A Session Programme Chair (SPC) is the person responsible for the subject matter of a single session at a conference. They select contributions, invite speakers, ensure thematic consistency, and often also take on the role of moderator during the event.
Also known as: Session Chair, Session Convener
Responsible for: The content of a single session
Typical at: Scientific congresses, professional symposia
What is a Session Programme Chair?
A Session Programme Chair (SPC) holds subject-matter responsibility for a single session of a conference – not for the overall program. They act as a bridge between the program committee and individual speakers: while the committee sets the framework, the SPC fills it with specific contributions, curates the sequence, and ensures that the session provides a cohesive experience.
The role is closely linked to scheduling: Once the sessions are defined, the SPC's work begins within these structures.
Typical tasks
- Selection of contributions: Selecting the most suitable abstracts for the session from those submitted and accepted during the Call for Papers process
- Speaker invitation: Contact additional invited speakers if necessary
- Determine the order: Thematic arc, alternating between theory and practice, building to a discussion
- Speaker briefing: Time constraints, content coordination, preparation of questions
- On-site moderation: Introducing speakers, time management, managing Q&A
- Conflict resolution: Speaker cancellations, technical issues, difficult discussions
- Post-session feedback: Reporting back to the program committee and organizers
Selecting an SPC
Suitable SPCs are:
- Professionally recognized within their respective community
- Independent of industrial interests (or those clearly disclosed)
- Experienced in moderation – not every great scientist is a great moderator
- Available for preparation and live performance
- Reliable – no risk of last-minute cancellations
For large congresses, SPCs are often appointed by the program committee; for smaller events, the committee sometimes takes on this role itself.
Distinction from related roles
Best practices
- Appoint SPCs early – at least three months before the event
- Share a clear written role description, including time commitment and expectations
- Individual digital access to the congress system with the necessary permissions – Converia provides dedicated workspaces for SPCs to handle evaluation and session planning
- Briefing session for all SPCs together before the event
- Consider compensation or recognition (speaker status, free admission)
SPC management in Converia
Converia provides a structured framework for the Session Programme Chair role: SPCs receive their own access, can view the abstracts assigned to their session, comment on reviews, contact speakers directly, and help shape their session right up until publication.
Digitally coordinate distributed program responsibility
With Converia, the program committee, SPCs, and organizers all work within one system – eliminating email avalanches and version control chaos.
- Scheduling – Abstracts / Program / Speakers
- Abstract Management – Abstracts / Program / Speakers
- Call for Papers (CfP) – Abstracts / Program / Speakers
Dedicated access for SPCs – review submissions, comment on reviews, and contact speakers directly.