee.

3.  Once the session is approved by the Program Committee, the Session Moderator shall confirm the program with the speakers, including (but not limited to) (1) confirmation of availability for the conference dates, (2) biographical information for each speaker, and (3) audio-visual needs of the speakers.

4.  At least 30 minutes prior to the start of the Session, the Moderator should confirm that the appropriate audio-visual equipment is installed and operational, and that someone is available to operate the lights and equipment. In addition, they should be available to address any questions the speakers may have.

5.  The Session Moderator will be introduced by the presiding officer. The Session Moderator will introduce each speaker or speakers. The Session Moderator will instruct the audience to turn off their cell phones and beepers.

6.  The Session Moderator will serve as timekeeper for each speaker. The speaker should be given five minutes warning before time expires. Because concurrent sessions are being held, every effort should be made to keep the session on schedule.

7.  If a confirmed speaker does not show, the Session Moderator shall not move on to the next scheduled speaker. The session shall have short recess and will restart at the appointed time of the next speaker.

8. The Session Moderator will present Certificates of Appreciation to each speaker.