Attending Your First Conference
First off, "Way to go!" Well done!
Please stroke your cat or dog to celebrate the fact that you have taken the first step to attending your first conference. This is a huge step, and I am sure that the anxiety that you can currently feel is confirming this. Which is probably why you have found this nifty little blog post.
If you are seriously interested in a career in your field or even just interested in the topics at hand, a conference can be very beneficial in both senses. In both of these scenario's, attending a conference is honestly one of the best things you can do.
For those who may be reading this article but who do not know what a conference is, it is a huge event where you and a bunch of other nerds go to get more nerdy, because you will be listening to fantastic other nerds who have been nerdier for a longer time than you, or simply research more in-depth into something than you have. To summarize, think of it as 'nerdvana' because the events and the people there are truly awesome and we have a great time listening to other interesting nerds.
So here are just a few hints and tips to try and ensure that you get the most out of your first conference, whilst really enjoying it:
1) Make sure you attend as many talks as possible
This may sound obvious as that is why you are at the event anyway, but I have found that the most enjoyable conferences are the ones that you make the most of. Even by attending talks or lectures that you just find interesting, often the ones that are not related to your topic can provide stimulation or overlapping into your ideas about your own area. DO NOT BE TOO AFRAID TO GO TO TALKS just because you think that it is not relevant or even just because you are so nervous from attending the event. Lastly, DO NOT tell yourself that you don't deserve to be there if you're new to the field. You'll actually find that there are so many people just like you, and your field would not progress if everyone had let that fear dictate their actions. GO GET 'EM.
2) Make sure to take a look at the programme beforehand
This may not be something you like to do, but using the programme beforehand to circle/ plan when and where you would like to go is a great way of making sure you get what you wanted out of the event, and avoiding any anxiety or panic when you can sometimes get overwhelmed. There is a 30 to 60 minute interlude at the beginning of the day where you are provided with your programme and potentially refreshments, so do not feel like you will not have chance to get ready when you get to the event, there will be plenty of time, even if you're a bit late. Just make sure not to panic when you first get there because the whole thing is designed to be easy and enjoyable for you.
3) Try to network
Seriously, just making small talk with someone about how you like their shirt, or asking them what they aim to attend can bloom into some great connections. DO NOT BE AFFRAID to ask someone what they might be presenting there. I remember being so scared that I would ask someone who was high up in the field what they were doing, and that they would be disgusted by me for not knowing who they are, but people aren't like that, in fact they're actually more than happy to tell you who they are and what they are up to at the event.
4)Try to attend a Workshop
These can be seriously beneficial for your career at a later date when it comes to potentially getting emailed resources or getting the email addresses of extremely good connections. Nearly everyone will be in the same boat as you, and you will find that it is actually comforting to be around them.
5) Ask questions
DO NOT be afraid to ask questions, as people are actually very happy to answer them or even just listen to the answer that was given to you. Because there was probably someone with that same question.
6) Plan, Plan, Plan
This may be self explanatory, but try to make sure that you are prepared for everything. A good checklist when planning includes, accommodation, travel, clothes, resources (i.e. a poster if you are presenting/ handouts, phone chargers, laptops and chargers etc.). Make sure that you have familiarised yourself with where you will be walking too and from, especially if you have never been to the city before. Even if it is just on google maps, or if you write down the directions. Similar to accommodation, make sure it is booked and that you know how you will be getting to and from the venue to your accommodation. If you are planning on taking a poster, make sure that you are in possession of your poster a week before the start of the event (I have had many a panic by receiving my poster a day or two before, really don't do that to yourself - unless you don't care, then do what you want).
7) HAVE FUN
Last but not least, remember to enjoy the atmosphere, the food, the drinks and the company. Regardless of how long the conference is you always usually look back on it and wish it could have been longer.
Please stroke your cat or dog to celebrate the fact that you have taken the first step to attending your first conference. This is a huge step, and I am sure that the anxiety that you can currently feel is confirming this. Which is probably why you have found this nifty little blog post.
If you are seriously interested in a career in your field or even just interested in the topics at hand, a conference can be very beneficial in both senses. In both of these scenario's, attending a conference is honestly one of the best things you can do.
For those who may be reading this article but who do not know what a conference is, it is a huge event where you and a bunch of other nerds go to get more nerdy, because you will be listening to fantastic other nerds who have been nerdier for a longer time than you, or simply research more in-depth into something than you have. To summarize, think of it as 'nerdvana' because the events and the people there are truly awesome and we have a great time listening to other interesting nerds.
So here are just a few hints and tips to try and ensure that you get the most out of your first conference, whilst really enjoying it:
1) Make sure you attend as many talks as possible
This may sound obvious as that is why you are at the event anyway, but I have found that the most enjoyable conferences are the ones that you make the most of. Even by attending talks or lectures that you just find interesting, often the ones that are not related to your topic can provide stimulation or overlapping into your ideas about your own area. DO NOT BE TOO AFRAID TO GO TO TALKS just because you think that it is not relevant or even just because you are so nervous from attending the event. Lastly, DO NOT tell yourself that you don't deserve to be there if you're new to the field. You'll actually find that there are so many people just like you, and your field would not progress if everyone had let that fear dictate their actions. GO GET 'EM.
2) Make sure to take a look at the programme beforehand
This may not be something you like to do, but using the programme beforehand to circle/ plan when and where you would like to go is a great way of making sure you get what you wanted out of the event, and avoiding any anxiety or panic when you can sometimes get overwhelmed. There is a 30 to 60 minute interlude at the beginning of the day where you are provided with your programme and potentially refreshments, so do not feel like you will not have chance to get ready when you get to the event, there will be plenty of time, even if you're a bit late. Just make sure not to panic when you first get there because the whole thing is designed to be easy and enjoyable for you.
3) Try to network
Seriously, just making small talk with someone about how you like their shirt, or asking them what they aim to attend can bloom into some great connections. DO NOT BE AFFRAID to ask someone what they might be presenting there. I remember being so scared that I would ask someone who was high up in the field what they were doing, and that they would be disgusted by me for not knowing who they are, but people aren't like that, in fact they're actually more than happy to tell you who they are and what they are up to at the event.
4)Try to attend a Workshop
These can be seriously beneficial for your career at a later date when it comes to potentially getting emailed resources or getting the email addresses of extremely good connections. Nearly everyone will be in the same boat as you, and you will find that it is actually comforting to be around them.
5) Ask questions
DO NOT be afraid to ask questions, as people are actually very happy to answer them or even just listen to the answer that was given to you. Because there was probably someone with that same question.
6) Plan, Plan, Plan
This may be self explanatory, but try to make sure that you are prepared for everything. A good checklist when planning includes, accommodation, travel, clothes, resources (i.e. a poster if you are presenting/ handouts, phone chargers, laptops and chargers etc.). Make sure that you have familiarised yourself with where you will be walking too and from, especially if you have never been to the city before. Even if it is just on google maps, or if you write down the directions. Similar to accommodation, make sure it is booked and that you know how you will be getting to and from the venue to your accommodation. If you are planning on taking a poster, make sure that you are in possession of your poster a week before the start of the event (I have had many a panic by receiving my poster a day or two before, really don't do that to yourself - unless you don't care, then do what you want).
7) HAVE FUN
Last but not least, remember to enjoy the atmosphere, the food, the drinks and the company. Regardless of how long the conference is you always usually look back on it and wish it could have been longer.
Comments
Post a Comment