---Making a Poster using PowerPoint MLL 2005------------

Run PowerPoint
Select "Blank Presentation" from menu
From "New Slide" AutoLayout, select blank slide
File::Page Setup
  Slides sized for: custom
  Width: 36 inches
  Height: 48 inches
  Orientation: (.) Portrait
  Notes etc:  (.) Portrait
  [OK]
View::Ruler to verify size on screen
Add artwork
Add text blocks
etc etc
Save your file.

-------Convert to .PDF using installed Adobe PDF writer------

Run PowerPoint, load & review your poster file.
Do not use those handy PDF buttons.
Instead choose File::Print from the menu.

Print Dialog:
  Printer box:
    name = Adobe PDF
    click Properties button
      On "Adobe PDF Settings" tab,
         select page size = "Arch E" (36w x48h)
      On "Layout" tab, 
         select (.) portrait
         select 1 page/sheet
         Click "Advanced" button
           verify Paper Size = "Arch E"
           select Graphic Print Quality = 300 dpi  <<IMPORTANT
           click OK
       click OK
  Print Range box:
       (.) Current Slide
  Copies box:
       Number of copies = 1
OK
In SaveAs dialog..
  select directory and filename
  click Save.
PDF File will be created and stored.

View your new PDF file in Adobe Acrobat:
  verify nominal size (lower left corner) 36 x 48
  View::rulers to turn rulers on; verify dimensions
  verify typefaces, color, etc.

Good luck and don't forget that 300 dpi setting.

Note added 2 Jan 2006: AAS poster panels are 45 inches tall not 48.
If you change your settings to make the height 45 inches you won't
suffer that darn curl at the bottom.  Thank you Eric Linder.

Note added 2 Jan 2006: According to one website, Kinko's can print
a poster for you on the spot for $120 (color, 36x48) provided 
that your file is .PDF  --- .PPT is not generally supported
at Kinko's.  I actually had a poster get lost (gulp) upon arrival at
an AAS, but had the .PDF file as a backup, and Kinko's saved my buns. 

-M.Lampton 2005