A Session Programme Chair (SPC) is the person responsible for the content of an individual session at a conference. They select contributions, invite speakers, ensure thematic consistency, and often also handle moderation during the event.
Also known as: Session Chair, Session Convener
Responsible for: The content of an individual session
Typical for: Scientific conferences, professional symposia
What is a Session Programme Chair?
A Session Programme Chair (SPC) holds professional responsibility for an individual session at a conference – not for the entire program. They act as a bridge between the program committee and individual speakers: once the committee sets the framework, the SPC fills it with specific contributions, curates the sequence, and ensures the session provides a cohesive experience.
The role is closely linked to scheduling: once the sessions are defined, the SPC's work begins within those structures.
Typical tasks
- Selecting contributions: Choosing the most suitable abstracts from those submitted and accepted during the Call for Papers process
- Inviting speakers: Reaching out to additional invited speakers if necessary
- Determining the sequence: Creating a narrative arc, balancing theory and practice, and building toward a discussion
- Briefing speakers: Managing time limits, aligning content, and preparing questions
- On-site moderation: Introducing speakers, time management, and facilitating Q&A
- Conflict resolution: Handling speaker cancellations, technical issues, and difficult discussions
- Post-session feedback: Providing input to the program committee and organizers
Selecting an SPC
Suitable SPCs are:
- Professionally recognized within their community
- Independent of industrial interests (or with such interests transparently disclosed)
- Experienced in moderation – not every good scientist is a good moderator
- Available for preparation and the live event
- Reliable with time – no risk of last-minute cancellations
At large conferences, SPCs are often appointed by the program committee; at smaller events, the committee sometimes takes on this role themselves.
Distinction from related roles
| Role | Responsible for | Often identical to |
|---|---|---|
| Program committee | Overall program | – |
| Session Programme Chair | Individual session | Co-speaker, moderator |
| Track chair | Several thematically related sessions | Program committee member |
| Speaker | Individual contribution | – |
Best practices
- Appoint SPCs early – at least three months before the event
- Share a clear written role description, including time commitment and expectations
- Provide individual digital access to the conference system with the necessary permissions – in Converia, there are dedicated workspaces for the evaluation and session planning work of SPCs
- Hold a briefing session for all SPCs together before the event
- Consider offering an honorarium or recognition (speaker status, free admission)
SPC management in Converia
Converia provides a structured approach to the Session Programme Chair role: SPCs receive their own access, can view the contributions assigned to their session, comment on reviews, contact speakers directly, and help shape their session until it is published.
Coordinating distributed program responsibility digitally
With Converia, the program committee, SPCs, and organizers work within a single system – without email avalanches and version chaos.
- Scheduling – Abstracts / Program / Speakers
- Abstract Management – Abstracts / Program / Speakers
- Call for Papers (CfP) – Abstracts / Program / Speakers
Dedicated access for SPCs – review contributions, comment on reviews, contact speakers directly.