FAQ

• When can I upload my file?

  We encourage you to order your poster and upload your file as soon as possible. To have your poster(s) printed and available by 5pm the day before your presentation, you must get your file uploaded to our site 48 hours before your presentation (we work the weekend before the conference). Even if you send the file within the 48 hour period, we are still happy to print your poster and you can still pick it up on site at the registration counter the morning of your presentation. We will do our best with last minute orders, but please try your best to send them as early as possible to make sure you get your poster on time.

• I have paid for my file on your site, but where do I go to upload my file?

  If you have already paid and pre-ordered, you can click here to upload your file.

• How big is the presentation area that AGU provides?

  The presentation area is 4' x 6' (122cm x 183cm). Most presenters use up the entire space and print 4x'6' posters.

• What is FSC?

  FSC is the "Forestry Stewardship Council". It is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets high standards that ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable way.

  AlphaGraphics is the only printer in San Francisco that sources poster-sized paper that is FSC certified. Other printers - and most universities and institutions - use non-FSC paper.

  Landowners and companies that sell timber or forest products seek certification as a way to verify to consumers that they have practiced forestry consistent with FSC standards. Independent, certification organizations are accredited by FSC to carry out assessments of forest management to determine if standards have been met. These certifiers also verify that companies claiming to sell FSC certified products have tracked their supply back to FSC certified sources. This chain of custody certification assures that consumers can trust the FSC label.

• What file formats do you accept?

  We only accept PDF files; PDF format ensures quality and exact reproduction of what you want printed. Your PDF file should define a minimum resolution of "300 dpi" and during the PDF conversion, your page setup should specify the desired dimension of your poster. If you send us Powerpoint or other file formats, we will charge you a file preparation fee, and that fee will depend on the time required for us to convert and adjust your files to the PDF format.

• Why are you 33% cheaper?

  Given the total volume of posters that we print for the AGU conference, we have negotiated special printing rates with the AGU organizers. Since we have extensive experience printing high quality posters for AGU participants, and we know the special requirements for AGU presenters, we are able to provide high quality, reliable and friendly service, and a low price – all on FSC paper.

• When is the last date to submit my file for ordering?

  Given the large volume of posters, it's best to order and send in your file as soon as possible. But as long as we get your poster file 24 hours before your presentation, we will have your poster ready the morning of your presentation. Within 24 hours, it will considered a RUSH order, and you should contact our booth directly at Moscone South, or call 415-781-4910. But chances are, we will be able to process your last minute order with an additional RUSH fee.

• Why not just print with any local printer in San Francisco or back in my own office?

  First , we are much more convenient since we are located right at the registration area at the convention center. We have friendly on-site staff that knows the ins and outs of poster presentations at the AGU Conference. Second, we are less expensive than other printers, given our volume discount rate we provide to AGU Presenters. Third, only AlphaGraphics uses FSC certified paper on poster paper.

• Isn't it cheaper to print my poster at home?

  It may be cheaper to print the poster if you happen to have a professional-grade wide format printer for poster printing. It's unlikely that a local printer would be cheaper due to AGU's volume discount. But the paper is most likely not FSC certified. Also, it is much more convenient to arrive and pick up the poster without having to carry it around with the possibility of having it get lost or damaged in transit.

• Can you print smaller than 3' x 5'?

  Yes, we can print your poster smaller than 3' x 5', but the price will be based on our negotiated 3' x 5' fixed price rate. Most presenters choose the 4' x 6' option given the small font sizes and image intensive graphics.