Conference Booklet/Program Template

This repository contains a template for generating a booklet or program for a conference. Follow the instructions below to prepare and compile your conference booklet.

Abstract Preparation

1. Save Abstracts: Store abstracts in folders named Abstracts_*. These abstracts will be automatically included in the booklet.
2. File Naming: Use the filename format conference_lastname.tex. This ensures that abstracts are sorted alphabetically by the last name.
3. Template Usage: Follow the template in the provided folders. Extracting names and titles relies on \Large for names and \huge for titles. Ensure names and titles are on their respective lines.
4. Compilation: Use the standalone class to compile and view abstracts individually. This makes them easy to integrate into the program.
5. Commands: Do not include new commands in the subfiles. Keep the \normalsize command in the center section, as it indicates where to place timestamps.

Timestamps and Timetables

• Manual Timetable Creation: The template does not automate timetable creation or talk allocation due to various influencing factors. This requires manual input.
• Time Insertion: If tables follow the template format, the script will insert times into the abstract files. For normal talks, the time is taken from the left-most column and the day from the top row. For parallel talks, the date should be in the center section.
• Update Mechanism: The script updates any changes to the times. If issues arise, use the provided script to remove timestamps.

CSV File for Certificates

The script generates a CSV file listing speakers and titles, which can be used to create certificates.

1. Certificates: Use process_csv_certificates.py to generate certificates.
2. Template Customization: Customize your certificate template. The provided template is for demonstration purposes.
3. Command: Run python3 process_csv_certificates.py (participation || talk) to create certificates. The script can handle both participation and talk certificates with input_participation.csv.

Modifying the Template

• Placeholder Addition: Add placeholders for new speakers using {Talk \d} for normal talks and {STalk \d} for parallel talks.
• Schedule Geometry: Adjust the main schedule manually as the current geometry is basic.

Requirements

• Python 3
• pdflatex
• latexmk

Tested on Ubuntu 22.04

Future Improvements

• Script for automatic timetable creation (already started)
• User prompts for:
  • Certificate creation (added)
  • Talk allocation
• Optimization: Reduce rewrites and improve runtime efficiency using tools like TexSoup
• Parallel schedules and abstracts to different parts?

© Emil Airta 2024

Improvements and suggestions are welcome.