Jo Brewis, School of Management j.brewis@le.ac.uk

1. Moving into a research communityGeneric Skills Training Programme College of Social Science, May 2010 Jo Brewis, School of Management j.brewis@le.ac.uk

2. Moving into a research community So why go to a conference at all? testing and developing ideas receiving feedback hearing others’ ideas (someone specific?) new literature or commentators ‘knowing your enemy’ launch pad for publications making contacts for jobs/ referees/ external examiners/ review opportunities/ funding bids progressing empirical research

3. Moving into a research community So why go to a conference at all? meeting collaborators wider dissemination practice for the viva developing as a speaker learning from others’ presentation skills part of the academic ‘game’ seeing the world and socializing at the university’s expense 

4. Moving into a research community And how to make the most of it consider size and format consider ethos consider cost and location if intending to present, consider possible outputs and what is the submission procedure? (if any) is there a dress code?

5. Moving into a research community And how to make the most of it paper preparation audio-visuals stress management session management audience management to sit or to stand?

6. Moving into a research community And how to make the most of it what if I corpse? answering questions also see Grey, C. and Sinclair, A. (2006) ‘Speaking out: writing differently’, Organization, 13 (3): 443-453 and the (very) basic presentation skills handout plus … choosing sessions and moving between them

7. Moving into a research community And how to make the most of it audience participation networking afterwards

8. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself the more the merrier … but clear DOL start-up funds and underwriting dates the call for papers (and an example) plus dealing with abstracts plus what about full papers?

9. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself marketing the call (see http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/) publication possibilities invited speakers only? plenary/ keynote speakers? choosing the venue free rein accessibility numbers and space available look before you book AVS and support Internet access/ wifi/ copying

10. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself see http://www.le.ac.uk/conference/if venue is Leicester accommodation (if appropriate) booking the venue conference fee (if appropriate) room and AV hire delegates’ meals etc. accommodation social events

11. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself insurance room and AV hire delegates’ meals etc. accommodation social events insurance conference packs printing (/ CDs or memory sticks), copying, envelopes and postage plenary speaker expenses buffer ** taxes (eg, VAT) journal subscription day rates? discounts? what was the fee last year (if relevant)? be clear as to what conference fee covers

12. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself registration form name address e-mail/ telephone/ fax accommodation/ sharing accompanying partner dietary requirements whether presenting a paper AV requirements car park permit means of payment return instructions

13. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself keep accurate record of those registered, those fully paid, those owing etc. streaming papers and timetable sponsorship publishers’ stands conference bag inserts plenary sessions coffee breaks welcome reception – food and/ or wine conference dinner and/ or wine

14. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself other social events PhD bursaries proceedings bags badges gifts posters etc … what do (registered) delegates need to know in advance? be prepared for idiocy before and during the event!

15. Moving into a research community Plus how to pull it off yourself and don’t expect to be able to attend much or catch up with many people! finally ask for feedback